Must-Try Local Foods List: Top 5 Popular Eats in Taipei’s Dinghao Shopping Area

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots’ Beibei Zi, compiled and reported | Photos provided by Beibei Zi
 
The Dinghao shopping area on Zhongxiao East Road and Da’an Road in Taipei is a food paradise in the city’s eastern district, and it also hides many local delicacies known only to residents. Here are four highly recommended eateries by locals in the area—add them to your must-visit list, and be sure to stop by next time you’re in the neighborhood!

1. Meijing Sichuan Snacks
At the basement level of Dinghao Famous Brands Mall in the Dinghao shopping area, there are two popular eateries that often draw long lines. One of them is Longmen Meijing Sichuan Snacks, tucked away in a corner of the basement. Its signature dish, red-oil wontons, attracts food lovers from far and wide, and you often can’t get a seat without waiting in line during meal times. The aromatic wontons and dan dan noodles are so delicious you’ll want to come back again and again. Meijing Sichuan Snacks also has a branch run by the owner’s sister in a small alley on Da’an Road. The menu here is similar to the main branch, though the flavors are slightly different. Also, since it’s run by just the owner herself, service can be a bit slower, so please be patient.

【Info】
Longmen Meijing Sichuan Snacks
Main Branch: No. 97, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City (B1, Dinghao Famous Brands Mall)
Da’an Road Branch: No. 5, Lane 16, Section 1, Da’an Road, Da’an District, Taipei City

2. Dinghao Zilin Steamed Dumpling Restaurant
Another must-try eatery in the basement of Dinghao Famous Brands Mall is Zilin Steamed Dumplings, which specializes in northern Chinese noodle dishes. Their signature item is oversized, thick-skinned steamed dumplings, available in both vegetarian and pork varieties—both are super filling. In addition to the steamed dumplings, potstickers, wraps, sour and spicy soup, and noodle soups are also popular choices. Dining here during peak hours requires waiting in line, but the turnover is fairly quick, and you’ll usually only have to wait a few minutes before being seated to enjoy your meal.