Here we’re gonna explore what could you do during a layover tour if you arrived in the morning, noon, or evening within a limited time. Also, check out 2023 Taiwan Food Tours & Activities!
A layover tour can be a fantastic way to make the most of your travel time and turn what might otherwise be a boring and tedious layover into a fun and memorable experience. Come with us to explore Taiwanese street food! It’s like a mini-adventure in a new place! (Read more: 4 to 8 Hour Layover in Taipei City – Private Car)
If you arrived in the morning –
First, let’s get some Taiwanese breakfast! Shao Bing You Tiao (燒餅油條) is one of the popular breakfast for the local. Shao Bing (燒餅) is a baked or pan-fried flatbread filled with various ingredients such as sesame seeds, scallions, or dried meat floss. You Tiao (油條), also known as Chinese fried dough or crullers, are long strips of deep-fried dough that are light and crispy. They are commonly paired with soy milk or eaten on their own.
Soy milk and rice milk are traditional Taiwanese breakfast drinks! Soy milk, also known as Doujiang (豆漿), is made from soybeans that are soaked, ground, and then strained to extract the soy milk. Rice milk, also known as Mijiang (米漿), is made from rice, which is soaked, ground, and then blended with water to extract the rice milk. (Read more about tofu: Taoyuan Daxi Bean Curd (Dried Tofu) Festival)
Additionally, Doujiang has a slightly nutty and creamy flavor with a subtle bean taste compared to Mijiang has a milder and sweeter flavor with a taste reminiscent of rice. Both are a staple of Taiwanese breakfast. It can be served hot or cold and is often accompanied by savory or sweet sides. Curious about Taiwanese food? Read more: Taiwanese Bizarre Food Collection
Wait! There’s more! Also try Fan Tuan (飯糰) is a popular breakfast item made of sticky rice rolled into a cylindrical shape and filled with various fillings like pickled vegetables, pork floss, and other savory ingredients. In addition, Dan Bing (蛋餅) is a traditional Taiwanese breakfast roll-up, similar to a thin pancake or crepe. It is often filled with a mixture of egg, scallions, and sometimes bacon or other ingredients.
After breakfast, we will take you to experience the rich heritage of Taipei, such as Longshan Temple and Bopiliao Historical Block.
Longshan Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the city, with a history dating back over 300 years. Showcasing traditional Chinese temple architecture with intricate details and vibrant colors. Furthermore, its ornate decorations, sweeping roofs, and ornamental pillars create a visually stunning and captivating atmosphere. It’s not only a place of worship but also an important cultural heritage site. (Read more: Keelung Shore Excursion Customized One Day Tour)
Bopiliao Historical Block, also known as Bopiliao Old Street, is a well-preserved historical area located in the Wanhua District of Taipei. It dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) when it served as a crucial trade and commercial hub in Taipei. During that time, it was known as “Taipei’s Dadaocheng,” a vibrant area bustling with merchants, trade, and cultural activities. The buildings are made of red brick and wooden structures, offering a glimpse into the architectural styles of the past. Today, it has become a cultural hub, hosting various events, exhibitions, and performances that celebrate Taipei’s heritage and traditional arts.
If you arrived around noon –
How about we try the famous Taiwanese beef noodle and Xiao Long Bao!
Taiwanese beef noodle (牛肉麵) is one of Taiwan’s most iconic and beloved dishes. It’s a flavorful and hearty noodle soup that features tender braised beef, chewy wheat noodles, and a rich and aromatic broth. Additionally, the key to a delicious bowl of Taiwanese beef noodle is the broth. It’s typically made from simmering beef bones, beef shank, and various spices and aromatics such as ginger, garlic, star anise, and soy sauce. The broth is often rich and savory with a depth of flavors.
Xiao Long Bao (小籠包) is a type of steamed dumpling known for its delicate and thin skin, flavorful filling, and the rich and savory soup that is trapped inside the dumpling. Besides, the most common filling for Xiao Long Bao is a mixture of minced pork, ginger, green onions, and sometimes a small amount of pork broth. The broth turns into a savory soup when the dumplings are steamed, giving Xiao Long Bao its signature feature of having a flavorful broth inside. It’s a must-try dish for anyone visiting Taiwan!
After lunch, how about visiting Taipei 101, the iconic skyscrape of Taipei. (Try Taipei Must-visit Spots Private Day Tour) The building reaches a height of 508 meters (1,667 feet), including its spire, and consists of 101 floors above ground (hence the name Taipei 101). It dominates the Taipei skyline and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. So you can ascend to the observation decks on the 89th and 91st floors to enjoy unparalleled views of Taipei City.
We have many delicious choices for an afternoon treat! Taiwanese desserts including boba tea, mango shaved ice, taro ball dessert (芋圓), pineapple cake, douhua (豆花), peanut ice cream roll, or grass jelly shaved ice (仙草冰). Overall, Taiwanese desserts offer a delicious and delightful culinary experience for a great afternoon. (Read more: How Much Do You Know About the Mangos in Taiwan?)
If you arrived in the evening –
First, we will take you to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to see an impressive architectural masterpiece designed in a blend of traditional Chinese and modern styles. The main building features a large white octagonal structure with blue-tiled roofs, symbolizing the importance of the number eight in Chinese culture. In addition, one of the highlights at the memorial hall is the ceremonial changing of the guard, which takes place at the top of every hour. The precision and choreography of the ceremony are impressive to witness and highlight the respect and honor accorded to Chiang Kai-shek.
Hungry? We will go to a Taiwanese night market for dinner. You can find an extensive range of dishes, including stinky tofu, oyster omelets, braised pork rice, beef noodle soup, bubble tea, fried chicken cutlet, shaved ice, and much more. Each night market may have its specialties, and vendors often compete to serve the most delicious and innovative snacks. (Read more: Explore Shilin Night Market with Insiders)
In addition, try 快炒 (quick stir-fry) is a popular cooking style. It refers to a fast and efficient method of stir-frying various ingredients over high heat to preserve their natural flavors and textures. Some iconic Taiwanese dishes prepared using the quick stir-fry (快炒) method include Three-Cup Chicken (三杯雞), Stir-Fried Beef with Scallions (蔥爆牛肉), Kung Pao Chicken (宮保雞丁), and Stir-Fried Water Spinach (炒空心菜), among others. See our 2023 Taiwan Food Tours & Activities!
Overall, Taiwanese street food is an integral part of Taiwanese culinary traditions. It offers a diverse range of flavors, textures, and cooking styles. From savory to sweet, from grilled to deep-fried, and from traditional to modern, there is something for everyone’s taste buds.
With our local guide/driver, you can gain insights into Taipei city’s history, culture, and way of life, enhancing your travel experience. See layover tour here:
We can do a customized tour for you. Follow our instagram for more amazing Taiwan!
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