Eating out in Tianmu

 

(See also 'Missing Western Food in Tianmu' and 'Eating like a local' and 'Seven favourite cafes').

For a 'safe bet' for a decent restaurant, head for one of the department stores. They have a food court (average meal $200 NT); plus a range of reassuringly expensive independent restaurants, all under the same roof. Japanese food is well represented: if you like sashimi or Teppanyaki, you will do great. Korean food also present. Noodles and rice dishes abound, as do braised fish. The Hong Kong style of Chinese cuisine, which we are familiar with in much of western europe, is NOT widely available in Taiwan.

1. Chunshuitang 

An excellent mid-price restaurant chain, underneath the cinema box office at Mitsukoshi. Famous for bubble tea and beef noodle soup. Pleasant view from the window tables. Open for lunch and dinner. Reduced food menu outside those times. Reservations taken. 

beef noodle soup at Chunnshuitang

world's smallest font in a menu at Chunnshuitang

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Ootoya, reliably good Japanese restaurant downstairs in Takashimaya, which has the benefit of taking orders via an electronic tablet on the table. Mandarin only, alas. You can try guessing which button to press, as I do: it adds to the entertainment value. The staff come to double check with you. 

 

3. Lili Art & Kitchen

Stylish evening with friends or a date, good bar and kitchen, art on the walls, quite classy.

Zhongshan North Road Section 6 no. 760, 111, Taipei City

中山北路六段760號

4. MiaCucina

If you are looking for healthy, vegetarian/vegan friendly, lunch and salads, this is worth trying.

No. 48號, Dexing W Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Din Tai Fung for world famous dumpling chain (also in Hong Kong, Singapore, etc) downstairs in Sogo. Reserve a table in advance or queue for ages at meal times. 

6. Baires ice cream

Voted one of the world's top 50 ice cream places. 

Zhongshan North Road Section 6 no. 760, Taipei City 111, T中山北路六段460號1樓 

 

7. Duomo Japanese restaurant

Cheerful vibe at this cute little Japanese restaurant, opposite Takashimaya. Reasonable prices, gets crowded. The best miso soup!

111, Taipei City, Shilin District, Lane 50, Section 2, Zhongcheng Rd, 2號1樓

8. Beijing-style Chinese restaurant Song Jiang Pie & Porridge 宋江餡餅粥

Try the circular pastry with chive and minced beef; hot & sour soup; spinach; fried rice; mushroom fried noodle; dumplings.  Eat-in or take away. Very popular place, best to arrive early.

 No. 2, Tianmu N Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111