What I Ate & Bought in Taipei in May 2025

Beef Noodles

People always say, when in Taiwan, you have to try the Taiwanese beef noodles. They are absolutely right! This hearty, flavourful dish is a local favourite, and it did not disappoint. The tender beef, savoury broth, and chewy noodles came together perfectly. I tried both the dry and soup versions, and honestly? Both were super satisfying; the portions were huge too! I think I might have eaten enough beef and beef tendons to last me the next one month. 😂🤣

Location: Yu Cheng Beef Noodle Restaurant

Address: No. 2-7號, Lane 116, Section 2, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 (Google Maps)

Scallion Pancakes with Bacon / Ham

I stumbled upon a small eatery selling scallion pancakes and some other grab-and-go breakfast bites like pork burgers. I ordered two scallion pancakes - one with bacon and one with ham. They were served piping hot, straight off the griddle, and I absolutely loved them! And of course, I had to pair them with a cuppa Taiwanese milk tea. Definitely the best way to start the day in Taipei.

Location: 巨林美而美

Address: No. 410-9號, Linsen N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 (Google Maps)

McGriddles Pork Burgers at McDonald’s

It's always fun to drop by McDonald’s when traveling abroad just to see what's different. So, I tried the McGriddles pork burgers, a special offering available in Taiwan. Imagine a savoury pork patty, melty cheese, and syrup-infused buns all in one bite. Another great (and slightly indulgent) way to start the day in Taipei!

Ay-Chung Taiwanese Rice-Flour Noodles (阿宗麵線)

Definitely a Ximending icon! I don't usually queue for food, but since I was already in Ximending - why not? This is a dish of savoury rice-flour noodles served in a gooey broth, loaded with bits of braised pork intestines. You eat it standing up (there are no tables), just like everyone else. A true Taiwanese street food classic.

Peanut Ice Cream Roll (NO Cilantro / Coriander!)

This quirky and refreshing Taiwanese treat is also known as Jiufen-style ice cream "burrito." It's made by wrapping two creamy scoops of pineapple ice cream and shaved peanut brittle in a thin crepe-like popiah skin. Traditionally, it comes with a sprinkle of cilantro… but nope, not for me — I got mine sans the smelly herb (yes, I'm proudly Team No-Coriander), and it was perfect! Sweet, nutty, cold, and chewy all at once. A must-try, especially on warm days!

Rice, Noodles, Soups, and Side Dishes

I also managed to try typical local Taiwanese lunch of rice, noodles or soup served with a variety of side dishes. From marinated vegetables to braised pork, each bite was a delightful combination of textures and flavours.

Duck Fat Rice

I also tried Taiwanese duck fat rice, dang gui (angelica sinensis ) duck meat soup, and sweet potato leaves. The tender duck meat, savoury rice with duck fat, and flavourful dang gui soup were truly delicious!

Location: 鐘予原味當歸鴨 林森北店

Address: No. 430號, Linsen N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 (Google Maps)

Taiwanese Snacks & Other Souvenirs

I ended up buying quail eggs (tie dan), pineapple cakes, sun biscuits, fruit jelly, nougat crackers, and instant noodles to take home as souvenirs.

Gaji Tote-Bag / Taiwan Striped Bag ("Ga Ji Dai" - 茄芷袋)

Also known as "Taiwan LV" (as proudly declared by one of the stall vendors 😄), I had to bring one of these iconic Taiwanese bags home! I picked a design with a cute bubble milk tea motif sewn on it; then fully committed to the theme by pairing it with a bubble milk tea keychain and a matching mini "ga ji dai" keychain. Ridiculously cute, right? It's giving full-on Taipei street market fashion and I'm truly obsessed! I bought them from Jiufen Old Street.

More photos

You can also read my previous blog post about where I went in Taipei in May 2025.

Where I Went in Taipei in May 2025

Staying at Hotel Fun - Linsen

Hotel Fun - Linsen (趣旅館 林森館 台北市中山區林森北路487號1樓) became my home away from home for the 5D4N Taipei trip. Conveniently located in the Zhongshan District, it provided easy access to public transport, with Zhongshan Elementary School MRT Station (Exit 3) just a 5-minute walk away. 

With friendly service, comfortable rooms, and a central location, this hotel is definitely an ideal option for tourists who want to explore Taipei without breaking the bank. I really don't mind staying at this hotel again if I'm visiting Taipei again with my family.

Getting Around with the MRT: Effortless and Convenient

To be honest, I don't take the public transport system when I'm in Malaysia. It's somewhat inconvenient and sometimes the time spent travelling by MRT is even longer than driving! However, Taipei's MRT system is truly an eye-opener for me. I'm not sure why, but I dare say navigating Taipei's MRT system is much easier than Seoul's. There are dual language (Mandarin and English) everywhere - around the stations and on the trains. Super reassuring!

Getting around Taipei was unbelievably convenient with my EasyCard. I used it to hop on and off the MRT to reach all the major spots from Ximending to Beitou, and even farther out to Tamsui. The convenience, affordability, and frequency of the trains made exploring Taipei smooth and enjoyable. I can vouch for this!

Ximending & Taipei 101

No trip to Taipei is complete without spending some time exploring Ximending, the vibrant shopping and entertainment district. I managed to eat a bowl of the iconic Ay-Chung flour-rice noodles with pork intestines (阿宗麵線). Of course, a visit to the iconic Taipei 101 is a must. I didn’t manage to go up to the observatory tower, so I just strolled along the surrounding area to feel the city's hustle and bustle.

A Scenic Day Trip to Yin Yang Sea, Jinguashi, and Jiufen Old Street

One of the highlights of my trip was a scenic day trip to the Yin Yang Sea, Jinguashi, and Jiufen Old Street. I hired a private driver for the one-hour ride from my hotel to Jiufen, which made the journey super convenient albeit the cost.

The Yin Yang Sea was especially mesmerizing with its golden shoreline on one side and deep blue ocean on the other. Right across from the sea was Jinguashi, a former gold mining site from the Japanese era. It honestly felt like walking through a living history lesson.

Then came Jiufen Old Street, where I wandered past rows of shops selling snacks, souvenirs, and everything in between. The atmosphere was charmingly chaotic in the best way. And yes, it was packed with tourists! I could hear Koreans, Japanese, Hong Kongers, Filipinos, Indonesians, Malaysians, among others!

Beitou & Tamsui

I took a break from the city bustle with a visit to Beitou, a district famous for its hot springs. Later, I ventured to Tamsui, where I strolled along the river.

What's Up Next?

What I Ate & Bought in Taipei

My Favourite Activities in Taipei (Beyond Tourist Spots) - I'll add the link when it's ready.

My Taipei Bucket List: 9 Fun Things I Can't Wait to Do

I’ve put together a fun list of things I absolutely plan to experience during my trip to Taipei in early May 2025—a mix of local culture, food, sightseeing, and a little bit of cute adventures. Here’s what’s on my Taipei bucket list:

🚇 1. Take the MRT (with an EasyCard)

Getting around Taipei is incredibly easy for tourists thanks to their efficient MRT system. I've already booked my EasyCard through Klook for a hassle-free experience.

🏮 2. Collect Impression Stamps at MRT Stations & Attractions

One of the quirkiest and cutest things to do: collecting special stamps at major MRT stations and sightseeing spots. See this example:

Credit: Taiwanderers

🌈 3. Snap a Photo at Rainbow Road in Ximending

Ximending is known as the Harajuku of Taipei, and the famous Rainbow Road is the ultimate photo spot. Gotta snap some colourful shots!

🌙 4. Explore Different Night Markets

Of course, a trip to Taipei isn’t complete without visiting night markets! From Shilin to Raohe, hunting for local snacks and drinks is a must!

🍢 5. Eat Famous Taiwanese Food & Snacks

Beef noodles, crispy fried chicken cutlets, pepper buns, scallion pancakes, oyster vermicelli, guo bao, lu rou fan!

Credit: Taiwanderers Facebook

🧋 6. Drink All the Bubble Milk Tea

No shame here — I’m on a personal mission to drink my weight in bubble milk tea. I want to try different brands and flavors while I’m there!

🌄 7. Go on a Day Trip to Jiufen, Beitou & Tamsui

Stepping outside the city is a must. So I have shortlisted Jiufen, Beitou’s hot springs, and Tamsui to watch sunset.

🎁 8. Shop for Must-Have Taiwanese Souvenirs

From pineapple cakes to local crafts, I’m looking forward to picking up souvenirs that truly capture the spirit of Taiwan.

🏙️ 9. Take a Photo with the View of Taipei 101

Last but not least, catching the iconic view of Taipei 101 — either from Elephant Mountain or just finding a good city angle — is a must for my photo album!

🌟 Stay tuned for all the stories and snapshots from my journey!

My Mini Skincare Haul from Olive Young in Myeongdong

 

During my February 2025 trip to Seoul, a visit to Olive Young in Myeongdong was a must. The store was packed with both locals and tourists, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. With endless shelves of beauty products and helpful staff ready to offer samples or suggestions, it felt like skincare heaven.

 

I ended up spending a good hour browsing and narrowing down my favourites—and here’s what came home with me.

 

 

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 (SPF50+ PA++++) Twin Pack

 

I finally got my hands on the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 (SPF50+ PA++++). This sunscreen is lightweight, non-greasy, and leaves zero white cast—perfect under makeup or on bare skin. I loved that Olive Young offered a twin pack at a great price. It’s soothing, hydrating, and honestly feels more like skincare than sunscreen.

 

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (with Mini Set)

I picked up the Banila Co Clean It Zero cleansing balm in its classic pink tub—and to my delight, it came with four tiny versions in different variants! It melts makeup like a dream and leaves my skin soft and clean without stripping it. The mini balms are perfect for travel, and I love how gentle yet effective this cleanser is, even on waterproof eyeliner.

 

CLIO Kill Cover Skin Fixer Cushion

 

 

Next, I couldn’t resist the CLIO Kill Cover Skin Fixer Cushion. It’s got incredible coverage without caking and gives my skin a semi-matte finish that still looks natural. I’ve been using it for touch-ups too—it’s lightweight, portable, and long-wearing. Definitely a new holy grail base product in my routine.

 

BRING GREEN Bamboo Hyalu Lip Essence (Squid Game Edition)

 

Okay, this was partly an impulse buy because… Squid Game edition! But the BRING GREEN Bamboo Hyalu Lip Essence turned out to be such a gem. It comes in a duo pack and is super nourishing without feeling sticky. My lips stayed soft all day, even in the cold Seoul air. Plus, the packaging is just too fun to ignore.

Tax Refund Tips for Tourists in South Korea

 

One of the perks of shopping in South Korea as a tourist is the ability to claim a VAT refund on eligible purchases. The standard VAT rate is 10%, and depending on the method of refund, you can reclaim a portion of this tax.​

To qualify for a tax refund, you must be a non-Korean resident staying in Korea for less than six months. Your purchase should be at least 15,000 KRW (about RM47) per transaction, and the total amount should not exceed 5,000,000 KRW (about RM15.5k) during your entire trip. Additionally, you must take the purchased goods out of Korea within three months from the purchase date. ​

There are two main ways to receive your tax refund: immediate refunds at participating stores or standard refunds processed at the airport upon departure.​

At Olive Young, you can enjoy an immediate tax refund at the time of purchase. Simply present your passport during checkout, and the VAT will be deducted from your total, eliminating the need for additional procedures later. ​

For purchases made at stores that do not offer immediate refunds, you can still claim your VAT back at the airport. Ensure you have the tax refund receipt provided at the time of purchase, your passport, and the purchased goods (preferably unused and in their original packaging). At the airport, visit the tax refund counter or use a self-service kiosk to process your refund. ​

Remember to check if the store participates in the tax refund program, usually indicated by a "Tax Free" or "Tax Refund" sign. By taking advantage of these refunds, you can make your shopping experience in South Korea even more rewarding.