Eating and Shopping in Taiwan

I’m sure by now you’ve heard what a food and shopping paradise Taiwan is. And well… it’s true! Lots of little street side foods and stores at every corner!

I went scouting at the bridal shops near the  C.K.S Memorial Hall station for dresses and pricing for one of my friend who was interested in going to Taiwan and engaging a bridal studio for the gown and pre-wedding photography instead of buying a Taiwan overseas photography package from a  Singapore bridal store. It turns out that the choices were endless… An entire row of bridal boutiques! I didn’t even finish walking the street! I’m not sure if it was the low season but it seems that their bridal photography and family photography packages were a lot more affordable then those in Singapore. I didn’t really ask in detail but if you are a bride-to-be  that might be interested in going Taiwan for your photo shoot you can check out this row of bridal boutiques just opposite the National Theater.

In the guidebook lent to me by Bernice, they recommended trying the goose meat from this store in Xiamending 西門町. They have been around for 50 years! You can order it with rice or noodles though the noodles is highly recommended.

The meal was on the oily side though I really liked the noodles. The goose meat however was a little hard to eat and not as good as I expected it to be. But if you have not tired goose meat before then this would be a meal you can try just for the experience.

The XMD short for XiaMenDing or 西門町 is very vibrant and full of people in the evenings. Lots of food stalls and shops. I didn’t take much photos as I was darting in and out of stores. The photo above is actually a pink poop! He’s the mascot of the infamous Toilet Restaurant in XMD. The restaurant theme is of a toilet with toilet seats as chairs and food and ice-cream (shaped like poop!) served in toilet bowls as well! I didn’t go and have dinner there as my mum told me she would lose her appetite in an environment like that… but I guess it is popular with youngsters and many Singaporeans that visit it for the novelty.

I found the alley ways and back streets to be rather interesting and have it’s own distinct characters. I will post more about XMD next time since the hotel I stayed was in the area and I got to shop there on most nights.