Taipei
Interview with Brandon Huang
Brandon Huang (@bhuangyah) is a true tastemaker when it comes to food, fashion, and travel. A fellow Taiwanese-American, he heads to Taipei on an almost annual basis. When it came to my first interview highlight, I couldn’t think of a better person to feature! If you’ve never traveling to Taiwan, Brandon’s thoughts on Taipei’s best neighborhoods will persuade you to consider visiting one of the most culturally rich, approachable countries in Asia. Plus, read on for his skincare secret for that long 17 hour flight…
photos provided by Brandon Huang
what’s your relationship to Taiwan and Taipei? what kind of traveler are you?
I’ve been many times. My parents are from there, and my dad lives outside of Taipei. It’s definitely a different experience going as an adult. Personally, I love destinations that have three key components - things to eat, shop, and see. I like to buy things that are notable from the place I’m visiting, like useful objects, ceramics, or clothes. For example, when I was in Korea recently, I bought skincare. I also think it’s fun to take in cultural sights—a mix of historical, vibrant places.
what kind of traveler would like this place?
Taipei is urban, so it’s great for someone who likes cities. But it’s more digestible, not as overwhelming, and smaller than other Asian megacities–not like the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
It also seems foreigner friendly. The people are super nice and helpful on the street. If you were to talk to anyone in English, they’d go out of their way to help you. In terms of getting around, the transportation system is really easy to use, and taxis are super cheap.
Taipei is pretty casual, not super buttoned up, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. I feel like Seoul is super trendy, fashion forward. But Taipei is just chill— people wearing sandals and shorts.
where to stroll & stay
Taipei City - The more central part of the city
Da’an - Good area for Airbnbs or affordable hotels, very walkable
Ximen - People like staying here– more for young people, more nightlife
Zhongshan - Cool area. There’s vintage shopping, and it’s near the main station
Shuanglian Station Area - An area known for mechanic shops, but now it’s a hip area with cute stores and cafes.
Danshui - This neighborhood is on the water and a little further out. Feels more calm.
The Landis - I liked my recent stay at this hotel. I got a good deal, but it’s fancy with old art deco vibes. It used to be the Ritz; the staff wear fun hats, wear white gloves, and open the door for you. Good breakfast!
what to see
Taipei Fine Arts Museum - Underrated. It’s small and only shows temporary exhibits. The exhibits are always weird, surprisingly avant, and cool to see. The one I saw recently was cyborg-vibes, future forms of humans. It was so, so weird.
The National Palace Museum - Definitely worth seeing. More if you’re into traditional art and Chinese artifacts
Chiang Kai-shek & Sun-Yat-sen Memorial Hall - Definitely knock them off your list, but you don’t need to spend a ton of time there. It’s really grand, like seeing the Lincoln Monument. It’s not going to do anything for you, but you should still see it.
where to eat
Night Markets (ex. Tong Hua Jie is where I go) - Taiwan is well known for night markets with food stalls to eat your way through.
7/11 - A huge part of Taiwanese culture, these convenience stores are literally everywhere.
Eastern Ice Store - Check out this traditional shaved ice store (not like the shaved ice we eat—so good). Famous for their sweet potato, taro balls, boba, red bean toppings. Check out 216 next door.
Tairror - Recently went here with friends, it’s a French spin on Taiwan & Terroir with an expensive tasting menu. The presentation was incredible. One person in my party didn’t eat any fish so they flipped the entire menu last minute for that one person in our group.
又一村 - Sushi restaurant
Song Shan Coffee Shops - Check out the cute coffeeshops in this area near the airport
Sunny Hills - Pineapple cake spot. You walk in, and they immediately serve you free cake with tea. Buy a box only if you want to.
But We Love Butter - Cookies in cute tins—they make great gifts.
For local dishes, try oyster pancakes, minced pork rice, fried chicken, stinky tofu. Make sure to try local fruit, like papayas.
For breakfast, try Luo Bo Gao (turnip cake), Youtiao (fried crullers), and dumplings at any street corner store. It’ll cost only $3USD.
what to buy
Inge - For traditional ceramic objects, check out this ceramics village. There’s a museum, high end store, and a place where you can even make your own.
Eslite - The main Taiwanese bookstore. I always go to look around as there’s a great music section with vinyls you can’t get in the US. Hikaru Utada - you can probably find one there. I got a great photography book there recently by a Taiwanese artist that I couldn’t find in the US.
ShangLian Vintage Stores - This area is full of American-inspired vintage, think flight jackets.
Xinyi District - Luxury shopping and fancy malls where Taipei 101 is located.
where to go out
When I went last, I went to 枋square, 桂公子酒館 Highballer's Bar, and Ounce Taipei
Pawn Shop - Techno club, literally under a gym, maybe 3 rooms total. It’s something I would have never expected in Taipei.
where else to go
Taiwan is pretty small. It’s easy to plan rural excursions by taking high speed rail. On my last trip, we were there for 9 days but spent half in more rural parts of the island.
Hualien - A train ride away, it’s famous for Taroko National Park and gorge.
Sun Moon Lake - Center of the island, you can hike to it.
Alishan - Famous mountain to hike
Kaohsiung and Taichung are two other major cities accessible via train
Tainan - the historic capital.
any other tips?
The best time to go is NOT during the summer–sometime early spring or winter. I always fly with a Taiwanese airline because the service is better - ex. China Airlines, EVA, Starlux.
From NYC, it’s a long flight, 17.5 hours. To manage the time, I downloaded movies, read, brought an eye mask and pillow, drank a lot of water, applied chapstick. I went through almost half a tube of hand cream. You also have to get these Japanese eye masks. You put them on, they get hot, and they release steam. They’re great for dry eyes.
Finally, I recommend taking a night flight from the US to Asia. I take the one around 1AM, the same whether you’re flying from the East or the West Coast. You stay awake, have dinner, and sleep as much as possible before arriving to Asia in the morning.
XX Thank You Brandon!
