Taipei fish market orchids

Travel Log: Unexpected eats and animal fun in Taipei, Taiwan

April 15, 2015

What do you like to do when you go on vacation?

Two of my favorite things to do in a different locale are to eat local cuisine and experience local culture.

I got to experience a healthy dose of local Taiwanese culture in my trip there last week.  You may have seen my pictures  on Instagram here.  I got to immerse myself in traditional eats like fresh tofu and pineapple cakes and also witness a modern take on a refined seafood market at Taipei Seafood Market (Zhongshan district, No. 531, Wanda Road, 中山區 Taipei City, Taiwan 104).  It’s a truly fun, elegant seafood market (seriously it was so clean!) with fresh seafood and a variety of cooked foods and fruits and vegetables.
Taipei fish market sign Taipei fish market restaurant staff Taipei Fish Market oysters Taipei fish market orchids Taipei Fish Market lobster Taipei Fish Market hairy crab Taipei Fish Market bar
I also got to stop in at the Taipei Zoo (No. 30, Section 2, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116) with my family.  I enjoyed not only seeing a few animals, but glimpsing the gorgeous orchids growing on trees and lovely lilies. The 6o NT admission ($2 USD!) made for a great day trip, but do remember NOT to go on Mondays if you want to see the pandas because that is the only day that the panda house is closed. We went on a Tuesday, but since the previous weekend was Easter weekend, Monday was considered a Sunday and Tuesday was considered a Monday! Those lazy pandas…
Tip: Take the 5 NT (.19 USD) train ride to the top of the zoo to maximize your time!
Taipei Zoo train Taipei Zoo orchid on tree Taipei Zoo hats Taipei Zoo camels Ronald McPanda, lol…
Taipei Zoo Ronald Mcpanda

But at least if you’re by the zoo, you can take a short cab right to a traditional street, 深坑老街 Shengkeng old street,

where they serve a variety of fresh tofu dishes and sweets like mochi or pineapple pastries.
Taipei traditional street Taipei street desserts

little luxury list

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  • ellesees April 15, 2015 at 06:46

    i’ve never been there so i love seeing travel pictures from others. it looks like a wonderful place!!!

  • sonia // daring coco April 15, 2015 at 07:01

    I love to wander around and get lost in the streets myself. I do like to look for food but mostly sweets since I am a fussy savoury eater!

    Sxx
    http://www.daringcoco.com

    • little luxury list April 15, 2015 at 09:14

      There were so many interesting sweets in Taipei! I liked the different pineapple filled cakes. I’m not fussy when it comes to savory foods and had some great fried seafood and scrambled egg sandwiches in Taipei!

  • Beauty Follower April 15, 2015 at 07:31
  • cat eyes & skinny jeans April 15, 2015 at 08:47

    OMG how cute are those Kawaii hats?! And the camels!

    • little luxury list April 15, 2015 at 09:12

      Seriously the hats in Taiwan were so adorable! I should have bought a few for fun!

  • Rowena @ rolala loves April 15, 2015 at 10:15

    I’m definitely about experiencing the local cuisine and culture as well. My husband and I have been talking about going back to Taiwan since we both lived there as children but the thought of that long flight gets us every time. Lucky you! I don’t think I’d eat off the street anywhere but in Asia ;p

    • little luxury list April 15, 2015 at 20:48

      I didn’t realize you and your husband spent time in Taiwan as children! I think you’d enjoy the mix of new and traditional foods there. I definitely ate well. Taiwan isn’t too bad of a flight (EVA has a direct from JFK)…but then again I’m used to traveling 20+ hours between SE Asia and NYC so anything less is awesome 😉

  • Oh to Be a Muse April 15, 2015 at 15:08

    Stunning photography! There are so many fun places to see in all of Asia. My father-in-law actually just went to Tokyo a couple days ago and he’s loving it.

    • little luxury list April 15, 2015 at 20:49

      Thanks dear! I was happy to get any photographs with a baby in tow. There are definitely SO many places to visit in Asia. You and A should definitely try to visit Japan some time (maybe during the cherry blossom blooming). I love japan and hope to get there again soon too!

  • danielle April 15, 2015 at 16:36

    everything looks so cool, i’d absolutely love to visit one day!

  • Krysten April 15, 2015 at 18:57

    I’ve never been but it looks fun!

  • Akaleistar April 15, 2015 at 21:40

    The seafood market looks amazing, and the Ronald McPanda is adorable 🙂

  • Kim of A Very Sweet Blog April 15, 2015 at 23:15

    I’m so glad you showed your trip! What a super fun time! They have some amazing seafood selections and shops! Their zoo is too cute.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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