Travel
Hometown Cuisine of a Taiwanese-Mexican Girl: Signature Mexican Beef Tacos
We don’t know many Mexican restaurants in Kaohsiung, but there’s one — “MICASITA 米卡希达” tucked away in an alley next to Xinguang Road near the 85 Sky Tower. This hidden gem is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. The owner, Ya You, has Taiwanese-Mexican heritage. Her father, a Taiwanese sailor, met a Mexican girl while sailing and eventually married her after years at sea.
There are more and more food options in Nangang District lately — specialty toast shops are popping up in the station area.
Have you often had trouble finding good food near Nangang? Now, consumers don’t need to worry anymore. With the successive opening of department stores and hotels, business opportunities have gradually emerged. Popular casual dining businesses have decided to follow the trend and open new branches, making Nangang a new battleground for gourmet food.
New Japanese-style izakaya "Ginrokkaku" debuts in Taiwan; opening on April 18
The trendy new-style Japanese izakaya "Ginrokkaku," known for serving High Balls, has become a hit in Japan and is now making its way to Taiwan, introduced by HeYuan Catering. Its first branch will open in Taipei’s East District, featuring Taiwan’s only dedicated KAKU-HIGH machine that chills soda water and whiskey to an entrance temperature of 3.4°C. In addition, the venue will serve world-renowned takoyaki and yakisoba from the HotLand Group (Tsukiji Tempura Takoyaki). Among them, Spicy Shrimp Takoyaki and Tartar Oyster Takoyaki are not only limited to Taiwan but are also exclusive to Ginrokkaku.
Breaking News / Penghu Fireworks Festival Opening Ceremony Goes Up in Flames – Netizens: The Ferris Wheel Becomes a Firewheel
The 2016 Penghu Sea Fireworks Festival kicked off its opening ceremony on April 18, with dazzling fireworks and the “O Show” Ferris wheel design that had the public highly anticipating the event. Unexpectedly, around 9:30 PM that night, while the fireworks were still being launched, the Ferris wheel caught fire. Many witnesses were on the scene, and although the fireworks show was not yet over, most of the crowd had already left. Some netizens wryly commented, “The Ferris wheel has turned into a firewheel.”
The Japanese show their support for Kumamoto with "explosive buying"! The Ginza Kumamoto Store is packed with customers snapping up local souvenirs.
The Kumamoto earthquake severely damaged both Kumamoto and Oita prefectures, with many historic sites and buildings collapsing, and land, sea, and air transportation temporarily suspended. In addition to expressions of concern and donations from various countries, people across Japan have also taken action to support Kumamoto. Last weekend, the "Ginza Kumamoto Store" in Tokyo saw a huge influx of visitors—all there to buy Kumamoto-made products. "Even if it's just a little money, we hope that by purchasing goods from Kumamoto, the revenue can be used to rebuild the area."
Adorably Cute Attraction: South Africa’s Winery “Duck Army” Helps Maintain the Vineyard
According to the UK’s Daily Mail, a winery in South Africa called Vergenoegd Wine Estate has raised 800 ducks to tackle pest problems. The ducks’ adorable daily routine has unexpectedly turned into a popular tourist attraction.
The world’s fastest moving art gallery: Interior of Japan’s “Imabari Shinkansen” unveiled
Dubbed the “world’s fastest moving art gallery,” the Imabari Shinkansen has finally been confirmed to begin service on April 29. The interior design of this uniquely artistic train, stunning from the inside out, has also been revealed recently. The train is expected to run daily from April 29 to May 8, after which it will operate regularly every weekend.
News Flash / Live stream of the Penghu Fireworks Festival opening show！Even if you can't attend, you can still feel the excitement
The 2016 Penghu Fireworks Festival kicks off on Monday, April 18. A live online broadcast will be held at 9:00 PM that evening, allowing visitors who can't make it to the event to still experience the atmosphere. In addition to inviting international fireworks teams from Japan, China, Italy, Austria, and Russia to take part, this year also features a special "O Show" theater tech performance with a diameter of 12 meters and a height of 15 meters, combining fireworks with technology for an even more stunning visual spectacle.
The must-try "Rice Pearl Milk Tea" on Brown Boulevard — handcrafted tapioca pearls made from Taitung Chishang rice!
It’s not unusual to have tried bubble tea, but have you ever had the unique "rice pearl milk tea"? Located near Brown Boulevard, the Rice Homeland Museum offers the only "Rice Pearl Milk Tea" in Taiwan, handmade using Taitung Chishang rice along with tapioca flour, brown sugar, and other ingredients. The pearls retain whole grains of rice, offering a chewy, Q-textured experience with a distinct rice flavor — truly special. In recent years, it has become a must-order signature drink for tourists visiting the area!
Buy 1 Get 1 Free！Buy an international ticket on TransAsia Airways and get a domestic one for free
From now until the end of June, passengers flying with TransAsia Airways on international or cross-strait routes will enjoy the “Fly International, Get Domestic Free” promotion. By presenting your boarding pass for the Taiwan departure segment, you can redeem one one-way free domestic flight ticket to explore Penghu, Kinmen, or Hualien.
Electronic Gallery and Eco Wall – SkyTeam’s New Lounge Opens in Dubai
SkyTeam has officially opened its latest lounge at Dubai International Airport. Covering an area of over 960 square meters, it can accommodate 180 passengers. Open 24/7, seven days a week, the lounge offers not only dining and shower facilities but also an electronic gallery showcasing works by various artists.
Kumamoto Airport to reopen domestic flights on the 19th; ANA and JAL to resume services
Kumamoto Airport was severely damaged by the Kumamoto earthquake and was closed due to partial destruction. According to Japanese media, the airport is expected to reopen domestic flights on the 19th, with ANA and Japan Airlines beginning services to Kumamoto. International flights, however, are still under repair.
Dessert lovers, rejoice！Taipei’s 5 must-visit doughnut shops
Every time you take a bite of a sugar-glazed doughnut, all your bad moods just vanish in an instant！That sweet feeling from your mouth to your heart instantly lifts your spirits！Whether it’s a classic basic flavor or one of their creative offerings, you just can’t get enough. ETToday Travel Cloud has specially rounded up five popular doughnut shops in Taipei that all you dessert enthusiasts simply must check out！
Hearing a stranger say "this phrase" at the airport? It's best to refuse immediately and leave the scene.
Taiwanese travelers are generally warm-hearted and often willing to help others in need. However, many don’t realize that if you hear "this request" while checking in at the airport, it’s best to say no and walk away right away. Recently, a netizen posted on PTT about an incident when they were at the check-in counter and a young couple suddenly asked them to bring "a small box of cake" through, reigniting discussion on this topic.
9-second real landing footage: Yuan Shan Hotel’s 20-meter “secret tunnel slide” — ends with a drift!
In recent years, a “slide craze” has swept across Taiwan, from hotels with slides to high-speed, transparent slides introduced in cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan. However, when it comes to the most iconic slide in Taiwan, the “secret tunnel slide” hidden within Taipei’s Yuan Shan Hotel takes the crown. This 50-year-old slide stretches 20 meters and gets you there in just 9 seconds, with a high-speed drift at the final turn. A reporter tried it out and screamed their head off!
The giant dragon slide at a Shanghai mall lets you slide from the 5th floor to the bottom in just 16 seconds
Giant slides are very popular in Asia, and a mall in Shanghai has installed a five-story slide that coils like a dragon in the atrium—quite a spectacular sight. The slide officially opened to the public on the 18th, drawing many onlookers. However, some people have expressed concerns about safety.
Affordable braised snacks in Ximending—unique sauce paired with a huge "forest" of veggies!
If you're in Ximending and craving affordable yet delicious braised snacks, Pingzi recommends this spot near the Ambassador Theatre—the Spicy Braised Wow Hot Braised Snacks & Vegetable Forest. As the saying goes, "Even Buddha needs gold trimming, and people need fine clothing." This braised snack shop excels at presentation, turning every ingredient into a display item, resembling a true vegetable forest. The shop isn’t big, but it offers both dine-in and takeout options. The braised snacks aren’t overly salty, with rich and fragrant flavors that made Pingzi fall in love at first bite.
French Royal Chef Eric Comes to Taiwan as Guest Chef – 9-Course Meal for NT$15,500
Kaohsiung’s THOMAS CHIEN French Restaurant, which invites world-renowned master chefs to Taiwan every year, will welcome Eric Fréchon, known as the Royal Chef, from May 18 to 22. The event will be themed “Royal Cuisine, French Classic Set Menu,” priced at NT$15,500, which includes 9 courses and 6 pairing wines.
The Gold Coast Marathon in Queensland to Kick Off in July – Early Bird Registration Ends April 28
One of the world’s most iconic classic road races, the “Gold Coast Marathon,” is set to take place this year. The course stretches along dozens of kilometers of beautiful beaches along the Gold Coast. This year’s race will officially start on July 2–3. The Queensland government in Australia has announced that early bird registration is currently available, with the deadline at 11:59 PM on April 28. Tourism Queensland has specially planned a “Taiwan Celebration Party” for runners participating in the marathon.