🛬 First Bites, First Gears — Taipei in Passing

|We never meant to stay long — just long enough to taste, to ride, to remember

We arrived at Taoyuan International Airport under soft grey skies, the kind that hush the noise of arrival and make you notice the smaller things — the smell of jet fuel and steamed buns, the bright signs of telco booths beckoning tired travellers. Within minutes, we had our 30-day SIM package in hand, bought straight from the airport like a digital passport into the island’s rhythm.

From there, we boarded the airport train, tracing tracks into Taipei’s sprawl — that gentle hum of unfamiliar transit felt both foreign and soothing. At our first hotel, we barely unpacked before rushing back out. This wasn’t a trip for rest. We had a mission: a bicycle.

Taiwan is home to Merida, one of the world’s most respected bicycle brands, and we were determined to get ours on Day One. The shop wasn’t far. We walked in half jet-lagged, half excited, and rolled out with our ride — our companion for the month ahead.

🌆 A Night Beneath the Lanterns — Ximending

By evening, the rain had slowed, and the neon glow of Ximending Night Market welcomed us like a lantern-lit maze. It was our first proper meal in Taiwan — and like most of our favorites, it came in a plastic bowl from a side alley.

Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodles (阿宗麵線) was more than just a dish; it was an experience. The broth was rich, yet clean. The oysters — usually something I avoid due to their fishy scent — were shockingly fresh. Smooth. No smell. No hesitation. Just flavor, warmth, and surprise. It was, without question, a perfect introduction.

Address: No. 8-1, Emei St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Next, we tried the famed Hot-Star Fried Chicken Chop (豪大大雞排) — crispy, flattened chicken, almost the size of your face. To be honest, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Maybe it was the expectation, yet I felt like the Taiwanese fried chicken did much better than this very first taiwanese fried chicken in Taiwan. Maybe it was the jet lag. Maybe it’s just me. But I believe taste is personal — and for many travelers, it’s worth a try while you’re already in the market. Never try, never know. （it was marked permanently closed on google map now)

Honestly, both dishes offered a unique first impression — memorable in their own way. But looking back, I realize I never returned to either on my second trip. That, perhaps, speaks quietly enough.

🌊 Tamsui’s Morning Mist and Street Snacks

The next morning, we made our way to Tamsui (淡水) — a quiet coastal town where the air smells of salt and soy sauce. The streets were just beginning to wake as we walked toward the old district. We were here for something I didn’t even know I’d miss later: Hsuyi Fish Balls (許義魚丸).

Crispy, golden, almost cracker-like — these weren’t your typical fish balls. They shattered like chips, yet tasted of sea and umami and something vaguely nostalgic. We bought one bag. We should’ve bought ten. Within days, it was gone. For the rest of the trip, we kept saying, “We should’ve bought more…”

Address: No. 184, Zhongzheng Rd, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 251

Just a few steps away, tucked inside a quiet alley, was a small stall selling Hongma Plum Juice (紅媽酸梅湯) — sweet, sour, and perfectly chilled. It cut through the saltiness of the fish snacks like a song in contrast. Somehow, between the drink and the crunch, we devoured half the pack without even noticing.

And behind us, the Tamsui sea — calm, silver, and endless — watched us snack like children on a bench. It was one of those small, forgettable moments that stays with you, long after temples and mountains blur together.

By noon, we were back in Taipei to check out of our hostel. Our bags were repacked, tied on the back of our bicycle. Our legs were rested. And our bicycle — our ticket to freedom — was ready. Of course, with our Hsu Yi Fish Crackers in the bag.

Next stop: Yilan.
The road, and the rain, awaited.