Hello again from Taipei (臺北市).
Today we're on a bit of a food mission.
We've been hearing about Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐 - 鼎泰丰).
Apparently, they specialize in soup dumplings.
So that is what we're going to try today.
We absolutely love dumplings so any excuse for us to eat dumplings is always a good one
and yeah it is another rainy day in Taipei (臺北市) so we figured let's plan our day
around food.
Let's go eat.
Yes, and this place opens at ten in the morning and we are expecting huge lines.
So we're here early let's go get in line.
So we got here just as the place was opening at ten in the morning and we already have
probably about fifty people in front of us standing in line.
The good thing is they are handing out a menu to everyone who is waiting so you can have
an idea of what you want to order and then your food will be ready sooner.
So we are currently placing our order.
Of course we're going for the classic Xiaolongbao (小笼包 - 小籠包).
Gotta get those.
What else?
We're still deciding what else.
Still deciding what else.
It is a big menu.
It is a huge menu.
Look at that.
So many choices.
The location we're at has four floors and right now we're heading up to the third one.
I'm guessing the other ones are full already.
Well, we made it.
We're out of the rain and we got a table.
It wasn't that long of a wait.
No, like five minutes.
So.
No, I would say a bit more.
Okay maybe ten.
Fifteen.
Ten or fifteen but haha.
Maybe I was just so excited to be here that time is just going so fast.
Time sped up.
So our tea is already here.
They gave us free Oolong tea (烏龍茶 - 乌龙茶).
You do get free Oolong tea (烏龍茶 - 乌龙茶) and we've finally.
Oh and you also get slices of ginger as well too.
Yeah, that is where the dumplings.
That is for the dumplings and we finally decided on our menu.
So we're getting ah if you look down here we're getting pork xiao long bao (小笼包
- 小籠包) which is we're getting the ten pieces.
Oh.
And we're also getting for dessert we're getting a taro xiaolongbao (芋泥小包) and we're
only getting five of those.
So that should be sweet inside and then we also have a noodle dish.
Noodles with spicy sesame and peanut sauce (擔擔麵).
So really looking forward to that.
And is there one else oh yeah.
Sticky rice in a wrap with pork.
So that is probably going to be like a lotus leaf wrap.
So yeah we're just at this point waiting for everything to arrive and oh are we ever hungry.
We basically skipped breakfast for this.
Alright so before coming here we were reading the history of the place and apparently the
man who started this Yang he used to run a shop where he sold cooking oil and like that
was his business but apparently when that industry started to change and people weren't
buying as much cooking oil anymore he had to come up with a new business idea so he
and his wife decided okay we're going to sell soup dumplings and like they became such a
huge hit that today they have locations not only across Taipei (臺北市) and Taiwan
(中華民國) but also around the world in places like LA, Hong Kong.
So yeah, pretty cool story and now we're waiting for the food.
This is the look of excitement.
So the star of the meal has arrived.
The Xiaolongbao (小笼包 - 小籠包) is here on the table in real life.
And this is cool.
So you eat it with a special sauce and they actually give you instructions on how it is
done.
So here in the restaurant they actually give you a guide how to enjoy Xiao long bao (小笼包
- 小籠包).
This is how you eat it.
Um, and they basically explain how to prepare the sauce so we're going to try our hand at
this.
The waiter actually wanted to make it for us and we're like no.
We are filming this.
Haha.
So allow me to demonstrate.
Okay so first up we have our little plate with ginger right here.
So it says put some soy sauce and vinegar.
So it is one part soy sauce.
One part soy sauce.
And three parts vinegar.
I'd say that is about the right vinegar.
Next up we grab our little Xiaolongbao (小笼包 - 小籠包) and dip it into the sauce.
Once it has been dipped we place it on the spoon.
Let us see what is next.
Oh, let's not forget you have to poke a little hole to let out the soupy broth that is hiding
in there.
Can you see that.
Oh my gosh.
Oh wow look at it seeping out.
Pouring out.
And then then you take some of the ginger from the plate add it on top and it all goes
in in one bite.
Is that too big for one bite?
Try.
Mmmm.
Is that tasty?
Wow.
That is amazing.
That is so juicy.
Oh man.
Is that one of the best dumplings you've ever had?
It really is.
I'm so glad we came here and stood in line.
This is worth it.
Okay Sam, let's see if you were paying attention to the instructions.
There is a lot going on so okay first up we're going to grab it.
I'm going to try not to break the soupiness of it.
Dip it in here.
Put it in the spoon.
Grab a piece of ginger.
No no no.
What do you do first to the dumpling?
Oh, I've got to break it open.
Release the juices.
Gotta pierce it.
Oh, there we go.
It is coming out.
There you go.
There we go.
Oh my.
Alright.
Now I'll grab a piece of ginger.
Just like that.
And all in at once.
Oh yeah.
Hahaha.
Mmmm.
Isn't that amazing?
Wow.
It is just like.
There is two things that come to mind right away and the first being the quality of the
soup inside.
So the second thing is the skin of the dumpling.
It is just so thin and it such a wonderful it is almost I wouldnt' call it a buttery
taste but it just has a nice texture in your mouth.
Yeah.
Oh, this is so good.
I was reading apparently the chefs who have been training at this they can roll out twenty
dumpling skins per minute.
Which is insane.
That is insane.
Insanity.
That is like one every three seconds.
Right?
Yeah, I know three seconds per dumpling.
Wow.
That is crazy.
Wow.
Okay so we have ordered other dishes but before we move on can we just admire this dumpling
a little bit longer.
Can you see the soupiness in there.
Is that in focus?
Yeah, you can tell.
Look at that.
And the dumpling on top you've probably noticed it has the perfect swirl.
Apparently, the chefs have to pinch it eighteen times to get that beautiful shape.
So I mean like the amount of detail that goes into this is crazy.
And it is so tasty.
So I'm just going to keep eating them.
Let's go for another.
Release the soup.
Oh la lah.
More ginger.
Let's put lots of ginger in there.
I'm not afraid of ginger.
Haha.
And in it goes again.
Mmmm.
Wonderful isn't it?
Alright, so the Xiaolongbao (小笼包 - 小籠包) is amazing but we did order more food so we
have to move on.
We did.
So we've moving on to noodles that are in a peanut and a spicy sauce (擔擔麵).
So yeah.
Yeah, peanut and sesame.
Yeah, it has got sesame.
That look so good.
So I'm just going to give it a real good mix here.
Yeah, just basically trying to soak up all of the noodles in the sauce.
Alright.
I love peanut sauce.
Me too.
So I'm super excited.
I'm really excited for this one I have to admit.
Okay.
Mmmm.
Look at you go.
Oh man.
Sam doesn't waste any time.
Wow.
You, oh it is spicy.
It is one of those things where you can tell it is spicy as soon you have it but then as
you're swallowing it is like woah.
Oh my.
So yeah, really nice and spicy.
You really taste the peanut and you also really taste the sesame sauce too.
And it is just so good.
It is kind of sweet.
It is a combination of being sweet and spicy and I just love that and the texture of the
noodles they are quite dense noodles.
So really like that.
Big hit instantly.
Okay so now I'm going to try the noodles and one of the waitresses just came over and told
us apparently we have to stir it more because there is still lots of sauce left at the bottom.
So let's obey.
Let's give it a real good mix Audrey.
Let's make sure we're doing this the right way.
That we're getting all that saucey goodness.
I think that looks good.
I can't wait for you to try this I think you're going to really like it.
Let's see.
And the one thing that we've now been in Taipei (臺北市) for this is what our third or
fourth day.
And my gosh is this ever a city for foodies.
Like if you're into food this is the place where you've gotta come.
That is amazing.
It is like so nutty.
Nutty and sweet and spicy.
It is an amazing combination of flavors.
I like this a lot.
And we weren't even going to order this.
Sam was like eh I don't know this sounds kind of plain but this is the star.
Okay, time to move on to the third dish.
Yeah, so we've got sticky rice wrapped with pork (糯米雞 - 糯米鸡).
So what I'm going to do is just try to dissect that to see.
Oh, look at that.
You can see the pork right there.
Oh my.
Oh, look at those colors.
Turn it back around.
Show us that baby.
It is so sticky.
There we go.
Look at that.
Look at those colors.
So I'm going to go in for the pork and obviously the sticky rice (糯米雞 - 糯米鸡).
That pork looks so juicy.
Oh, my gosh.
It might be like along with what the Xiao Long Bao (小笼包 - 小籠包) I actually
like that even more than the noodles and that is saying a lot because I love the noodles.
It is just that pork is so juicy and so fatty.
It has just got so much flavor to it and then the sticky rice really enhances it.
Oh, loving it.
This is just like an awesome meal man.
This is so good.
So I've already been sampling the rice and that is pretty good.
If you take a look at the plate I think what makes it so special is that is has a little
bit of fat that adds juiciness but like it is not chewy fat that you wouldn't want.
It is just like that fat that just melts in your mouth and adds flavor.
Yeah.
Exactly.
And just look at the color of that meat.
It is just so amazing.
Mmmm.
So yeah I'm going in for bite number two while you're holding the camera.
Quality control.
Look at that.
Look at the pork.
Look at those colors.
It is like a golden brown.
I know.
And literally it just melts in your mouth.
We finished every last morsel of our mains so now we're moving on to dessert.
Yeah, so we're trying Taro Xiaolongbao (小笼包 - 小籠包).
Yeah.
Going back to the Xiao Long Bao (小笼包 - 小籠包).
Okay, that is the star of this restaurant.
I can't wait to try this.
I bet it is going to be amazing.
Mmmm.
Oh yeah.
Wow.
The taro is just so sweet and then it is just so rich and creamy inside of my mouth and
so piping hot and warm.
Yeah, it was still steaming when they brought it.
It makes the perfect dessert.
Okay, so my turn to try it.
I actually had my eye on the chocolate dumplings but those cost a lot more so we figured let's
try taro instead.
So yeah, this is made with taro root.
I've never tried that before.
So I'm going to take a half bite so I can show you what it looks like inside.
Mmmm.
It is like purple.
Wow.
That is like manioc.
Like sweetened manioc.
Do you like it?
Mmmm.
What do you think?
It was not what I was expecting but it is not bad.
Lasting impressions of Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐 - 鼎泰丰).
Oh, this place was fantastic.
Not only was the food really good but the service was very attentive.
So in terms of the price point looking here it is five hundred and twenty eight Taiwan
dollars which is sixteen dollars and fifty cents US.
So you're looking at roughly eight dollars per person and that was for four different
things and unlimited tea.
And it includes the service charge.
Yeah.
So I mean that.
How can you get better value than that?
I mean we're leaving full.
We're leaving satisfied and it also didn't cost a fortune either so highly recommend
this place.
I know for a fact we'll be back again before leave Taipei (臺北市).
So somebody got a little souvenir to remember their meal here.
So I like the quality of the chopsticks so much here that I got a set for us.
So we each get our own set and this will be for our future house.
Haha.
Alright, so it has been a few hours since we last ate and tonight we're going out for
Taiwanese street food (台灣街頭食品).
So we're heading to the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) and we're going to take the
MRT to get there.
Let's go eat.
Sam may be feeling a little bit hangry right now.
Just a little bit hangry.
Let's ask to be sure.
Hey Sam?
What?
How hangry are you on a level from one to ten?
I think I've burst through ten.
I'm eleven.
So to get to the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) you want to take the red line to Jiantan Station
(劍潭站) and then take exit 1.
So we have just arrived at the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) and it is still quite
early.
It is 4:30 PM.
Most of the stalls start opening closer to five o'clock and things will only continue
to get busier as the night goes on.
And apparently this market can run until like one or two in the morning.
So yeah, still very early.
We were hungry so we couldn't wait any longer.
So we are having some kind of Barbecue roll with green onion (黑胡椒豬肉卷) in it.
Okay so we are having our first snack of the night.
And if you have a look over here it is basically a pork roll and it is filled with green onions
and she also asked us if we wanted it spicy so she put some powder over it.
Of course we said yes.
Yes.
Haha.
Always.
So look at that.
Oh that looks good.
Mmmm.
Oh man.
Do you like that?
That is really nice.
Yeah.
I'm so hungry right now.
What does it taste like because I've never had anything like this before?
Well, have a look at it here.
It is filled with green onions.
That is like the main ingredient in the middle.
So you taste both the pork and the green onions.
Okay, so Sam's going in.
Time for me to try it.
Mmmm.
That is really good.
I like that the green onions give it like a bit of juiciness.
Yeah.
And the pork is a little bit salty but it is not too as spicy as I thought it would
be.
Yeah.
And we paid the equivalent of five dollars for this.
It was a bit expensive.
A little bit pricy but I mean.
It was 150 Taiwanese Dollars.
So yeah.
But it is good.
So
there is one drink I've been wanting to try ever since we got to Taipei (臺北市).
I love bubble tea (珍珠奶茶) and apparently it originated here so voila.
Look at that.
I got one with brown sugar so you can see me mixing it.
You can see the brown sugar.
So good.
On the sides and then you can see the like the pearl tapioca jellies at the bottom.
Man, that looks good.
Oh man.
Mmmmm.
Real deal?
That is so amazing.
I love this drink so so much.
Is it nice and sweet?
Mmmm.
What can you taste?
Don't want to choke on the tapioca balls but it is almost syrupy.
The brown sugar.
Like it is quite thick.
So you really get that flavor coming through and I love that it is made with milk because
apparently you can just get straight up tea and I was like no no no let's go with the
classic.
Give me some milk here.
The milk in there.
So yeah, it is so good.
So good.
So Sam just had to get a taste of it as well.
Of course.
I'm sharing.
Sharing is caring.
So how much was this one?
Mmmm.
Okay, before I talk about that I just have to say how good and sweet that is.
Yeah.
You really taste the brown sugar.
Oh man.
And then you get sucking up all of the jellies.
Man, that is good.
Okay so that was 50 Taiwan dollars which is about a dollar fifty US.
So yeah that is a nice affordable cheap drink.
And so worth it.
So worth it.
And you know what else is cool.
They give you a really thick straw so you can get at your bubbles.
Yep.
Exactly.
Suck them bubbles.
So for our next Taiwanese street snack we are having Taiwan fried chicken (鹹酥雞)
and this was quite the process.
Like first he took the chicken breaded it, deep-fried it and then he took a pan and added
the sauce.
We got sweet chili and then pan-fried the chicken even further in the glaze.
And are those rice cakes beside it?
These look like these could be little rice cakes.
Yeah.
Oh wow.
And then on top of that he sprinkled peanuts and sesame seeds.
It looks amazing.
Yeah.
And that was one hundred and ten Taiwanese dollars so you're looking at about three US
bucks for that.
A little bit more.
A little more than three US.
How is that?
Mmmm.
Oh my gosh.
Good?
It is so tender but so juicy at the same time.
How about the sauce?
Sweet.
So sweet.
Which is really good.
So this was Sam's pick tonight.
And I think you're going to be very pleased.
I think I will.
Oh that is so good.
Isn't it?
Like you said really tender.
Yeah.
And I love the combination of nuts and sesame seeds on the outside.
Yeah.
It gives it a crunch.
Yeah.
Mmmm.
Perfect combination.
And it is a bit spicy too.
So if I can offer one piece of advice when visiting this market it would be to come a
little bit later in the evening.
We arrived around four thirty and it was you know pretty quiet.
Things are starting to pickup a little bit but our food options have been a little bit
limited because people are just you know showing up and opening their stalls.
So later in the evening is best.
Thank you.
So Sam is
leading the way with this one.
What are we having next?
Alright moment of truth.
We've been playing it kind of tame.
Playing it kind of safe so far.
We're going right in to the classic Taiwanese street food (台湾街头食品) here.
We are having Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐).
Oh my.
And it is funny because we saw this tofu stand and we're like is this stinky or not we don't
know.
So I walk up to it and I go.
Sniff.
Oh yeah.
That is the real deal.
That is stinky.
That is definitely the real stuff.
So if you've never tried this before I was reading on wikipedia earlier this afternoon
that it smells something like stinky feet or garbage.
Rotting garbage.
Oh my.
So yeah it is strong.
I'm going to go take a bite here.
Yeah.
I think there is some cabbage.
You can see it is on a double skewer here.
Yeah, a double skewers and it has got cabbage in the middle.
Somewhat like a sandwich.
Oh my.
A little overpowering there.
That is something else.
Oh.
It is spicy.
Um.
Oh man.
I'm keeping my distance.
It is just you really taste the sourness of it.
And the fermented aspect and woah.
That is something that would take a while to get used to.
I don't think I'm ever going to enjoy this one to be honest.
How about a second bite to.
Alright I'll do one more.
I'll do one more.
Maybe it'll grow on you.
I also kind of want you to eat most of it so I will have very little left for myself.
So just go ahead.
Oh.
Go ahead.
That is something.
I don't even know how to describe it because I've never had anything quite like it before.
So.
Wow.
That is fascinating.
How much did it cost?
That was only forty five.
So just over a dollar.
About a dollar thirty or a dollar forty for that.
So it is cheap.
And you should try it if you're in Taipei (臺北市).
Why not right?
Yep.
And did I mention that scooters come zipping around out of nowhere.
Okay.
So after stinky tofu (臭豆腐) comes the reward.
Although that being said I don't deserve a reward because I didn't try the tofu.
But we decided to get something sweet instead.
This is for you Sam.
I'm going to sample it for you to make sure it is okay.
So we got a crepe (蛋餅) with oreo ice cream, Nutella, banana, whipped cream, chocolate
powder.
Yeah, it was the whole process of making it was pretty fancy.
Mmmm.
How is that?
Mmmm.
Sweet tooth cravings fulfilled?
Haha.
You're speechless.
That is how I know it is good.
For your bravery.
You are being awarded an ice cream.
This is my reward here.
Which I've sampled for you.
Hey don't make out with the ice cream.
Mmmm.
I'm still going to have some more.
Oh I'm going to be making out with the ice cream some more.
Hey!
Sam!
That is so mean.
It is all over your lips too.
That is so good.
So decadent.
I mean I just got on the second bite a lot of Nutella and like woah.
With the ice cream and whipped cream and then the light fluffiness of the crepe.
Man, I haven't even.
Oh yeah it is a good dessert.
I haven't had Nutella yet.
That is a nice Taiwanese dessert here.
So we've already had dessert but we thought 'hey' there is always room for one more.
Dessert just keeps rolling.
And this is definitely the most colorful thing we've seen out here at the Shilin Night Market
(士林夜市) so far.
So apparently if you can see here.
These are pieces of strawberry that have been put on a skewer and these are candied (糖葫蘆)
or called a toffee kind of fruit.
Yeah.
And you also notice sweet tomatoes and also plums as well.
Yeah.
We decided to go with strawberry.
Yeah.
So let's try that here.
I'm going to try eating a whole one.
Oh my.
Oh wow.
It is like properly hard on the outside.
Mmmm.
Okay.
Oh wow.
Mmmm.
That is like a super quenching.
That is like a super crunchy sweet glaze on the outside.
Mmmm.
And the fruit extra juicy on the inside.
Is it warm fruit?
It is.
You can tell it has been like warmed up.
Cooked up a little bit.
Yeah.
It kind of tastes like if you've ever had strawberry shortcake the way the strawberries
are kind of a little bit warm like that.
Oh yeah.
Being placed next to a cake.
Look at that color.
It is so good.
Ruby red.
We forgot to take a picture.
Mmmm.
And you know what?
A tomato snuck into the mix.
Look.
Are you serious?
Strawberry, strawberry, tomato.
Where is the tomato?
The little one.
Oh wow.
Ah.
You've gotta bite hard.
Yep.
Oh, look.
It is seeping all over the place.
Hahaha.
Whoopsies.
Oh my gosh.
So what do you think?
I'm making a mess on someone's storefront.
Do you like it?
Yeah, it is good.
But we better run off now.
So that is a wrap from Shilin Night Market (士林夜市).
We really enjoyed eating all of the different Taiwanese street food (臺灣菜) and we're
going to be eating up at a lot more night markets here in Taipei (臺北市) so stay
tuned for that.
Alright guys.
We are up before the sun today and it is for a really good reason.
We've been hearing about Taiwanese breakfast at this one particular spot and we're going
to go check it out.
The MRT just opened and now it is time to go.
Yes, apparently this restaurant opens at five thirty in the morning but the MRT didn't start
running until 6 am so we had to wait.
Now we can finally venture out.
Exit five.
How excited are you for breakfast?
Well now that I've actually finally woken up I'm quite excited.
Ready to chow down.
Chow down.
Let's go.
So apparently we're not the only ones.
So we found the restaurant.
It is called Fu Hang Dou Jiang (阜杭豆漿).
Hopefully I am pronouncing that right.
And we had to wait in line about twenty to thirty minutes and that was at six thirty
in the morning so I can't imagine what it is like when you come later in the morning.
But anyways we ordered.
Now ordering was a bit tricky because their menu is not in English so I had to do some
research in advance and kind of show up with the names written out.
But now I'm going to show you what we ordered and tell you what it is called in case you
want to try the same things.
Alright, let's check it out.
And of course we have two bowls of soy milk because that is what they specialize in and
that is called Dou Jiang (豆漿).
One is hot and one is cold.
One is like piping hot.
This one is like boiling so we're going to be sampling those.
Let's have a look.
So yeah, it is just soy milk.
I've never drank milk with a spoon but that is a first.
So we asked for both of our soy milks to be sweetened so that is good.
Because who doesn't love sugar.
And I'm trying the cold one now.
So let's see.
I don't think I've ever had soy milk before.
Are you serious?
Never.
Never?
Why am I blowing on the milk?
It is already cold.
My gosh.
Haha.
Mmmm.
Wow.
It does taste like tofu.
Does it?
Soy milk tastes like tofu.
Yeah.
But it is sweet.
And refreshing.
That is weird.
Does it have like a bit of dessert like taste almost?
Like sweet tofu.
Yeah, first time trying this.
It is not bad.
I think this could grow on me the more I have it.
Okay so we're going to break into the mystery roll.
Yeah, so take a look down here.
I'm just going to snap it in half.
It feels dense I know there is definitely something inside.
Oh, woah.
Oh it is super syrupy.
Okay.
Woah.
Maybe that wasn't the best idea.
Haha.
Look can you see the syrup?
Yeah.
Look at all of that.
I'm going to guess that is pineapple.
But who knows.
Mmmmm.
Is it sweet?
It is very sweet.
You know what?
It tastes like a sesame.
Sweetened sesame sauce.
Not like a soy base sesame sauce but like pure sesame.
Mmmm.
That is like so good.
So sweet.
And everything we're trying so far has been really sweet.
So I kind of like that we're getting a big of a sugar high this morning.
Okay.
That looks like a sweet pastry.
You can really taste the sesame seeds on the outside too.
I didn't mention that but.
I'm sure you'll be able to tell.
Mmmm.
You know what I mean about the sesame paste?
Doesn't that taste like sesame to you?
And honey maybe?
Yeah, it has got like kind of a sesame honey kind of taste in the middle.
It is good.
It is like a really dense bread.
Yeah.
And it is kind of flakey but oily at the same time.
Do you like it?
Yeah.
So next up we're having what I believe is the Shao Bing (燒餅 - 烧饼) so it looks
like a sandwich but it is basically a wheat cake and it is stuffed with egg.
An omelette, chives.
Yeah, it looks like a sandwich.
Yeah.
Omelette sandwich.
And it is really sticky on top so I think it has like some kind of sweet glaze.
But let's find out for sure.
You know what?
I'm starting to realize that in Taiwan there is a major sweet tooth.
A lot of the food is sweet and I'm enjoying that.
Is it?
I'm really enjoying this.
Yeah.
Is it also savory too?
Yeah, it is like a fried omelette so that is greasy and salty but then you've got the
sweetness of the bread so it is a nice combination.
Mmmm.
Alright, my turn to try.
Mmmmm.
Oh wow.
Mmmm.
You know what this reminds me of?
Like whenever I go back home and this is only about once a year my Dad will cook up a big
omelet and we'll have some healthy bread that has been toasted and usually I put like a
bit of jam on the bread and then I put the omelet on top of the toast and eat it.
That is a weird combination but I've seen him do it.
And it kind of reminds me of this.
Like the sweetness of the bread and then the nice omelette.
It is just like a nice contrast in combination.
This last one is either Yutiah or Youtiao (油條 - 油条) please let me know in the
comments.
We're butchering these names I'm sure pretty fiercely.
Um, at first glance it kind of reminds me of a bit of a porras that we had in Spain.
Like those giant sized kind of churros like things.
Yeah.
And I have to say it is like super light in the hand.
It looks a lot bigger than what it is.
It is really flimsy and light.
So I'm going to give that a try.
So it is like a deep-fried dough stick and all we need right now is that thick Spanish
hot chocolate and we're set.
Oh.
Okay.
It tastes like a bit greasy and salty as opposed to being sweet.
And yeah it kind of a nice contrast to all of the sweet dishes we've been having this
morning.
This one is a little saltier.
Yeah.
I'm going to try another bite.
And you know what?
When they served it up to us they actually put it in the sandwich.
Yeah.
So I think you can probably put both of them together.
And it has got a like a kind of flaky buttery taste as well to it.
It is greasy on the outside and I quite like it.
Yeah.
So let's reassemble that sandwich.
Have another bite why don't you?
Okay.
So now I've got like a monster sandwich.
Let's try that.
Mmmmm.
It adds a bit of crunchiness to it.
Yeah?
And a little more salt and greasiness.
Mmmm.
Okay.
Yeah, it doesn't have a whole lot of flavor on its own I have to say.
It just tastes greasy.
Yeah.
And it is like really flaky and like light.
It kind of reminds me of a croissant a little bit but it is not something I would want to
eat on its own.
I can see why she would put it in the sandwich.
But even better that cup of hot chocolate.
Haha.
That muddy Spanish hot chocolate.
As if we're not getting enough sweets as it is.
Maybe you can dip it in the soy milk.
Do you think that is how it is done?
Why don't you try it?
I'll do it in yours.
Yours is warm.
Watch everyone is going to be shaking their heads.
Nooo.
That is way better.
That is way better?
See.
That is how I would recommend having that.
I have no idea of just how you're supposed to do it but that is how we're rolling.
Yep.
You're going in for another bite.
That is how we roll.
Maybe we're creating something new in Taiwan.
I highly doubt it but.
Well that line is now wrapping around the building.
We had to wait twenty to thirty minutes.
It is at least two to three times as long now.
That is probably going to take like forty five to an hour.
Sure glad we came when we did.
Yeah.
Come early!
So are you feeling ready to take on Taipei after that breakfast?
Yeah, I've got my sugar high.
I've got you know like my saltiness with the egg.
So I'm ready to go.
And in terms of price point that was a hundred and thirty five Taiwanese dollars so it worked
out to just over two US dollars per person.
So really cheap, really tasty food.
And yeah, I can see why there is a big line.
And the one thing I wish we could have tried was something I think called Dan Bing (蛋餅)
which is basically a pancake with the omelet stuffed inside.
We noticed some other people having that and we're like ooh that looked good.
And I also saw people having some kind of porridge that I just didn't know the name
of it.
Yeah, anyways we ate enough.
I mean we're full now but yeah there is other things to try though.
Yeah, so if you want to find this place straight out of exit five and here you've got the market.
You just go down this way up to the second floor and you'll see the lines.
Yeah, and don't forget to come early.
Yeah.
Greetings from Taipei, Taiwan.
Another day and another night market.
And we brought our appetite.
Today we are visiting the Raohe Night Market (饒河夜市) and they are renown for their
street food.
If you want to have street food this is the one market you need to visit.
And earlier this week we visited Shilin market (士林夜市) where we got to try a few different
treats.
Yeah.
But we're on the lookout for more Taiwanese street food (Xiaochi - 小吃).
It is all about the food tonight.
Let's go eat.
Okay so we found our first snack of the night.
Before we even entered the market.
Yeah, so we're trying a pork bun (胡椒餅) that was cooked in the oven.
And this is just freshly made so really exciting.
It is like pipping hot.
I can feel it warm in my hands.
And it was cooked in what resembled like one of those Indian tandoori ovens where the bread
just sticks to the side.
That is really good.
And this is filled with pork and chives.
So I'm not getting a lot of pork on the first bite but it is very thick and condensed.
So very doughy.
Let's see if we can get a better look.
Alright, so we've finally made it to the point where I can get some meat here.
Alright.
Mmmm.
Bite number two.
Oh yeah.
Nice big piece of pork.
A big piece of pork.
What?
Is it ground pork?
It is ground pork.
Mmmm.
The pork is a little bit sweet and also a little bit spicy.
But the dough is savory and salty.
It is a nice contrast.
It tastes really good.
And it was also really cheap.
It was only fifty Taiwan dollars which is I think about a dollar fifty.
A little bit more than a dollar fifty US.
So Sam got the giant pork bun but they also have options for vegetarians in the form of
mini-buns.
So I'm going to try that one.
Look at it.
Yeah.
Covered in sesame seeds.
That was just stuffed at the bottom of our package.
So pretty cool.
There you go.
It is just the chives.
That is all that is in it.
That is your vegetable.
The chives.
The green onions.
Is it tasty?
Really tasty.
And I like that it is a small bite.
And I like that is was a bonus.
We didn't pay for it.
Or I feel like we didn't pay for it.
It was just like stuffed in the bottom of the bag.
We like free things.
What is next?
Okay, next we're having something sweet so we stopped at Anna's egg tart (蛋撻).
And these are like the miniature egg tarts (蛋撻) that you might find in Portugal or
Hong Kong or Macau.
Except these are like mini bites that you can just pop them right in.
Yeah, you can pop them in.
One each.
Mmmm.
How is that?
That is really nice.
It is like creamy and smooth and custardy.
It is really good.
I'll have this one too.
Hey!
Hahaha.
That is so mean.
I'm not sure this is going to be enough for Sam the giant.
Show us that tiny little.
Look at how small that is.
These are really mini.
When they said they were mini they weren't kidding.
But I love these.
Like you've said I've had them in Portugal, I've had them in Hong Kong.
I've had them in Macau so really cool to try egg tarts here in Taiwan.
Yeah.
Big enough to fill a cavity, right Sam?
Mmmm.
Oh man.
What do you think?
That is really good.
The thing I really like about it is that it is really creamy and sweet.
I can tell that those are freshly made because it is still warm.
Yeah.
Mmmm.
And they were so cheap.
Flaky pastry.
How much did we pay?
They were only twenty each.
So you're talking like just over a dollar US for us to both have.
Maybe like a dollar twenty.
Really really good.
Nice little bite.
But yeah that is not going to fill me up.
Alright, let's keep moving.
Red bean.
Okay.
(Speaking Chinese)
And now it is time for a mystery sample that caught our eye but we have no idea what it
is.
We're being a little adventurous here.
We have no idea what this is.
It is cold in the hand.
And it feels kind of slimy.
And we got ten of these for thirty five Taiwan dollars so that is just over one US dollar.
So let's just hop right in and try it.
Um, I think I heard him say red bean.
Yes, one of these are red bean.
And this was sitting on ice.
It looks like a dessert that was sitting on ice.
Mmmm.
Okay.
Sweet.
Yeah.
The red beans obviously has some sugar added to it.
And if I had to guess I think it is something the consistency is sort of like a rice cake
on the outside.
Do you think it is like a miniature mochi ball (麻糍 - 麻糬), maybe?
It could be.
It might be little mochi balls (麻糍 - 麻糬).
Quality control.
Mmmm.
Is it passing quality control?
It is.
I like it.
It is kind of like a I would consider it to be a little bit more like a dessert than.
It is definitely not savory.
It is sweet.
Good stuff.
My hand is actually freezing holding this bag because it has chunks of ice in it.
Um, but I'm going to try a different one.
Sam was having the red bean.
And this is another mystery one.
It is yellow.
I have no idea.
The lady was trying to explain what it was but I don't get it.
We didn't catch.
We didn't catch it.
Does it taste like anything familiar?
No?
It has like the texture of bean paste.
Yeah.
White bean paste?
Is there such a thing as a white bean?
Hahaha.
I don't know.
It is good though.
It reminds me a lot of red bean paste just different color.
But it is sweet.
And it is cold.
My hands are so cold right now.
So this next snack was purchased solely for its cute factor.
Let's take a look in the the bag.
They're like these little egg waffles (雞蛋仔) or pancakes shaped like
a cartoon.
So here I've got Sponge Bob Square Pants.
Let's see who else is in there.
We've got this is like a Pokemon.
That is a Pokemon.
I don't really follow it.
I have no idea.
If you guys follow Pokemon tell us who it is.
And if it a Pokemon.
Hahaha.
This looks like a cow with giant nostrils.
No, that is panda bear.
That is a panda bear.
Anyways let's try it and see what it is like.
A cow with giant nostrils.
Nice.
Oh how is that?
Okay.
So no filling whatsoever.
But it is super light and fluffy and it has like pockets of air inside.
Is it sweet?
It is pretty nice.
This would be good with ice cream.
Oh, it is sweet.
Oh yeah.
It is like cake.
Fluffy cake.
Okay Sam, who will you be devouring tonight?
So I'm going to bite in to Sponge Bob here.
Sponge Bob.
Square Pants.
Those are really good.
They're freshly made.
That is what I'm loving about this night market so far.
Everything we've had has been pipping hot.
Freshly made.
Gotta love that.
And it was cheap too.
So we paid forty five Taiwan dollars for this one.
Which is less than one dollar and fifty cents US.
So and we got five.
We got five of them.
Yeah.
We'll be snacking on these for a while.
Alright.
Please put the whole cookie deep in your mouth and chew it.
So what are you having Audrey?
It is smoking.
Smoking cookie.
I have to put this whole thing in my mouth, chew with my teeth and not with my tongue.
Alright.
Woah!
It is smoking out of your mouth.
Haha.
You look like a dragon.
Haha.
Is it good?
It is cold.
It is ice.
Oh wow.
It kind of gets stuck to your tongue.
That is why they tell you to eat it with your teeth and eat it fast.
Because it wants to get stuck to your tongue.
So you probably just saw me try a smoking cookie.
We also got some ice cream from the same place.
This is called Smoking Molecule ice cream.
I got the bubble tea (波霸奶茶) flavor and this is the bubble tea sauce in a syringe.
An injection of it.
An injection.
Let me inject that.
He said do it slowly.
There we go.
That looks good.
And it has the pearls.
This is bubble tea (波霸奶茶) which I love.
Let's see is this going to make me smoke as well?
Like this ice cream is super cold.
It was so cold it was freezing.
I don't know what they're putting into it.
Let's try.
Mmmm.
How is that?
Ha!
It is not making me smoke.
No smoke this time.
No smoke this time but the ice cream is really good.
It is dripping down the sides but it is tasty.
Mmmmm.
Yeah.
That place was a lot of fun.
It is kind of like a performance while they're making your food.
Yeah, that is what I thought too.
I thought it was just fascinating to see how it was made and just it is such a charismatic
performance and a lot of attention to detail.
A lot of fun.
It is called Cooler Bear (酷樂熊).
Yeah.
Definitely check this one out.
Yes.
One of our coolest things yet.
The sugar high continues.
Yeah, we've had a really imbalanced ah ratio of sugary things versus savory things so I
think after this we're going to have to hit up some savory stuff for sure.
Yeah.
Alright.
Let's try that.
And it is also starting to rain here at the market.
Mmmm.
So you can probably notice a few droplets on the camera.
Oh that has got a nice really rich flavor.
It almost it does taste like bubble tea (波霸奶茶) but it also tastes a bit like a coffee flavor
to me as well.
Yeah.
I noticed that too.
Did you notice that too?
Yeah.
Mmmm.
Love that.
Love that stuff.
Even the spoons are cute.
They're shaped like little hearts.
Yeah.
This is one my favorites so far.
Time to bring out the big guns.
Yeah, so this is the one we've been trying to hunt down for a long time.
This is fried chicken steak (大雞排) and it is so popular that there is like a order
list.
So we're just waiting for our number.
We're 253 and the current order I think is 250 so we've got three more to wait for.
Alright.
Big meal for the big boy.
What are you having next Sam?
This is the chicken steak (大雞排) and this thing is a behemoth.
Like look how big this is.
And look how thick it is.
I think it is fresh out of the fryer.
It is pipping hot.
Like it is actually too hot on my hands.
I have to put the plastic bag around it.
Yeah.
Anyways, without further adieu let's try this.
Oh and we got the chili version of it too.
Yeah, the spicy one.
Don't burn yourself on the wait.
Woah.
You can see the steam coming off.
Oh my gosh that is good.
How was that chicken steak (大雞排)?
Pure magic?
Pure magic.
It is so crispy on the outside.
It tastes like the crunch and then you also taste the spiciness - the chili.
But then the chicken is so thick and juicy on the inside.
It is like that contrast between crunchiness and juiciness.
And it is so good.
I love this.
Mmmm.
So I don't know if you can see this right now but seriously check out the chicken.
It is such a thick juicy cut.
I know.
You can just oh.
There is so much more generous than what I thought.
It is massive.
You're going to like this.
Oh.
Hot?
Mmmm.
That is so good.
The spicy coating on the exterior has got this crunch.
It is almost like you're having chips.
Like crisps.
I know.
It is so so good.
And that is my favorite savory dish of the night so far.
How about you?
Yeah this is one of the best things we've had tonight.
And the price was really reasonable.
Sixty five Taiwanese dollars.
So two dollars.
Yeah.
Two US bucks for that bad boy.
This giant piece of meat.
Like seriously that is really good value.
Imagine going to a restaurant and getting this much meat.
This much chicken.
Amazing.
It costs a lot more.
Value for sure.
So that is a wrap from the market for us.
We're going to call it a night and head back.
It has started pouring rain and it is basically just masses of people like bumping into each
other with their umbrellas.
So we're like okay probably time to call it quits.
But we have lots of snacks that we're taking back with us.
And oh gosh just as we were leaving we made the most horrible mistake.
I wanted to order bubble tea (波霸奶茶) with milk and I got the original without milk
so it is just black tea with tapioca balls.
But I think there is brown sugar too.
So it should be sweet.
Yeah.
But it is not what I wanted so I'm so disappointed.
But anyways that was fun.
We ate really well so I would definitely say this is a market worth checking out if you're
in Taipei (臺北市).
And yeah that was good.
So if you want to check out this really cool night market in Taipei, Taiwan you're going
to come to Songshan station (松山車站) and then you're going to take exit one and
it basically takes you right there.
You just walk for like a couple of minutes and you'll see the market right away.
Yeah, and you turn left.
There is a huge temple at the entrance.
Yeah.
So I mean you can't miss it seriously.
Well good morning good morning.
Today is our last day in Taipei (臺北市) so we're going out for a dish that we've been
saving for last.
We're going to be trying beef noodle soup (牛肉麵 - 牛肉面) and this is a super
popular dish.
We plotted a whole bunch of places on our phone and finally settled on one.
So let's go find Jian Hong Beef Noodles (建宏牛肉麵).
Alright, so the food is already here.
It came out super quickly.
We ordered two bowls and this is a small portion but you know what?
I think this is going to be pretty filling for one person.
Yeah.
I was kind of worried we wouldn't be able to get a table because it is already eleven
thirty in the morning.
So kind of close to lunch but there is still plenty of space so that is good.
Um, but yeah, anyways let's have a look.
A closer look at the meal.
So here you have it.
So it is a noodle soup with a beef broth and these chunks of meat on top.
Those are really generous chunks of meat.
I know.
Yeah, it is a lot thicker than I would have imagined.
Yeah.
And the beef it can be tendon, brisket or shank.
And again I was worried this was going to be all tendon.
I'm not a huge fan of tendon so I'm glad to see like some really nice cuts of meat in
here with not a whole lot of fat.
So yeah, I'm going to grab some chopsticks right here.
Lots of what appears to be chives.
Green onions as well.
Yeah, chives on top.
So let's do this.
Let's try noodles first.
I love my noodles.
Putting my noodles on a spoon perhaps.
Mmm.
That is good.
They look thick.
Mmmm.
They are quite thick yeah.
They are nice.
A little chewy.
They've been soaking in the beef broth so that is nice.
Let's go for some noodles and meat now.
Oh my.
This is messy.
I do not have a talent for noodles and chopsticks.
My goodness.
Haha.
Why don't you try the meat?
Both of them.
Noodles and meat.
Okay.
So you're getting the noodles on there.
Got the noodles.
Ooh, okay.
You know what?
Let's just go with the meat guys.
The chopsticks aren't helping me today.
Mmmm.
Oh wow.
It is like really salty and savory.
Mmm.
You like that?
Mmmm.
It is quite tender as well.
Yeah, this has been cooking for a while.
This is good.
Pleasantly surprised over here.
Alright, time for me to try it so before I try the noodles or the meat I'm just going
to go in for a bit of soup.
Alright, I want to see what the broth tastes like.
So I've got a nice big thing of broth.
Mmmm.
That is really nice.
It is not overpowering.
It has just got kind of like a nice beefy broth taste.
Yeah.
It is not spicy.
It is a little bit savory but yeah not sweet either.
Yeah.
But just really nice.
It is just kind of a light broth that I think will compliment the noodles and the meat which
I haven't tried yet.
Yeah, I would say the meat has a stronger flavor than the broth.
Because you think.
I'm going to go for the meat then next.
Mmmm.
Your right it does have a stronger flavor.
Yeah.
And this piece has a bit of fat.
A little bit of fat on it too.
Oh no.
It gives it.
I mean it is tender but it is also chewy.
It is very chewy.
Wait, was it fat or tendon then?
It was just fat.
Okay.
A little extra flavoring.
Let's try the noodles.
Mmmm.
Those are also good too.
I like thickly cut noodles so it is tasty.
And just yeah overall it is a nice soup.
You've got a light broth, you've got your meat and then you've got your thick noodles.
So it is perfect to warm you up on a fall day like right now.
Maybe a little less animalistic.
So I'm actually a little bit curious about this.
There is like a huge bucket of sauce.
It looks more like a paste.
An orange paste.
I can not identify this.
It looks like in terms of texture it almost looks like polenta but I mean obviously it
is not.
Does it have a strong smell?
It does not have a strong smell.
So let's just get it in there and see what happens.
Let's have some noodles with sauce.
This one has me totally stumped.
Although now I'm starting to feel it burn in the back of my tongue.
Oh my.
So spicy obviously?
It is definitely hot.
I have no idea what other ingredients are here or what gives it that consistency or
texture.
But it is definitely spicy.
Oh man.
It kicks in at the very end.
So I'm putting a pretty good dent in my soup I would say.
Already half way done.
Although, Sam has been helping to be honest.
Look at mine.
I'm just working on the broth.
He's been stealing some of my meat and noodles.
I have been.
But anyway just to give you an idea of how popular beef noodle soup (牛肉麵 - 牛肉面)
is every year they have a festival here in Taipei (臺北市) and chef's get together
and they kind of compete to create the best recipe but also give it a bit of a twist and
make it a little different.
Um, and apparently one year there were rumors circulating that the festival wasn't going
to happen and everyone was so upset and they were like protesting so the mayor was like
it is okay guys.
He had to reassure them.
The festival will go on.
So I mean if people think they are not getting their beef noodle soup (牛肉麵 - 牛肉面)
it is a pretty big deal.
I guess this means somebody enjoyed their meal.
Yeah, the bowl is empty.
Satisfied over here.
And in terms of price point it came to a hundred and ten Taiwan dollars.
So you're looking at just under $3.50 US.
So yeah, good value.
It is a cheap meal that you can have and it is something you can get anywhere in Taipei
(臺北市).
Just walk around and you'll find one of these shops and just go in and place an order.
That's what we did.
Well good evening, good evening.
Tonight the street food adventures continue and we are going to be eating at the Ningxia
Night Market (寧夏夜市).
So this is our third night market here in Taipei (臺北市) and I feel like there is
still a lot of Taiwanese street food we haven't tried.
So we're going to be on a mission to try a whole bunch of new stuff tonight.
Let's check it out.
And we've already found our first snack of the night.
Tell us.
Yeah, so if you look down here we are having a breaded cheese and shrimp stick apparently.
Oh la lah.
And there is a lot of Taiwanese seafood snacks that we haven't tried yet so we're just diving
right in to that tonight on our third and final street food video here.
Alright, so it is fresh out of the deep-fryer.
And I must say that holding it in the hand I mean it looks really skinny and maybe a
little flimsy but it is actually fairly substantial.
Like there is a bit of weight to it in my hands.
So I'm really excited to try this.
Oh and they put some honey mustard on the outside.
Yeah, they had a few different sauces.
Like mayo and stuff.
So we decided to go with that.
Let's just try it.
Oh, wow.
Look at that cheese.
Cheesy.
Mmmm.
That tastes quite a bit better than I thought it was going to.
Um, really crunchy on the outside and then of course you get the gooey cheese.
You can see it just like coming straight from the stick to my mouth.
Alright, so time for me to try this.
I didn't get any cheese.
Have another bite.
Oh you got lots of cheese on that one.
Woah!
Look at that.
Gooey gooey cheese.
My goodness.
It is mozzarella.
Yeah.
So what do you think?
It is good.
It just tastes like breaded shrimp but I mean it is nothing fancy.
This could be like frozen shrimp out of the freezer and into the deep fryer.
Whatever.
But yeah, it is a nice little snack.
I'm hungry so I'm not complaining.
So I'm really excited for this snack.
I've tried it before and it has a few different names.
I've heard it be called a Chinese style pizza (蔥油餅 - 葱油饼).
Yeah, or green onion pancake (蔥油餅 - 葱油饼).
Yeah, so and really it is neither a pancake nor a pizza.
Um, it is kind of dark here so it is probably a little bit hard to see but I'll open this.
I would compare it more to a roti.
It is like this fluffy um flatbread.
And look at that.
You can see the green onions in it.
Yeah, it has green onions and you can also get it with different fillings.
You can get it with an omelet.
Yeah, or you can get it with melted cheese.
Yeah, we tried one with melted cheese a couple of days ago.
When we were out on a little day trip and it was good.
Oh man.
How is that?
This one has both.
Oh really?
Yeah.
Oh, wow.
This is really good.
Lucky us.
And it is really salty.
Really greasy.
Probably not the best for you but it tastes oh so good.
So it is my turn.
Let's give it a try.
Woah.
Let's not make out with it now.
I bit in to the egg and the cheese part like right where the biggest amount was.
So it kind of like urgh.
Sprayed me in the lip.
But that is really good.
Mmmmm.
I really like this and this is the kind of food that I could eat any time of day.
I could have it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack.
Yeah.
And it is really cheap.
We paid 35 Taiwan dollars.
35 so basically one US dollar.
Just slightly more than a US dollar.
So really good value and really cheap and we're enjoying this right here on the street.
Alright, time to give it back.
Give it back.
So watching this next snack be prepared was quite the spectacle and a little bit scary.
Ha, so if you look down here you can basically see that it is cubed meat (火焰骰子牛).
And it was cooked by what I like to call the flame-thrower.
Hahaha.
Yeah.
So he's like grilling it but at the same time he's using the torch to cook it faster.
Yeah, exactly.
And we've seen this at the other two night markets so this is something I've wanted to
try and we're finally getting a chance to do it.
So yeah, this is awesome.
So I'm just going to take my little stick here.
My massive toothpick and try it.
Mmmm.
That is really good.
Yeah.
Super juicy.
I wouldn't call it tender.
It is a bit of a fatty meat.
Yeah.
But lots of flavor.
Don't choke on it.
Pepper.
The ground pepper is getting stuck in my throat.
Oh man.
But yeah it is really good.
Really good.
I'm losing my voice.
Hahaha.
Oh man, you sound like the Godfather.
Okay, so time to try this.
The meat was a little bit fatty so I'm like trying to be meticulous.
Let's see which piece will be the best.
Mmmmm.
You like that?
It is very juicy but like you mentioned it also a bit chewy.
So yeah, it is not the softest meat (火焰骰子牛) but it is very flavorful.
And I like that we chose a simple dressing.
We just put black pepper and some sea salt so nothing fancy.
Yeah because you can get something like teriyaki and other things.
Oh and how much was that?
This was a hundred Taiwanese dollars so just a little bit over three dollars.
And this was a small portion.
You can get bigger ones as well.
So initial thoughts from this market it is a lot smaller from the two markets we visited
earlier this week.
Shilin (士林夜市) and Raohe (饒河夜市)) and this one is strictly food.
It is probably just the length of one block pedestrian only and yeah it is just little
stands selling food, no clothes, shoes or anything like that.
If you want kids toys there is like a second block that continues behind us but there is
no food there.
So we're just sticking with street food for now.
And when I say pedestrian only I mean that bicycles and motorcycles still get through
somehow.
I'm not sure why.
Ni Hao.
Papaya milk.
Small or large?
Small please.
Okay, sixty.
Sixty.
Yep.
Ah yes.
Thank you.
Xie xie.
So we've had a lot of savory treats so far so getting a little thirsty.
So we noticed a place selling papaya milk so we're going to give that a try here.
Papaya milk.
I've never heard of that before.
Oh.
That is really good.
Yeah?
Really creamy.
Is it milky or more fruity?
Uh, it is about half and half.
To be honest.
You really taste the papaya.
You really taste the milkiness of it.
Um, I like that it is sweet but it doesn't seem like that added a lot of sugar or any
at all.
You taste the natural fruit flavor and the milk.
It is not overwhelming amounts of sugar like say in a milkshake so I like that.
It tastes more natural.
One more.
I like that.
Alright, so packaging is pretty cute.
We've got two little panda bears on top and they also had a lot of different flavors.
They had like apple milk, avocado milk and like a whole bunch of other fruits so we went
for papaya.
This was Sam's decision.
I'm not the biggest fan of papaya so we'll see.
See if you actually like it or not?
It is frothy.
Yeah.
It is almost like a milkshake.
It is but it is not as sweet as a milk shake.
Would you agree?
Okay, that is not bad.
I mean I still don't love papaya.
You would have got a different flavor.
I would have.
Which one would you have got?
If they had strawberry I would have had strawberry.
But yeah, I like that it is very creamy and thick and frothy.
That is one good thing about the drink.
A different fruit would have made it better.
This one was my pick.
I saw they had baked potatoes.
And I ordered the double cheese potato (王子起司馬鈴薯).
So she put what looks kind of like a cheese whiz.
Like a melted cheddar.
Yeah, and then on top parmesan.
And it looks like that might be oregano or some kind of spice.
There is a lot of cheese going on.
Yeah.
And this is like steaming.
It is pipping hot.
Piping hot.
Mmmm.
Is it good?
Yeah.
Very cheesy.
It is nice.
And you can also get it with other toppings.
They had like ham and corn and whole bunch of other things to choose from.
We went for the double cheese.
We really like our cheese.
Mmmmm.
I really like this angle here because we've got a bearded red haired man right behind
you.
Check it out.
Are you serious?
Check the sign.
Haha.
My bearding abilities are not that good but I can eat well.
I can eat well.
So let's try this.
*Cough sounds*
We're both choking on the potato.
I'm choking on the parmesan.
Oh.
Cough.
Alright, we're good.
We've both recovered.
Mmmm.
What do you think?
That is really cheesy.
Yeah.
I mean it is not the best quality cheese (王子起司馬鈴薯) but it does the job.
It does the job and I mean for the price point was it sixty Taiwan dollars.
So less than two bucks and it makes a good snack on the street.
So we are now ready to move on to dessert and we are having something called Coffin
bread (府城棺材板) and I've been told this is a dessert that originated in Southern
Taiwan in a particular city.
Can't remember the name now.
Um but it is called Coffin bread (府城棺材板) because the toast is carved into a little
coffin and then it is filled.
Look at that.
And you can choose all sorts of fillings.
We chose the tapioca pearls.
Yeah because and brown sugar because we just can't get enough of that stuff.
Haha.
So yeah the toast was deep-fried and then afterwards they carved it.
The preparation was fascinating.
Yeah.
Alright, let's give it a try.
It is nice thick toast too.
It is thick.
But you know what?
It is smaller than what I was expecting.
I thought it was going to be like those giant square pieces of toast that are like super
thick.
So let's see.
So what say you?
It tastes like deep-fried dough.
Hahaha.
Do you taste the tapioca pearls and the brown sugar?
Not quite the strong to be honest.
It is mostly like the taste of the oil and deep-fried bread coming through.
So.
Not my favorite to be honest.
It looks really cool on camera but flavor-wise it is not my favorite.
Maybe with a different filling.
I'm going to let you try it now.
Let's see what you think.
First impressions?
What do your taste buds think?
I feel kind of the same way you do.
Yeah.
I think it could use a little more of a stronger topping.
Yeah but maybe more brown sugar.
But the Coffin bread (府城棺材板) itself is good I would just like to see a different
topping with a bit more sugar added.
More sugar.
That would also go good with ice cream too.
Yeah, maybe icing sugar on top or like more brown sugar inside the coffin.
Yeah because the tapioca, the pearls, it is just a little bit bland inside.
Yeah, I do agree with you about that.
Yeah, alright.
Well, most of the food has been a hit so far tonight but sometimes you just can't win them
all.
So final thoughts from this market.
We ate pretty well but in comparison to the other two we visited previously.
Shilin (士林夜市) and Raohe (饒河夜市)) I would say this one has a little bit less
variety to choose because it is smaller so I prefer the other two.
What about you?
But I feel like this one is a little bit more traditional so I quite like that.
I think I like it a little bit more than you but it is the kind of place where you just
come for the food and the experience and it is very busy so I think it was fun.
I'd come back again but yeah if you go to the other two night markets which are bigger
and a little more famous you do have more food options definitely.
Alright, Mister give us instructions.
How do we get there?
So to get to this Taipei Night Market you're going to take the red line.
You're going to get off at Shuanglian (雙連站).
Take exit one, take a left.
You're going to walk down about two or three blocks and you're going to see it on your
left hand side.
You can't miss it.
Alright guys, we are currently at Dongmen station (東門) here in Taipei (臺北市)
and everytime we come here we are tempted by these amazing desserts that they have advertised
all over the walls.
I'm going to show you what it looks like and then I'm going to tell you all about it.
So they clearly do not skimp out on advertising.
Like that entire station is plastered in ads for this dessert.
And apparently this is called Mango Iced Snowflake (Baobing - 刨冰 - 礤冰).
And they have two shops right outside the station so let's go eat.
Let's go do it.
And like most places worth eating at here in Taipei (臺北市) there is a huge line
but we're going to go stand there anyway.
Alright, so our dessert has arrived.
And it is standing room only at this particular spot.
So they've got like this little bar outside where you just bring your dessert, you eat
it here but check this out.
Yeah, because all of the tables are full.
I know it is packed with people and there is a huge line of people ordering.
So this is it.
This is the Mango Snowflake Ice (Xue hua bin - 雪花冰).
It is a mountain.
Like this is huge.
And we went for the classic so it is just mango and panna cotta on top.
But I mean they probably have like ten different flavors with like strawberries and chocolate
and red beans and you can choose anything really.
This is also called Ice Monster in some places as well.
Okay, yeah so there is two chains.
There is Ice Monster (芒果冰) and Smoothie House (思慕昔本館).
We're at Smoothie House (思慕昔本館) right now so let's just dig right in.
Dig right in.
That is amazing.
Guys we're sharing this.
Like apparently at this serving size is enough for two to four people.
Yeah, Sam was like we should each get our own.
Horrible idea.
That would have been awful.
That would have ruined dinner.
Mmmmm.
Brain freeze.
Did you take too big of a bite?
That is amazing.
The Mangoes are so sweet and ripe.
Yep.
Mmmm.
What else are you tasting though?
Oh man.
It has got the mango has kind of this glaze almost.
Do you taste like ice?
Ice and the panna cotta?
Oh yeah.
You've got your ice.
Your ice mountain.
Mango flavored.
But seriously, the fresh mango that is like my favorite part so far.
It has got like this syrupy sugar that is amazing.
And I love panna cotta.
I love ordering this dessert whenever we're traveling in Italy.
It is just so creamy and milky.
So yeah, I'm really really pleased with this dessert.
Mmmm.
Alright, so Sam finally gets to dig in.
You've had about five bites and I've had none.
So someone has to film and somebody has to eat.
I've got a bit of catching up to do here.
Okay, so I'm just going to try and get a bit of everything.
Oh wow.
The ice is melting a bit already.
I know you have to be fast with this because it just starts melting on the spot.
Okay, I'm going to get some mango.
So I've got a little bit of everything now.
Mmmm.
What do you think?
Oh yeah, that is really sweet.
You taste.
You really taste the shaved ice, you really taste the syrup and the nice big chunks or
mango.
Fresh mango.
It reminds me of something we had in Korea not too long ago called Sulbing (설빙).
Yeah, which is their shaved ice dessert (Bao Bing - 刨冰 - 礤冰)) and yeah it is really
good.
Um, I think I would enjoy this even more on a hot day as opposed to a cool one like this
but it is still a lot of fun and still really enjoying it.
Okay, so how would you rate your first mango ice snowflake experience?
That was really good.
Really filling.
We needed the two of us to finish that off.
We probably could have used a third spoon in there.
Yeah, I kept getting brain freezes like every second bite.
That stuff was so cold.
I know it was really cold.
Eating cold shaved ice on a cold day.
Probably not the best strategy in life but anyways yeah it was two hundred and ten Taiwan
dollars which is under just under seven US dollars.
So I mean if you divide it by two people it is like three dollars and fifty cents.
Not bad.
Not bad value.
It is not the cheapest dessert but I think it is really good.
It is really filling.
It is one of the top 40 things you've got to eat in Taipei (臺北市) according to
CNN.
Well there you go.
So yeah, it is worth trying and yeah let us know what you think when you give it a shot.