Travel
Be a bookworm with style once in a while—check out 4 themed bookstores in Taipei
In our digital world, we often find ourselves constantly looking down at our phones, scrolling through updates from friends on Facebook and Instagram, while neglecting the little world inside ourselves. In fact, the charm of words found in paper books is timeless. ETtoday EBC News specially selects 4 uniquely themed bookstores in Taipei, each with its own distinctive focus, offering you a cozy place to connect with literature.
Available for only 2 months: Old Homie’s 5 most popular dishes from its Shanghai store now launched in Taiwan
Taiwan’s yakiniku brand Old Homie’s Shanghai branch was awarded one Michelin star in September, becoming the world’s first Japanese-style yakiniku restaurant to receive this honor. To allow Taiwanese diners to enjoy this starred cuisine, from now until February 28, 2017, Old Homie’s has selected five of its most popular dishes from the Shanghai store, available for a limited time at all seven branches across Taiwan. The five dishes are: Old Homie’s Signature Yakiniku Roll, Old Homie’s Aged Beef Hot Pot, Bacon Tomato Donburi, Fresh Scallop Orange Salad, and Oriental Duck Cabbage Salad.
Like forest sprites? Kaohsiung’s borderless cuisine spot lets you dine inside a “birdcage”
These days, just having delicious food isn’t enough to attract diners—restaurants need unique features and Instagram-worthy vibes to capture attention. Coupled with the recent trend of dried flowers and forest-themed decor, many businesses are capitalizing on this wave by transforming their spaces into nature-inspired landscapes. Kaohsiung’s newly opened “J.C.co Art Kitchen” is a borderless cuisine restaurant that incorporates green gardening, and its most eye-catching feature is the “birdcage” seating design—utterly lavish and over the top!
Super Dreamy! Yilan’s Rainbow Wooden Cabins & Colorful “Water Chapel”
As the name suggests, Sky Island is an island close to the sky. In Yilan’s Jiaoxi, there’s a homestay named “The Little Wooden Cabins on Sky Island.” Eight colorful cabins are tucked away in lush green rice fields. Looking up, you’re greeted by a vast expanse of sky, as if you could reach out and grab the clouds. The cabins create their own little world — that serene, otherworldly feeling truly makes them seem like cabins on a Sky Island.
Even bigger than those abroad—Taoyuan’s new highlight “Heart Lock Pathway” features giant heart-shaped locks
Located at Taoyuan’s Sanmin Park, the Heart Lock Pathway has 10 semi-circular gates, each adorned with an oversized heart lock featuring unique designs and thought-provoking love quotes. Couples can bring their own locks, write their names and sweet nothings on them, then secure them to the iron fences beside the gates before tossing the keys away—a symbolic gesture of unwavering love.
Top 3 most-searched food keywords in 2016 by netizens: brunch, beef noodles, and matcha
What were the top 10 most-searched food keywords by netizens in 2016? According to an analysis of keywords searched by members, OpenRice Taiwan found that the top three favorite foods among netizens were brunch, beef noodles, and matcha.
Open 24 hours!! Korean BBQ you can enjoy solo — savory meat infused with charcoal aroma, not overly sweet
I’ve tried quite a few all-you-can-eat BBQ sets around Hongdae because they’re convenient and perfect for one person. But honestly, this place serves the best-grilled meat I’ve had in any such set so far. The meat has a great smoky flavor, the cuts are quality (not just fatty), and the marinade is well-balanced — not too sweet. Plus, it’s open 24 hours, so if I had to recommend one, it’d be this one.
Feng FOOD is giving away a New Year’s grand prize: Dine with two or more people and you could win an all-you-can-eat pass for the entire year.
As 2016 comes to an end, are you ready to welcome the new year? Taipei’s largest buffet restaurant, Feng FOOD, has prepared a special New Year’s gift for 2017 for all buffet lovers. From now until January 10, 2017, simply dine at Feng FOOD with two or more people to qualify for the lucky draw. The grand prize is “All-You-Can-Eat for the Entire Year of 2017,” which allows free dining every day, at any mealtime.
BBQ Meets Ramen: Mediquin & Nagi Unveil Two Limited-Edition "Mediking" Ramen
For the first time ever, two countries, two major brands, and two chefs join forces—American restaurant Mediquin and Japan’s tonkotsu ramen Nagi collaborate to launch two limited-edition "Mediking" ramen that blend American and Japanese culinary elements. Available exclusively at all Q'iang Nagi (Nagi) tonkotsu ramen outlets across Taiwan from the evening of December 16 through December 25.
Kaohsiung’s First “International-Class” Hotel – Indigo Hotels Expands to Taiwan with a Presence in the Port City
Aligned with the Kaohsiung City Government’s strong push for its “International Kaohsiung” policy, Lefang Hotel Management Group has brought in InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) Indigo Hotels brand. The new property grandly opened on the 16th next to Kaohsiung’s Central Park, making it currently the only international hotel in Kaohsiung.
Mario's favorite food is "this" — even the original creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, gave it a thumbs-up
The mobile app game *Super Mario Run* officially launched on the 16th. This classic childhood memory for those born in the '60s and '70s has been a part of many people’s lives as they grew up. Most know him as a plumber, but do you know where he’s from or what he loves to eat? The answer is revealed: Mario is an Italian-American, and his favorite foods are Italian pasta and pizza！
A Must-See in Japan at Year’s End: The Dreamlike “Arashiyama Lantern Path” Illuminates Kyoto at Night
Following the autumn foliage, the most poetic light festival in Japan’s Kansai region every year is none other than Kyoto’s “Arashiyama Lantern Path.” Rather than being adorned with densely packed, dazzling lights, the event features variously shaped lanterns scattered along a meandering route, leading all the way to Togetsukyo Bridge. With the background of the forested mountains and illuminated bridges, the main streets are bathed in a magical glow—offering a romantic scene that can only be seen in winter.
Dreamy Parent-Child Winter Camp: Lakeside Elementary School Camping, Stargazing & Fun Board Games
For families looking to immerse themselves in nature during winter vacation, joining a winter camp could be a great choice. Hotel operator Just Sleep has teamed up with outdoor gear retailers and board game companies across Taiwan to launch a brand-new family-oriented winter camp program, inviting families to have fun together. At the picturesque Lakeside Elementary School, enjoy beachside camping, stargazing, and an exciting board game tournament that will keep the kids entertained.
A must-try at Fengjia Night Market: the -196°C "Smoky Fun Cake" that makes you exhale smoke
Anyone who has visited Fengjia Night Market in Taichung probably has strong memories of the "Smoky Fun Cake." It's just a small stall, yet it creates magical cookies that leave everyone amazed. However, after an incident where a customer suffered frostbite from eating the cake, the shop remained steadfast half a year later. Beyond the gimmick, its survival is thanks to owner Huang Zhaozheng’s confidence in the product and the curiosity of customers.
Taipei’s first-ever balloon-themed restaurant is here – featuring Disney, Pokémon, and more!
Themed restaurants are all the rage these days, with a wide variety of cartoon characters drawing crowds. But can you imagine a themed restaurant in Taipei that not only boasts a dazzling array of cartoon characters but is entirely decorated with balloons? The “Party Balloon Theme Restaurant” is Taiwan’s first and only balloon-themed eatery, combining balloon art with creative cuisine to leave every visitor in awe – and reservation calls keep pouring in!
Australia’s Most Scenic Marathon Route: Runners Embrace Beaches and Tropical Rainforests
Taiwanese people are obsessed with running events — in 2015 alone, there were over 700 races across Taiwan. Runners not only take on courses all over the island but are also increasingly eager to try overseas marathons. This year, Tourism Victoria (Australia) specially participated in the Taipei Marathon Sports Expo to encourage Taiwanese runners to experience a completely different racing atmosphere in Melbourne.
Three coins for a meal? Taipei’s 7 popular pan-fried buns with juicy fillings that burst in your mouth
Can you really have a meal in Taipei for just three coins? ETtoday EBC News specially compiled a list of Taipei’s 7 popular pan-fried buns and shengjian buns. With their golden, crispy, slightly charred crusts and juicy, sweet fillings, they’re so delicious you won’t be able to stop at just one — perfect whether as a main meal or a snack.
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Xi'an – Reunion Dinner at Angsana's Five-Star Hotel
Have you heard of the "Ten Oddities of Shaanxi"? Among them, the "noodles as wide as a belt," "bread as big as a pot lid," and "eating chili instead of vegetables" are all tied to the region’s unique culinary habits and are widely known local customs. This year, why not gather your family in Xi'an for an extraordinary Spring Festival? Together, savor signature dishes like Biangbiang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and dumplings shaped like ingots… and welcome the auspicious Year of the Rooster with a feast for the senses.
Winter Romance in Northern Xinjiang ~ Explore the Fairyland of Kanas and Heavenly Lake
The world heritage site Heavenly Lake in Northern Xinjiang, surrounded by numerous spruces, glows under the winter snow-capped peaks; the popular tourist destination Kanas captivates with its enchanting winter lake and mountain scenery, with the morning mist at Shenxian Bay being the most iconic. Winter travel in Northern Xinjiang offers a chance to admire breathtaking views where you become part of the landscape, with picturesque scenery that is endlessly fascinating.
Explore Beijing: Spend a Night at Gubei Water Town
In recent years, not only have "time-travel dramas" been popular, but "time-travel tourism" has also become a trend. Have you jumped on this bandwagon? Now, when visiting Beijing, you can not only climb the Great Wall but also stay overnight at Gubei Water Town at the foot of the Wall. Immerse yourself in its nostalgic atmosphere, experience the culture and lifestyle of ancient border defense times, and enjoy a unique new way to explore Beijing.