Showing posts with label Taipei. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taipei. Show all posts

September 15, 2026

My First Din Tai Fung Experience at Taipei 101

We recently had lunch at Din Tai Fung Alabang Town Center, and while we were enjoying our meal, I realized that I still haven’t shared my first-ever Din Tai Fung experience!

Since we had already tried the branch in Alabang Town Center, I thought it was time to reminisce about our first Din Tai Fung food trip in Taipei, Taiwan, before sharing our more recent Alabang Town Center experience.

I know Din Tai Fung already has several branches in the Philippines, but since we live outside Metro Manila, I hadn’t had the chance to try it before. So, when we planned our Taipei trip, I made sure to include Din Tai Fung in our itinerary.

And, of course, I chose one of the most iconic locations I could think of, Taipei 101!


Din Tai Fung Taipei 101

For our visit, I purchased Din Tai Fung Lunch Set A through Klook for PHP 1,948 per person, and I chose the Taipei 101 branch.

Our lunch set included:

· One serving of appetizer
· Four Pork Xiaolongbaos
· One Steamed Vegetable and Ground Pork Dumpling
· One Steamed Shrimp and Pork Dumpling
· One Steamed Fish Dumpling
· One Steamed Shrimp and Pork Shao Mai
· One Red Bean Xiaolongbao
· One serving of Stir-Fried Vegetables
· One serving of Shredded Pork Fried Rice with Egg
· One serving of Hot and Sour Soup
· Service fee

Total: PHP7,792

Our Waiting Time

Before our trip, I read that queues at Din Tai Fung can often exceed one to two hours, especially during peak lunch and dinner times. Standard dine-in reservations are generally not accepted, with customers typically getting a queue number on a first-come, first-served basis.

We arrived at the Taipei 101 branch before 12 noon, so we were there relatively early for lunch. Since I had already purchased a voucher through Klook, we followed the process for voucher holders and waited for our turn.

Thankfully, we only waited for around 25 minutes before our number was called. That was definitely a relief, especially after hearing about the long queues!


We were a group of four, and the lunch set was served as shared dishes. The voucher also had a note explaining that the appetizer, fried rice, vegetables, and soup were shared dishes, with portion sizes determined by the number of sets purchased.






The Fried Rice Surprise

I was aware of the note in the voucher, so I knew beforehand that these dishes would be served for sharing. However, when the fried rice arrived, I was honestly shocked by the portion.


We were a group of four, but the serving looked like it would be enough for only one or two people. I understood that the fried rice was a shared dish, but after seeing the actual portion and having four people share it, I really felt that it wasn't a reasonable amount for our group.

We continued with our meal and enjoyed the other dishes. Since we were busy exploring Taipei during our trip, I didn't have the time to contact Klook immediately. It was only after our trip, when I finally had time to look back at the experience, that I contacted Klook to share my concern about the fried rice portion.

Fortunately, Klook responded and provided me with a small compensation for the fried rice. I appreciated that they listened to my concern and offered a resolution.

It was a little disappointing, especially since this was my first Din Tai Fung experience, but I'm glad that Klook addressed the issue.

Our First Din Tai Fung Food Trip

Despite that little hiccup with the fried rice, we really enjoyed our first Din Tai Fung experience!

We enjoyed trying each of the different dumplings included in the set. It was exciting to finally taste the dishes we had heard so much about, especially the famous Xiaolongbao.

The dumplings were definitely the highlight for us. We tried different varieties, and it was interesting to taste the differences between each one.







By the end of our meal, the only thing we had left was the Hot and Sour Soup. I’m not really fond of this type of soup, so I didn’t have any. I think only my husband tried it. Everything else, though, was pretty much enjoyed by the four of us!

I honestly don't know if the lunch set was expensive compared to simply ordering from the regular menu, so I can't really say if it was the better value. But during that time, we weren't really focused on getting the best deal. We were simply there to enjoy our first Din Tai Fung experience in Taipei, and that's exactly what we did.


Another nice touch was the complimentary hot tea served with our meal.

Overall, we enjoyed our first Din Tai Fung food trip in Taipei. It was definitely one of the food experiences I wanted to have during our Taiwan trip, and choosing the Taipei 101 branch made it even more memorable.

Din Tai Fung
B1, No. 45, Shifu Road, Xinyi District,
Taipei City (Exit 4 of MRT Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station)
Hours: 10:45 AM – 8:30 PM daily 
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May 08, 2026

Day 4 in Taiwan: Our Jiufen & Shifen Day Trip from Taipei with the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass

Day 4: Day Trip from Taipei
 
If Day 3 was all about family fun, Day 4 became one of the longest and most unforgettable days of our Taiwan trip. We followed the suggested Jiufen & Shifen Experience Tour included in our Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass, but instead of following the usual schedule, we decided to begin our adventure early by visiting Shifen Waterfall first.
 
We left our hotel before 7AM, determined to maximize the day and avoid the heavy crowds as much as possible. Little did we know that this would also turn out to be one of the most tiring days of our trip! Still, every stop was worth it because we got to experience Taiwan’s charming old streets, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and even some fun freebies along the way.
 
Here’s how our Day 4 itinerary went.
 
Shifen Waterfall
Pingxi Sky Lantern Experience
Lunch at Ruifang Food Court
Jiufen Old Street
Taste the A-Po’s Taro Balls
Red Lantern Blessing
Claim the free Dragon and Tiger Night Market Cup from the Visitor Center Ximending
Bought an early dinner at Jiguang Fried Chicken
Claim the free pineapple cake at Taipei Main Station Breeze Counter
 
Shifen Waterfall
 
Our first stop for the day was the famous Shifen Waterfall, often called the “Little Niagara of Taiwan.” The waterfall is known for its wide, curtain-like flow and scenic natural surroundings.
 
The walk to the falls was already enjoyable, with suspension bridges, riverside views, and souvenir shops along the way. Since we arrived early, the place was still peaceful and not too crowded, which made the experience more relaxing.
 
One interesting trivia about Shifen Waterfall is that it is the broadest waterfall in Taiwan. The unique rock formations beneath the water create the impressive layered effect that makes it look even wider in photos.
 
It was definitely a refreshing way to begin our long day trip.


Pingxi Sky Lantern Experience
 
After visiting the waterfall, we headed to Pingxi for the iconic Sky Lantern Experience. This was one of the activities we were most excited about because it is considered one of the most popular things to do in Taiwan. We wrote our wishes and messages on the lantern before releasing it into the sky.
 
Watching dozens of lanterns float upward felt magical and cinematic, especially with the old railway tracks and mountain surroundings enhancing the atmosphere.
 
A fun fact about Pingxi: the sky lantern tradition started as a way for villagers to signal safety to one another many years ago. Today, it has become a symbol of hope, blessings, and new beginnings.
 
Even though it has become touristy, the experience still felt special.

 
Lunch at Ruifang Food Court
 
By lunchtime, we were already getting tired from all the walking, so we stopped at Ruifang Food Court for a quick and affordable meal.

Ruifang is usually the gateway to Jiufen and Shifen, making it a convenient stop for travelers. The food court had several local Taiwanese dishes to choose from, giving us a chance to recharge before continuing our journey.
 
The atmosphere felt very local compared to the more tourist-heavy destinations later in the day.
 
Jiufen Old Street
 
Next came one of the highlights of the trip, Jiufen Old Street.
 
Jiufen is famous for its narrow alleyways, teahouses, lantern-filled streets, and mountain views overlooking the sea. Walking through the old street felt like stepping into another era.
 
Many people say Jiufen inspired scenes from the animated movie Spirited Away, although the studio has never officially confirmed it. Still, the red lanterns and nostalgic atmosphere definitely give it that magical vibe.
 
The streets were packed with food stalls, souvenir shops, tea houses, and dessert stores. There was always something interesting around every corner.
 
Although crowded, Jiufen had a charm that made us want to slow down and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

 
Trying A-Po’s Taro Balls
 
Of course, a visit to Jiufen would not be complete without trying the famous A-Po’s Taro Balls.
 
This well-known dessert shop is popular for its chewy handmade taro balls served either hot or cold with sweet soup and beans.
 
The texture of the taro balls was surprisingly satisfying,  soft, chewy, and not overly sweet. After hours of walking, it was the perfect snack break.
 
It is amazing how a simple dessert became one of Jiufen’s signature foods and a must-try for visitors.

 
Red Lantern Blessing
 
While exploring Jiufen, we also came across the beautiful red lantern displays and blessing areas that added even more charm to the town.
 
The glowing lanterns against the mountain backdrop made Jiufen feel especially magical as the afternoon slowly transitioned toward evening.
 
This became one of our favorite photo spots during the trip.


Claiming the Free Dragon and Tiger Night Market Cup at Ximending
 
After our long countryside adventure, we headed back to Taipei and stopped by the Visitor Center in Ximending to claim the free Dragon and Tiger Night Market Cup included with our pass. It was a small but fun souvenir that made the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass feel even more worth it.
 
By this time, we were already exhausted from the entire day, but we still had a few more stops left.


Early Dinner from Jiguang Fried Chicken
 
Before finally heading back to the hotel, we bought an early dinner from the famous Jiguang Fried Chicken.
 
Taiwanese fried chicken really hits differently, crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and generously seasoned.
 
After such a tiring day, comfort food was exactly what we needed.

 
Free Pineapple Cake at Taipei Main Station
 
Our final stop for the day was at Taipei Main Station Breeze Counter, where we claimed another freebie included in our pass,  a pineapple cake.
 
Pineapple cakes are one of Taiwan’s most famous snacks and are also a popular souvenir for tourists. The buttery pastry with sweet pineapple filling was a nice way to end the day.
 
Simple, delicious, and very Taiwanese.

 
Final Thoughts
 
Day 4 was probably one of the most exhausting days of our Taiwan trip, but it was also one of the most memorable.
 
From waterfalls and sky lanterns to old streets and local food, the day perfectly combined nature, culture, and food experiences all in one trip.
 
Even though we went home completely tired, it was the kind of exhaustion that comes from having an amazing adventure. 
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May 06, 2026

From Taipei Zoo to Miramar Ferris Wheel

I’m excited to share our recent trip to Singapore, Indonesia, and our Disney Adventure Cruise, but first, I’m wrapping up my Taiwan series. We’re still on Day 3, and this post covers our final stop: the Miramar Ferris Wheel in Taipei.
 
Day 3 Itinerary Recap

Maokong Gondola
Maokong Tea Ceremony Experience
Taipei Zoo
Miramar Ferris Wheel
 
From Taipei Zoo to Miramar Ferris Wheel
 
After exploring Taipei Zoo, we headed straight to the iconic Miramar Ferris Wheel, located at Miramar Entertainment Park. This was our last activity for the day, and honestly, I was both excited and nervous.
 
Riding the Miramar Ferris Wheel (What It’s Like)
 
I have to admit, I’m afraid of heights. But sayang naman our Taipei Fun Pass, so I convinced myself to give it a try.
 
The boarding process was smooth, and each cabin is enclosed and air-conditioned, which immediately made me feel more at ease.
 
As the Ferris wheel slowly started moving, I could feel my heart beating faster. The gradual ascent gives you time to adjust, but also gives you time to overthink if you’re scared like me.
 
As we went higher, the view of Taipei started to open up. You can see buildings stretching across the city, and everything looks calmer from above.
 
We chose to ride before dinner, so it was still bright outside. We didn’t wait for sunset because we wanted to eat early and head back to the hotel sooner. Even so, the daytime view was still beautiful, clear, wide, and perfect for seeing the city in full detail.
 
At the top, I felt a mix of fear and amazement. It’s one of those moments where you’re slightly tense but also thinking, “Okay, this is actually worth it.”
 
The ride itself was slow and steady, which made it easier to manage even for someone scared of heights.



Dinner at Tim Ho Wan Taipei
 
After the ride, we rewarded ourselves with an early dinner at Tim Ho Wan. It was my first time dining there, even though they already have branches in the Philippines. After a long day, their dim sum was exactly what we needed: comforting, filling, and satisfying.






Quick Shopping at GU
 
Before heading back, we did a bit of shopping and found GU inside the mall. Of course, we couldn’t resist, so we ended up buying a few clothes. Stylish and affordable.

 
Tips for Riding the Miramar Ferris Wheel
 
1. Best Time to Ride
 
Sunset for golden hour views
Night for city lights
Daytime (like ours) for clearer, less crowded views
 
2. Ride Before or After Dinner

We recommend riding first, especially if you’re tired. It’s a great way to relax before eating.
 
3. Use a Taipei Fun Pass
 
If you have the Taipei Fun Pass, this ride is usually included, very sulit!
 
4. Good Even for First-Timers (and Slightly Scared Travelers!)
 
The ride is slow, enclosed, and safe, manageable even if you’re nervous about heights.
 
End of Day 3
 
After dinner and a bit of shopping, we headed back to our hotel, tired but happy. And that wraps up our Day 3 itinerary in Taiwan!
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April 11, 2026

From Gondola Views to Zoo Trails: A Day in Taipei

After the calm and quiet of Maokong, it was time to move again. The shift was almost immediate. One moment, we were surrounded by tea houses and mountain air, and the next, we were heading back down into the city.

 
From the Maokong Gondola, we got off at Taipei Zoo South Station. From there, for just NTD5, we hopped on a short tram ride toward Bird World Station. And then, just like that, we were there.
 
Taipei Zoo.
 
Visiting Taipei Zoo After Traveling the World
 
For the past several years, we’ve visited zoos in different parts of the world; places like Skansen in Sweden, Taronga Zoo in Australia, and all four wildlife parks in Singapore: Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise. We’ve also explored Tama Zoological Park in Japan, along with several zoos in the Philippines.
 
Over time, zoos became a familiar part of our travels.
 
Because of that, we didn’t come to Taipei Zoo with big expectations. But we’ve also learned something along the way: every zoo has its own charm, rhythm, and way of being experienced.
 
So instead of comparing too much, we did what we always do when traveling, we explored.
 
Exploring Taipei Zoo: From Bird World Station to Giant Panda House
 
We started at Bird World Station, then made our way through nearby areas, including the Temperate Zone Animal Area, African Animal Area, Australian Animal Area, Desert Animal Area, and Tropical Rainforest Area, until we reached the Giant Panda House.





 
There was something familiar about the excitement building up as we got closer. No matter how many zoos we’ve visited, panda enclosures always create a quiet sense of anticipation, the kind where people naturally slow down and stay longer than planned.

 
The Giant Panda House also became one of our favorite stops, not just because of the pandas, but because of something simple: the air-conditioning. After walking in the heat, stepping inside felt like a welcome break. People naturally lingered, moving less hurriedly, just watching in comfort.

 
Children’s Zoo and Formosan Animal Area
 
After that, we continued to the Children’s Zoo and the Formosan Animal Area, the final stops on our route. By then, the pace felt lighter, almost like we were naturally winding down rather than trying to check everything off.
 
We explored Taipei Zoo in less than three hours, moving through it at our own pace and taking in what we wanted without the pressure of seeing everything.

 
From Taipei Zoo to Miramar Ferris Wheel
 
By the time we left the zoo, we weren’t rushing to the next destination; we simply continued the flow of the day.
 
Our next stop was the Miramar Ferris Wheel, where the city would once again change its perspective, this time from ground-level paths and animal enclosures to skyline views and slow rotations above Taipei.
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April 10, 2026

From Gondola Views to Tea Rituals: A Maokong Experience in Taipei

Looking for things to do in Taipei beyond the usual city attractions? The Maokong area offers one of the most relaxing escapes just outside the city, combining mountain views, cable car rides, and traditional tea culture.
 
In this trip, I experienced the Maokong Gondola using the Taipei Fun Pass, followed by a slow afternoon of tea tasting and local food in the mountains.
 
Using the Taipei Fun Pass, we traveled from Taipei Main Station to Taipei Zoo. Our initial plan was to start at the zoo and take the Maokong Gondola upward. However, while waiting for the zoo to open, I learned that it is already located in a slightly elevated area near the foothills. So we decided to reverse our route instead, starting at Maokong and making our way down.
 
Route:
• Taipei Main Station → Zhongxiao Fuxing (Red Line)
• Transfer to Brown Line → Taipei Zoo Station
• Walk ~5 minutes to the gondola station


A Scenic Ride on the Maokong Gondola

The journey began with the Maokong Gondola, one of Taipei’s most unique and scenic attractions. At the station, we simply scanned our Taipei Fun Pass to redeem the cable car ticket, making the process quick and convenient.
 
By the time we stepped onto the gondola, we weren’t just heading up a mountain; we were slowly leaving the city’s noise behind and entering a completely different rhythm of Taipei.
 
As the gondola slowly climbed, the city gradually faded into layers of green mountains. In the distance, we could even spot the iconic Taipei 101, reminding us how close the city still was, even as everything around us felt calmer and more distant.



 
How It Compares to Other Cable Cars in Asia
 
Having tried cable cars in other parts of Asia, I couldn’t help but compare the experience.
 
The Singapore Cable Car feels sleek and modern. You glide above harbors, ships, and city skylines, heading toward places like Sentosa Island. It’s polished and very much part of the urban experience.
 
The Ngong Ping 360 in Hong Kong is more scenic and iconic, with sweeping views of mountains, sea, and the famous Big Buddha as you approach Lantau Island’s cultural landmarks.
 
Meanwhile, the Ba Na Hills Cable Car in Vietnam is on a completely different scale, longer, higher, and more dramatic. The ride cuts through thick jungle and clouds, leading to the famous Golden Bridge and a mountaintop complex that feels almost surreal.
 
But the Maokong Gondola is different.
 
If Singapore is modern, Ngong Ping is scenic and iconic, and Da Nang is grand, Maokong is calm and soulful.
 
Slowing Down in Maokong

 
By the time we reached the top, the energy of the city had completely faded. The air felt fresher, the surroundings quieter, and everything seemed to move at a slower pace.
 
Maokong isn’t a place you rush through; it’s a place where you pause.
 
And the best way to do that? With tea.
 
We walked to Maokong Redwood House to experience a tea ceremony.

A Taste of Taiwanese Tea Culture


 
Maokong is famous for its tea, especially Taiwanese oolong, and visiting a teahouse here feels like stepping into a tradition passed down for generations.
 
At Maokong Redwood House, we decided to try the tea experience for NTD100 per person. It felt like the perfect way to slow down and fully immerse ourselves in the moment.
 
What made it even more meaningful was that it wasn’t just about drinking tea. We were given paper, an envelope, and a brush pen, and invited to write a letter, our wishes, thoughts, or dreams.



 
After writing, the staff carefully sealed it with wax, placing both the letter and a tea bag inside the envelope. They told us to keep it and open it after one year while enjoying the tea.
 
For something so simple, it felt surprisingly personal and memorable, a small moment we know we’ll look forward to in the future. I just have to remember where I placed the envelope so I can actually open it when the time comes.
 
Lunch with a View
 
Many restaurants in Maokong are designed to highlight the scenery, with open terraces and wide windows facing the mountains. The combination of fresh air, good food, and sweeping views makes even a simple meal feel more special than usual.


 
After the tea ceremony at Maokong Redwood House, we went to a nearby restaurant just a few steps away. While waiting earlier, we had already checked the printed menu outside, so we knew exactly what to order.
 
We decided on the 5-course and 4-rice set meal for NTD 1,600 + Service Charge. It included:
 
Fried fish fillet with sweet and sour sauce
Sliced boiled pork with garlic sauce
Braised Makino bamboo shoots
Seasonal vegetables
Chicken soup
Bottled soft drinks
 
The food arrived quickly, and everything was enjoyable. The portion was generous, meant for about four people, but even though we were hungry, we still couldn’t finish everything. We even had some chicken soup left behind.





 
After lunch, we noticed the tea ice cream for NTD 90 near the entrance and decided to try it. It wasn’t something we would normally crave, but it was a fun experience and something new to remember from Maokong.

 
The Maokong Gondola may be what brings you up the mountain, but it’s not the main reason you’ll remember it.
 
What stays with you are the quiet moments, the tea ceremony, the mountain air, the slow meals, and the feeling of simply being present without rushing anywhere.

In a city as vibrant as Taipei, Maokong offers something rare: a chance to slow down.

But eventually, we had to leave because we still had another stop waiting for us at Taipei Zoo.

 
Maokong Gondola
No. 8, Section 2, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City
Access: MRT Taipei Zoo Station (Exit 2)
 
Maokong Tea Ceremony Experience
Alley 33, Lane 38, Section 3, Zhinan Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City
Access: Maokong Gondola to Maokong Station 
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