The Chen family in Taiwan, part 1

Taipei 101, Din Tai Fung, and the Raohe night market

Have you ever embarked on a “once in a lifetime” trip? 

That’s what being in Taiwan with my family felt like. 

While I’ve traveled to the homeland several times—the last time being pre-Covid 2019 with my parents—this is the first time the entire family, including my brother’s wife and his two teenage daughters, all returned together.

Very demure. Cutesy, So modest and MINDFUL

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Now, normally under no circumstances would I travel to Taiwan or anywhere in the far east during July or August. 

It’s sweltering hot with temps in the upper 90’s and 90% humidity. 

Which means you’re essentially walking in soup and the risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion is real.

But because my nieces’ school and extracurricular schedules typically monopolize the travel calendar, this was the only time everyone was available, so we all took the grand opportunity to shuffle over.

It warms my heart every time someone speaks fondly of Taiwan. 

A friend’s Fulbright Scholar brother said it best: nowhere did he “feel more at home during his travels than when he was in Taiwan.”

Quintessentially Taiwan

If you ask anyone who’s been what makes Taiwan quintessentially Taiwan, the following will likely pop up: 

• Din Tai Fung

• Taipei 101

• Night markets

And because it was my nieces’ first time in Taiwan, we hit all three. 

Raohe night market

We popped into the Raohe night market, even endorsed by our aunties as the best in Taipei. (The once popular Shilin seems outdated with less tasty food options, and hasn’t seemed to have recovered post-Covid).

shindychen

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Taiwanese night markets aren’t just a sensory experience, they’re a sensory EXPLOSION. 

You’re hit with colorful sights and sounds, and good and bad smells, from deliciously roasted meats and pastries…to stinky tofu, an odor I can best describe as cross of spoiled raw beef and mildewy rice.

You can amble along and patronize a variety of kiosks offering discount clothes, home bric a brac, even try your hand at arcade and carnival-like games.

There are multiple Michelin-rated food stalls as well, but you can also find almost every kind of yummy bite or sweet treat (we opted for ice cream) 🍦

Taipei 101 and Din Tai Fung

Luckily for us there was a Din Tai Fung at Taipei 101, a solid twofer of Taipei must-do’s.

World famous soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung, Taipei

DTF is now a global phenomenon and has recently entered the states with locations in L.A. and New York, but it all started back in 1958 in Taipei, eventually becoming world famous for their delicious soup dumplings (xiao long bao, 小籠包).

There are many locations sprinkled throughout Taipei, and I’ve managed to hit most including the original, but nothing could quite top the 2-1 punch of both experiences in one visit.

No matter the location, there’s usually a long queue to get in, but the queue is well-organized and moves fast. 

In addition to their soup dumplings, the hot & sour soup is also some of the best I’ve had.

After DTF we made our way up the super-fast lift to the 89th floor of Taipei 101.

101 from the street, and view from the 89th floor

I did the top floor way back in the day, but the 89th floor on a rainy day still offered spectacular views, and there was little to no crowd or queue.

While the enclosed top-floor observation circle feels cozy, they’ve decked out corners with Instagram-worthy floral arrangements and installations, and you can even grab a quick coffee, ice cream, and cake.

Clockwise from top L; With my cousin, one of the fastest lifts in the world, my parents, and Cremia ice cream

Even for repeat visitors, 101 still offers a truly enjoyable experience.

Next week, I’ll be featuring some out-of-the-way hotspots and local favorites, including boutiques and neighborhoods.

Have you been to Taipei? I’d love to hear all about it! Reply or comment below!

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Until next time,
Shindy
On Instagram + TikTok

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