Travel
Naturally Nostalgic and Artsy Vibes: Belgian Waffles Hidden in Taipei National University of the Arts Campus
Have you been to Taipei National University of the Arts in Guandu? I never knew there was such a lovely campus tucked away in the suburbs of Taipei until I stumbled upon it during an accidental photography class. And on the second floor of the university’s administration building is “Davinci DAVINCI CAFFE,” where my photography teacher mentioned that his daughter absolutely loves their Belgian waffles here.
Howard Plaza Hotel Launches World Steak Expo: 4 Restaurants, 19 Steak Options
Love steak? From July 15 to August 15, Howard Plaza Hotel’s four Western-style restaurants—Steak House, Teppanyaki, Lobster Palace, and Poolside Restaurant—are featuring a special “World Steak Expo.” Showcasing premium beef from the U.S. and Australia with a classic recreation concept, the event offers a total of 19 steak sets, including popular choices like charcoal-grilled American dry-aged bone-in ribeye, charcoal-grilled Australian Wagyu Grade 11 New York strip, and the rare French-style “Diana Steak.”
Youth in Kaohsiung Get Creative: Mapo Tofu Transforms into Pizza and Pasta!
The wave of Taiwanese culinary culture has evolved from an Eastern mainstream to embrace American, European, Italian, Spanish, and other multicultural influences. At Sojourner Café in the Hanshin Dome shopping district of Kaohsiung, a seventh-generation postgraduate teaching professional English and an eighth-generation mechanic working in mechanical assembly have collaborated to create a new take on traditional Taiwanese flavors. They believe that cuisine can coexist seamlessly between East and West, infusing every dish with playful delight.
Kumamoto Aso Men’s Café: Motorcycles, Coffee, and Handcrafted Romance
In Aso, there is a men’s-style food workshop called “Hibari Workshop” (ひばり工房), which was originally established about forty years ago as a ham production studio by the Aso Agricultural High School to train food processing assistants. This small workshop has always upheld the philosophy of “delicious handmade food,” and from the very beginning, it has stuck to a production policy of “limited quantities” and “handmade” small-batch items.
Matcha beer and matcha sauce are all self-developed here – a must-visit superstore for matcha lovers!
Still sticking to matcha cakes or ice cream? That’s a bit outdated, Up！A specialty matcha shop has recently opened a branch in northern Taiwan, introducing uniquely rare matcha-flavored risotto, lasagna, and beer. It has attracted hordes of netizens flocking to the store, successfully sparking a new matcha craze and heated online discussions.
From ramen to curry, everything’s blue?! Try Japan’s 4 “blue foods”—are you up for the challenge?
If ramen and curry were suddenly blue, would it make you want to eat them more—or lose your appetite? Four Japanese eateries have each launched their own unique “blue cuisine,” with eye-popping visuals that put some people off but also intrigue foodies eager to try something new. If you’re used to regular Japanese food, why not take on these blue dishes on your next trip to Japan?
It’s like running on a battlefield！The 2nd "Matsu International Marathon" kicks off in November
The 2nd "Matsu International Marathon" is set to start on November 5. The initial 1,500 slots have been fully booked, and the organizers have added 200 more spots open to runners from around the world. Liu Zeng-ying, Magistrate of Lienchiang County, said that Matsu boasts breathtaking seascapes, and the race route will pass by various military sites, with soldiers cheering on both sides—giving participants the unique experience of feeling as if they are truly running on a former battlefield.
Sukiya Celebrates Two Years in Taiwan with Four 24-Hour Stores
July 10 marked the second anniversary of the opening of Sukiya Kuting Store, signifying two years since Sukiya entered the Taiwanese market, which now has nine locations. Although Sukiya operates 24 hours a day in Japan, not all stores in Taiwan follow suit. Currently, there are four 24-hour stores: No. 1 Kuting Store, No. 2 Taipei Station Front Store, No. 3 Xinyi Anhe Store, and No. 4 Zhishan Store. Additionally, No. 5 National Father Memorial Hall Station Store is reportedly about to start 24-hour operations.
Zhubei International Land Art Festival — Art Connects the People and Land of Hsinchu Starting July 30
The inaugural “Zhubei City International Land Art Festival” will kick off on July 30 with a one-year exhibition. The exhibition area will start from the rear of Zhubei Railway Station and extend to Zhubei Park. It aims to use locally designed land art installations to herald the upcoming launch of the new National Highway Bus Transfer Station at Zhubei Railway Station’s rear section (the back of Zhubei Railway Station) and the “axis transformation” of the front section.
Race through the cherry blossom forest！ The 150-meter “Forest Waterslide” at Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village is only available until the end of August
This summer, the hottest way to beat the heat in Taiwan is to take on one waterslide after another — each longer than the last！ To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village in Nantou has introduced a 150-meter-long “Forest Waterslide” for the first time, giving visitors the thrill of a high-speed, ground-hugging descent. The attraction is only open from now until August 31.
Watermelon is pickled and grilled—its unexpectedly silky texture is a delightful surprise.
How can ingredients like basil, sweet corn, watermelon, and marshmallows be transformed into six savory dishes and two desserts? That was the theme of this collaboration at ACHOI Restaurant in Taipei’s Zhongshan branch of amba, where the head chef invited Austin Hu (胡正威), the chef of Shanghai’s top restaurant Madison, for a guest stint. The focus was on showcasing boundless culinary creativity. Honestly, what intrigued Jeff the most was how watermelon could be incorporated into savory dishes.
Generations-old flavors passed down for four generations: the simple delights of Wanhua pork lard rice and Qiezi noodles
Lately, I’ve been frequenting Huaxi Street for meals. Whenever friends return from abroad and mention craving Taiwanese flavors, I almost always take them straight to Wanhua or Datong District. Located near the end of Huaxi Street, Yifei’zai was established in the 39th year of the Republic of China (1950). With its simple Taiwanese snack-style decor, a poster of the founder, Hong Shiwen, hangs on the wall—it turns out he’s the husband of the owner’s mother. Including the daughter who helps out, this place is now in its fourth generation.
Taipei’s Hidden Summer Retreat: The “Shibawaxian Trail” Features Terraced Fields and Views of Shamao Mountain
During the scorching summer months, Taipei City offers a lesser-known but excellent retreat from the heat — the “Shibawaxian Trail” in Quanyuan, Beitou District. This tranquil area boasts abundant water flow, accompanied by the soothing sound of flowing streams along the path. The shaded forest is filled with phytoncides, offering physical and mental relaxation. Visitors can also admire terraced fields and take in panoramic views of the Greater Taipei Basin as well as Shamao Mountain, which resembles an upside-down bell.
54 meters—the longest in northern Taiwan！Four colorful slides to open at Green Green Grassland on the 29th
The longest terrazzo slide in northern Taiwan officially opens on July 29th！Xinjiang City’s “Green Green Grassland Fun Recreation Facilities Improvement Project” includes not only path repairs, lighting installations, and the setup of a tap water system, but also features the longest terrazzo slide in northern Taiwan at 54 meters. Xinjiang Mayor Lin Chih-chien visited the construction site today (15th) to inspect progress, aiming to ensure that children and visitors of all ages can play safely and happily at Green Green Grassland.
Scoot’s 4-day flash sale: Osaka from NT$1,888, direct flights to Hokkaido with taxes from NT$2,888
From now until 23:59 on July 18, Scoot is offering discounted airfares to 20 destinations, including direct flights from Taiwan to Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, and Sapporo, with one-way fares starting from NT$1,888 including taxes.
A Noah's Ark has appeared in Kentucky！ A 150-meter giant ship built according to the Bible's account
The highly anticipated Ark Park in Kentucky, USA, is set to open. Modeled after Noah's Ark, it measures 150 meters in total length and is entirely made of wood.
Taipei university students are crazy about it — the mysterious food truck that pops up randomly across campuses
A small red-and-white van crisscrosses Taipei’s major campuses at irregular intervals. Though its appearance is unassuming, when it slowly comes to a stop, university students swarm toward it. The side doors swing open to reveal a wooden-textured kitchen and a bold signboard, while the sizzling sounds from the back make everyone in line salivate.
Quanwei's Ice Cream Out of Taichung Town: 4 Must-Try "Summer Pop-Up Foods" Across Taiwan
With summer here, many international cuisines are eyeing the Taiwanese market, taking this opportunity to enter Taiwan or test the waters via pop-up events. Meanwhile, some local Taiwanese food businesses also want to let more people enjoy their delicious offerings, so they’re setting up temporary pop-up branches. This article rounds up 4 unmissable limited-time "pop-up foods." If you haven’t tried them yet, now’s your chance to savor them.
Super-cute cat-themed beverage vending machine debuts in Taichung – Spend the hot summer with the “Five Luckies” trio
The vending machine trend is booming, but as these machines become increasingly common, businesses have started focusing on bottle designs to make their drinks stand out. Located in Taichung, “Cat’s No-Drink Milk Tea” has launched beverages featuring illustrations of three adorable cats, each representing a different flavor. The insanely cute cat designs on the bottles are almost too much to handle.
Coup ends in Turkey as Istanbul airport resumes flights; over 100 stranded Taiwanese to return home
A military coup attempt in Turkey occurred on the evening of the 15th local time but ultimately failed. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Istanbul Atatürk Airport has now resumed flight operations.