Keeping cool in the heat of Taipei

If you are feeling too hot in Taipei, go to a department store: they have great air-con, and you can pass a little time strolling around. (See separate post on department stores). You can buy some clothes with thinner fabric while you are there. The cinema in Mitsukoshi store has fantastic aircon. Meanwhile: 

1. Make fruit smoothies at home

Dragon fruit and papaya are currently in season. Pop them into your blender with some ice. Serve with a dollop of yoghurt. What a colour! Guaranteed to put a smile on your face! 

Cultural note: MILK is commonly blended wih mango and papaya drinks in Taiwan. (I had it by accident, I admit it is delicious): if you don't want so much dairy, stick to fixing your own at home.

 

2. Go out for shaved ice or soybean pudding
A great Taiwanese summer cooler for sharing. 


No. 262-1, Dexing E Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111

好奇營養豆花, 111台北市士林區德行東路262-1號

Or visit Yonkang Street (Dongmen MRT) for plenty of fashionable mango ice options. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3A. Go for bubble tea. 

Drink in at chunshuitang (underneath the cinema box office at Mitsukoshi department store, this company claim to be the original inventors of bubble tea. 

 

 

 

 

3B. Grab a take away from Milkshop  (No. 82號, Dexing E Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, 11147), a successful chain which originated in south Taiwan.

4.  Cafe Rue

The Sicilian coffee (with lemon) is surprisingly acceptable and refreshing.
No. 2號, Lane 35, Section 6, Zhongshan N Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111

See also their other branch Cafe Ruelle. Both do very tasty toasted sandwiches, possibly the best in Tianmu.

 

PRACTICAL TIPS for surviving the summer heat/humidity

• Carry a small flannel/towel around with you for mopping the brow. Check out this novel kind of 'cooling towel' : soak it under the tap, rinse it out, fan it in the air and drape it around your neck, it does feel cool.  
• Avoid the heat of the midday sun. If possible, avoid being out and about between roughly 11am-3pm. 
• Take several showers a day.
• Buy clothing with thinner fabric (inc. linen and sportswear).
  
• You could do as the locals do (on condition of being immune to fashion considerations) and wear 'sleeves' (on top of your T-shirt/vest) to protect you from UV rays, especially if you are cycling around in the sun