Taipei has undergone a technological revolution over the past decades that far exceeds the pace of other global cities. Once known for manufacturing inexpensive toys and electronic parts, the city’ s emergence as both a primary semiconductor manufacturer and an Asian airport hub has elevated its visitor offerings without losing sight of the cultural offerings that serve its two and a half million residents.
“ The city has undergone tremendous change, but the friendly people, natural beauty, and attractions remain the same,” says Daniel Chao, who was born in Taipei and left for the United States when he was eight years old.“ Many of my relatives still live there, and after about 30 years of absence, I began visiting annually.”
Julia Linn recently traveled to Taipei to visit her relatives, too. The 24-year-old Los Angeles-based copywriter last visited as a kindergartener with her mother, who, like Chao, was born in Taipei and spent her early years there.
“ My brother, Patrick, and I made the trip right before the Lunar New Year,” she said.“ We received many red envelopes, traditional gifts that represent good luck, strength, and prosperity. We were both impressed by the history and urban landscape, including the amazing dumplings on seemingly every corner, cool vintage shops, and a beautiful cafe culture across several neighborhoods bustling with young people.”
Linn and Chao both mentioned that the best way to experience Taipei is to fully immerse yourself in all aspects of the city, including exploring historic Dihua Street, hiking Maokong Mountain, and enjoying oolong tea.
“ I found it interesting to see how the neighborhoods have evolved,” says Linn.“ We would walk among many older apartment buildings, then turn a corner to see Taipei 101 and other sheer glass towers. We’ d be in a bustling downtown district, then suddenly step into a vintage neighborhood.”
With the first-ever nonstop service between Washington D. C. and Taipei on EVA AIR, now is a perfect time to visit. Here’ s a look at a few of the myriad options on offer when visiting Taipei.
CUISINE
Taipei’ s cuisine extends far beyond the ubiquitous dumpling to include a variety of simple yet epicurean delicacies.“ You can find stellar restaurants at all price points throughout the city, block by block,” says Chao.
Chao, who says he fell in love with Washington, D. C., as a Capitol Hill intern in 1997, favors the Xinyi area of his youth for its array of options, from the Tonghua Night Market to Michelin-recognized restaurants, including MuJi Beef Noodles and Sinchao Rice Shoppe, among others.
“ I am currently in love with the Weekend Chicken Club & Bar,” he says.“ You can also find numerous beef noodle restaurants; 18 Guanjun Beef Noodle is my current favorite. And don’ t miss the dessert shops, shaved ice at the night market, ice cream, and chocolatiers at Taipei 101. I haven’ t tried Chan Chi Hot Pot Lab yet, but it’ s on my list! There is also a wonderful Pineapple Cake Tour where you sample from several shops within a three-block radius. I also love wax apples and dragon fruit, local delicacies offered seasonally in the night markets.”
Naturally, a trip to Taipei isn’ t complete without trying boba.( This frothy, tapioca-filled beverage was invented in Taichung— just a day trip away via the Metro.) Taipei is renowned for its boba tea, and Xing Fu Tang’ s flagship No. 1 is the perfect place to enjoy their signature Brown Sugar Boba drink.
Although a vegetarian, Julia Linn says she set her vegetarianism aside for the trip( though she did find out there are many vegetarian options in Taipei).“ We ate delicious black pepper pork buns right as we entered the Raohe Night Market,” she says.“ We also learned that the cash-only vendors don’ t readily make change, so bring some small local currency. Of course, we tried‘ stinky tofu,’ the pungent and, some say, off-putting local street delicacy. The more mellow Nanjichang Night Market offered a vegan version.”
Shenkeng District’ s Old Street, the“ Capital of Tofu,” may be the best place for a stinky tofu tasting menu, but each of Taipei’ s one dozen districts overflows with international and local cuisine. Xiaolongbao dumplings and beef noodle soups are menu staples in Taipei, but don’ t miss fried chicken and fried pork chops, both readily available in Dadaocheng, Ximending, and other neighborhoods.
CAFE CULTURE & SHOPPING
Cafes and shopping go hand in hand, with the former providing the perfect pause to contemplate a potential purchase during the latter. Like the best gathering spots, many of Taipei’ s coffee houses and tea cafes offer visit-worthy themes and aesthetics regardless of one’ s caffeine needs. Skaka Café occupies an antique shop, Hërs Biströ is covered in fur, and Modern Toilet is a bathroom-themed eatery, to name a few of hundreds.
Exploring eclectic cafes is as fun as( and much cheaper than) a shopping spree. Still, Taipei boasts a wardrobe of familiar brand names as well as independent designers and boutiques endemic to the city. Zhongshan District, especially along Chifeng Street, is known for its hipster-chic milieu, dotted with hyperlocal and second-hand shops. Nearby Linear Park hosts pop-up markets featuring artwork, fashion, and other avant-garde designs.
The Zhongxiao Dunhua( East District) offers another must-visit safari for those hunting for fashion. Fast fashion moves quickly here among streetwear and local designers. Higher-end boutiques and elevated international brands lurk here, too.
“ I was fascinated by the city’ s obsession with Adidas,” says Julia Linn.“ We visited several Adidas stores that offered Taipei-exclusive clothing drops. I also loved all the trinkets and key chains everywhere. Patrick and I loved Par Store, which showcases the talented projects of Asian creatives, and Mitty, a funky boutique, both in the Datong District.”
Daniel Chao says that visiting historic Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng area is a must.“ You get to soak in the Japanese, Baroque, and Fujian-style architecture while shopping for dry goods, pineapple cakes, apparel, and gifts, and snacking on food,” he says.“ You’ re also adjacent to Xia Hai City God Temple and the Yongle Market.”
The Yongle Market offers snacks and fresh foods on the main floor, a fabric bazaar on the second and third floors, and an emerging fashion designer showcase on the floor above. The Dadaocheng Opera House is located on the highest floors.
“ It’ s so easy getting around on the MRT( Taipei’ s metro) that you can go to any district or neighborhood throughout the entire city without much effort,” Linn says.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
SPRING & SUMMER 2026 7
FLYWASHINGTON. COM