Taiwan is a tiny island with only 23.57 million people. However, it has a variety of fantastic cuisines, especially noodles. Noodles in Taiwan are based on its rich history and which you absolutely must try. Make sure to put Taiwan in your bucket list, not for its many attractions, but for its noodles!
Wonton Noodles 餛飩麵
Major historical events brought many mainland Chinese people to Taiwan. They also brought with them unique culinary dishes and food culture. For example, wonton noodles originated in the Guangzhou Xiguan area during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period. With cultural exchange and migration, wonton noodles gradually spread to Taiwan.
What is wonton? It is a dumpling made with fillings such as pork, shrimp, vegetables, scallions, and ginger. They resemble gyoza but are smaller in size with a thinner wrappers.
Wonton noodles have a rich flavor, with the aroma of pork blending perfectly with the texture of the wonton wrappers and noodles. Paired with a light broth or vinegar, they become even more delicious. Whether served in soup or dry style, they are a mouthwatering delight.
Eel noodles originated from Tainan and is a local specialty food renowned for their unique flavor and texture. There are two main types: “Dry-fried eel noodles” and “Eel noodle thicken soup.” Both of these dishes have a sweet and sour taste, which matches the sweet preference of people in Tainan.
The ingredients for eel noodles include eel, noodles, onion, lard, garlic, scallions, chili, and vinegar.
Eel is rich in protein and iron, making it a nutritious food that is also considered a health tonic. As for its taste, eel has a soft texture with a slightly sweet flavor and a hint of sourness from vinegar. It also has a rich taste. On the whole, it’s a dish that combines sweetness and sourness, which will definitely satisfy your taste buds.
Taiwan beef noodle soup combines elements from Sichuan’s doubanjiang, Shanghai’s red-braised cuisine, Cantonese broth, and the pickled vegetables of Eastern Fujian and Southern Fujian. Some variations also include the spiciness of Sichuan, the shallots of Taiwanese cuisine, and the satay sauce of Southeast Asia, among other ingredients.
The noodles have a resilient texture with a satisfying chew, and the meat can be thinly sliced, releasing flavorful broth. The spiciness of the broth can be adjusted to taste, and it is fragrant and delicious. These unique combinations make the Taiwan beef noodles one of the best noodles in the world.
Recommended Restaurant
牛肉英麵館: No. 348, Huimin Road, Nanzi District, Kaohsiung City
Fried-Spanish Mackerel Thick Soup 土魠魚麵
According to Zheng Weizhong, an associate researcher at the Academia Sinica, the “Fried-Spanish Mackerel Tick Soup” started with Portuguese sailors. In modern times, the “Fried-Spanish Mackerel Thick Soup” represents the taste of Southern Taiwan.
The taste of “Fried-Spanish Mackerel Thick Soup” is mellow and sweet, slightly sticky in the mouth, and then the mouth is full of the unique aroma of shiitake mushrooms, black vinegar and the umami of bonito, and when sprinkled with white pepper, the taste is even better.
Recommended Restaurant
海哥土魠魚羹: No. 46, Lane 190, Nanzi New Road, Nanzi District, Kaohsiung City
Welcome to Kaohsiung! Like a kaleidoscope, there are many beautiful and interesting places to visit in Kaohsiung City. The city offers something for every traveler. With so many places to visit, we introduce our top 6 spots of Kaohsiung City to enrich your sightseeing. Whether you seek cultural immersion, artistic delights, or natural beauty, Kaohsiung promises a fulfilling experience that caters to various interests. If you don’t visit these spots, you will regret it for the rest of your life!
The Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung is a dynamic cultural hub housed in renovated warehouses. They are relics of Kaohsiung’s past as a manufacturing and railway hub.
It features contemporary art exhibitions and events, offering a vibrant experience for visitors interested in Taiwan’s art and culture.
Moreover, the Pier-2 Art Center serves as a starting point for exploring other nearby attractions:
Great Harbor Bridge. It is Taiwan’s first horizontally rotating bridge, and Asia’s longest.
Shoushan LOVE Lookout. This lookout offers a panoramic view of Kaohsiung City and is a popular photo spot for IG models.
Old Shoushan Cave. This cave once served as the headquarters for the Japanese military. Now, it serves as a shortcut to the National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), which is also a historical site in itself.
How to Get There
Mass Rapid Transit subway (MRT)
The Pier-2 Art Center is conveniently located to both the Penglai Pier-2 MRT and LRT stations.
The National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, also known as “Weiwuying,” is a massive cultural complex in Kaohsiung. It’s the world’s largest performing arts center under one roof and hosts a variety of concerts, operas, and theater performances. The center’s striking architecture and outdoor spaces attract not only people interested in performances, but also visitors intrigued by its architecture.
The venue is world-renown. In fact, as reported by My Kaohsiung report in 2019, Time Magazine selected Weiwuying as one of the “World’s Greatest Places.” It was the first time any place from Taiwan made the list.
Google Maps: Yen-Chao Yen-Yen Chang
More Than a Music Venue
As a center for the arts, Weiwuying offers world-class performances. However, there is much to do in the area around Weiwuying, whether it is to take in its spaceship-like architecture, visit the adjacent natural part, or take IG worthy selfies next to one of the most famous painted walls in Kaohsiung City, across the street from Weiwuying.
Architecture
Google Maps: March HuangGoogle Maps: shuyuan linGoogle Maps: Wen
The are across from Weiwuying is a community of street art. There are even apartments painted to beautiful the area and offers a photo spot for the locals.
The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung are vivid landmarks at the Lotus Pond. Visitors customarily enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s mouth, symbolizing good luck. The pagodas offer stunning views and are one of the most icons of Kaohsiung City.
At the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, you’ll be treated to the zigzag bridge and the Lotus Wake Park 蓮潭滑水主題樂園. Also nearby is the Confucius Temple, our next attraction.
Near the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, and in walking distance, is the Confucius Temple. It is a serene complex dedicated to the revered philosopher, Confucius. The temple showcases traditional architecture and offers a peaceful setting for visitors to learn more about Confucian teachings and Chinese culture. This landmark is a must-see in Kaohsiung for history enthusiasts.
At the attraction, you will see many cosplay photographers. It serves as a unique historical backdrop that is rare in Taiwan. Here is a gallery photographed published on our Facebook page, My Kaohsiung.
Mango Coffee
Inside the temple walls is a unique and cafe, Mango Coffee. The atmosphere and vibe matches the historical theme of the Confucius Temple, yet offers a modern selection of desserts and drinks. What better way to take in the traditional experience.
The nearest MRT station is Zuoying High Speed Rail Station. From there, you can take a taxi, Uber, or Youbike to the temple.
buses
The nearest bus station is on Cuiming Road. Please click here for the bus schedule.
E-Da Theme Park
The E-Da Theme Park is a dedicated entertainment venue of the E-Da World, offering a wide range of interactive experiences for users of all ages. It is one of the largest amusement park in Taiwan. From immersive virtual reality games to educational simulations and creative tools, the E-Da Theme Park aims to bring joy and excitement.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or learning, the park has something for everyone. At the other end of the Eda complex is the Eda Ferris Wheel. Connecting the two attractions is Eda Outlet Mall, the largest in Southern Taiwan.
According to Eda World, “The diameter of Ferris wheel is 80 meters long. Each box accommodates 8 persons to run a circle in 18 minutes. This wheel is the highest viewing stand in southern Taiwan.”
If you happen to go during the New Year’s Eve, you’ll be treated to one of Taiwan’s largest fireworks display, with the Ferris Wheel light show synchronized with the fireworks.
How to Get There
Eda Shuttle bus
The best way to get to Eda World is by taking the Eda Shuttle.
In Taiwan, Kaohsiung is also known as the Harbor City. It lies at the nexus of the foothills of Shoushan mountain and the sea. Serving as the gateway to the harbor is Cijin District with its popular Cijin Beach, famous for its fine sands and blue waters. It offers a tranquil escape with stunning sea and mountain views. Plus, whether you’re relaxing on the beach or enjoying surfing, it’s a perfect getaway from the bustling of the city.
From the ferry terminal to the beach, you will walk through the popular Cijin market. It offers an assortment of culinary delights, to include fresh seafood and uniquely Taiwanese snacks.
Cijin Sunset Bar 旗津沙灘吧
The Cijin Sunset Bar is a gem of an eatery in Cijin. Contrasting to the seafood and traditional Taiwanese snacks, the Cijin Sunset Bar offers a trendy culinary fusion. From its savory dishes to almost every cocktail imaginable, it is one of the best places to enjoy a meal with a stunning view of Cijin Beach. Moreover, it is also one of the best places to experience the Kaohsiung sunset.
Besides the excellent food and drinks specials, come out to enjoy their theme nights. They offer drink discounts, and even free drinks, with DJs playing popular tunes. Follow Cijin Sunset Bar Facebook page to see their latest themed events.
Cijin Sunset Bar After Dark
If you’re looking for a hopping place to chill, Cijin Sunset Bar starts kicking it after dark. It features popular DJs and hosts some of the largest and best beach parties and events in Taiwan. Photos courtesy of Cijin Sunset Bar and Danny Chu.
