Dongmen, Taipei’s Foodie Triangle
Dongmen was once the east gate of Taipei city; the few buildings before Taipei gave way to farmland. Taipei now extends much further out, but open spaces remain around Dongmen with Da’an Forest Park to the east and the campuses of National Taiwan University (Taida) and National Taiwan Normal University (Shida) to the south.
Dongmen is best known for famed foodie alley Yongkang Street, headed by the original Din Tai Fung. Because of this Dongmen has many upscale restaurants and cafés, but it also has traditional markets and cheap student eats.
Attractions
Dongmen Market • 東門市場
Around 81, Xinyi Rd Sec 2 • 台北市中正區信義路二段81號左右If you want a traditional market that still feels like a traditional market, the alleys of Dongmen Market will fulfill your dreams. Lots of grocers and butchers, but also repair shops and snack stalls.
Rongjin Park • 榕錦時光生活園區
167, Jinhua St • 台北市大安區金華街167號Constructed in 1905 and formerly the dormitories for a Japanese colonial prison. It retains the era’s architecture, but now house shops and restaurants.
Shops
I Jy Sheng • 一之軒
53, Shida Rd • 台北市大安區師大路53號A bakery with several branches around Taipei; this is their original store. They have a “snowy” version of mung bean gao that is fluffier than the usual gao. I’ve also heard their mochi is good.
Lai Hao • 來好
11, Lane 6, Yongkang St • 台北市大安區永康街6巷11號Hip souvenirs with many items from indie brands. Get bubble tea–themed postcards, keychains, tote bags, and more. Also bubble tea carriers, to make it easier to drink your bbt on the go.
Risounoheya • 理想の部屋
8, Lane 74, Wenzhou St • 台北市大安區溫州街74巷8號Tiny stationery shop tucked in an alley by Taida. Large MT washi tape selection.
Snacks
Smoothie House • 思慕昔
15, Yongkang St • 台北市大安區永康街15號16, Lishui St • 台北市大安區麗水街16號 (overflow)
Taiwan’s most famous mango shaved ice. If you happen to spot a short line definitely worth trying. Fresh mango is only available during mango season, but their taro azuki peanut shaved ice is good too. It’s a little pricey, but one bowl will feed at least two people.
Taro Dessert • 芋芋甜點舖
5, Lane 76, Xinsheng S Rd Sec 3 • 台北市大安區新生南路三段76巷5號A taro’s lover paradise right by Taida. Order taro soups and cakes with dango. They also have matcha and seasonal mango desserts, if those are more your vibe.
Restaurants
Chifansitang • 喫飯食堂
5, Alley 8, Yongkang St • 台北市大安區永康街8巷5號Great for a traditional Taiwanese meal. Menu in Chinese but there are helpful photos and dishes on display. Dishes are family-sized, so I would suggest coming here with at least 3 or 4 people.
Din Tai Fung • 鼎泰豐
277, Xinyi Rd Sec 2 • 台北市大安區信義路二段277號This is the flagship store, but it is not the original store! That distinction goes to No 194 on the opposite side of the road, which only does takeout now. If you must have the distinction of eating at the flagship store, there are many shops in the area catering to Din Tai Fung’s waiting customers. Service available in English and numerous other languages.
If you don’t want to line up, there are Din Tai Fung around Taipei, and the further you go from this location the shorter the lines get.
Liao Jia Beef Noodle • 廖家牛肉麵
98, Jinhua St • 台北市大安區金華街98號Famous beef noodle soup hole-in-the-wall. Open for exactly four hours (10 am to 2 pm) every day and you will have to line up. Menu in Chinese only.
Taihelou • 泰和樓
61-20, Hangzhou S Rd Sec 2 • 台北市大安區杭州南路二段61之20號Northern-style food; English menu available. Most famous for its suancai (pickled cabbage) hot pot, but don’t miss their xiaolongbao, jiucaihe (chive pockets), and other dumpling-adjacent things.
豐盛食堂
1-3, Lishui St • 台北市大安區麗水街1之3號Taiwanese Hakka food; menu in Chinese only. Cute old-style wooden decor — the chairs are also wooden. They have lots of appetizers if you want variety but not quantity. (They do also have family-sized dishes.)
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