A New Healthy and Budget-Friendly Way to Explore: Ride Ubikes Around Taipei in Search of Delicious Food

▲ AKB48 members riding Ubike Smile Bikes to promote tourism in Taipei. (Photo / Reporter Xu Wenbin)

Reported by Intern Reporter Huang Wanting / Taipei

Due to the increasingly severe issue of global warming, the Taipei City Government launched the “Ubike Smile Bikes” green transportation initiative in March 2009. Ubikes are not only convenient but also help you save money while staying healthy through exercise. There are numerous Ubike rental stations across Taipei, including those in Datong, Wenshan, Wanhua, Zhongzheng, Nangang, Da’an, Songshan, Zhongshan, and Xinyi districts.

In Taipei’s prime districts, finding parking is always a challenge, but with the widespread availability of Ubike stations, it’s easy for people to hop on a bike to explore popular food spots while also getting great exercise. Currently, Ubike EasyCard members enjoy the first 30 minutes of rental free of charge, with a fee of NT$10 for every subsequent 30 minutes. This promotion is valid until the end of 2013.


▲ The Coconut Lane at National Taiwan University.(Photo / Intern Reporter Huang Wanting)

Relive Campus Memories Starting from NTU’s Coconut Lane

Just outside Exit 2 of the busy Gongguan MRT Station on Line 2, nearly 30 Ubikes are available for rent. Ride your Ubike through the famous Coconut Lane at National Taiwan University. Despite the blazing sun, the tree-lined path offers plenty of shade, allowing you to slow down and leisurely explore Taipei’s largest university campus while soaking in the rich academic atmosphere of the top institution. You can also try the famed Sister Flower Chicken Cutlet and limited-edition ice cream made from pure fresh milk on campus.

Cross Through NTU Campus to “Find Meal. Store” at the Science Building

Located on Section 3, Heping East Road, “Find Meal. Store” is a well-known American-style breakfast spot near the Science Building. Though small in size, its signature breakfast items always draw long queues. The modified burger fillings are the result of years of research by the owner, offering a unique and fresh taste that surprised student Wu, who remarked that although the burgers may look ordinary, they’re remarkably satisfying — the patties are hearty, and even the milk tea has just the right richness.


▲ The burgers at “Find Meal. Store” are hearty and satisfying.(Photo / Intern Reporter Huang Wanting)

The owner recommends that first-time customers start with the simple “Hawaiian Cheeseburger” to truly appreciate the freshness of the ingredients. The beef patties are made from locally sourced pork, hand-chopped for a distinctive texture you won’t find in regular burgers. The “Milk Bacon French Toast” has a unique flavor that isn’t overly sweet, and for those craving fresh fruit, the “Chocolate French Toast with Banana” is a great choice.

“Xiangshan” in the Hills Behind Xinyi District

Travel straight along Keelung Road to reach Xiangshan, named for its elephant-like shape. Located in Xinyi District, southeast of the Taipei Basin, Xiangshan shares the same geological makeup as Tiger Mountain, primarily composed of sandstone. The trail features yellowish-brown steep cliffs and massive rocks, and with its abundant natural environment and diverse bird species, Xiangshan feels like a natural ecological paradise — a perfect spot for locals to enjoy outdoor greenery and leisure time.

▲ Xiangshan offers one of the best views of Taipei 101. (Photo / Intern Reporter Huang Wanting)

The Xiangshan Trail is equipped with informational signs to guide visitors. The area boasts various landscapes, including ridgelines, rock faces, and slopes. It’s also home to a variety of ferns, especially the golden dogtail fern and sedge tree fern — the most ancient and numerous in Taipei.

Known for its panoramic view of Taipei’s beautiful night scenery, Xiangshan was also a filming location for the popular idol drama “In Time with You.” But even during the day, Xiangshan is a favorite workout spot for fitness enthusiasts. As you climb the winding stairs, the view of Taipei unfolds before you. Aside from the stunning night view, the daytime scenery offers a completely different charm.

Popular Red Oil Wontons at Dinghao Department Store in the Eastern District

At the underground street exit of the Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT Station, “Dinghao Department Store” may look like an office building from the outside, but the legendary “Meijing Sichuan Snacks,” which only accepts walk-ins and often has hour-long wait times, is located on the B1 floor of Dinghao.


▲ Red oil wontons, sour and spicy noodles sprinkled with scallions, and peanut powder dan dan noodles are all popular menu items. (Photo / Intern Reporter Huang Wanting)

The narrow floor is packed with various shops, but around a discreet corner, “Meijing Sichuan Snacks” always has a long line. With limited seating, customers often wait up to an hour. The shop’s famous “Signature Red Oil Wontons” feature thick, chewy wrappers with a small amount of filling. Regular customer Wang said that although Meijing’s wontons don’t have as much meat as others, their simple, fresh, and hearty taste highlights the uniqueness of the wrappers. As for the dan dan noodles sprinkled with peanut powder, the sweet-and-salty blend with a sesame paste flavor is very appetizing.

Owner Li Zhiming, who has run the shop for over ten years, explained that it’s a family business passed down from his grandfather. Since everything is made to order and cooked fresh, it takes longer to prepare. Besides the signature red oil wontons, the sour and spicy noodles and dan dan noodles are also very popular. The sour and spicy noodles balance the spiciness of the broth with just the right hint of acidity, using simple ingredients that still bring out a fresh taste.

Related Information
Ubike
Ubike EasyCard members enjoy the first 30 minutes free, then NT$10 for every 30 minutes thereafter
http://www.youbike.com.tw/guide03.php

“Find Meal. Store” at the Science Building
Address: No. 6-3, Lane 1, Section 3, Heping East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2755-0567

Scenic Sichuan-style Snacks
Address: B1, No. 97, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2781-9004
Business Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)