【Taiwan Solo Trip】Even with wind and rain, the food tour continues: DAY 3

“What was that terrible rain last night...”
I woke up expecting a storm, but it was a very quiet third morning. Although I can see heavy clouds, it doesn't seem to be raining. As expected of a self-proclaimed 'sunshine girl'.

My stomach has settled after a night's sleep, so I'm going to eat everything I want to eat today.

I headed out into the city immediately, but it felt strangely quiet. I have a feeling many shops are closed due to the typhoon... It's a bit of a gamble, but I'll try visiting them one by one.

Hangzhou Xiao Long Tang Bao

A popular xiao long bao specialty shop in Taipei. It's a recommended spot I heard about from a colleague who used to live in Taiwan. It was open even though many shops had their shutters down. (So happy!)

The menu is extensive beyond just xiao long bao, and the casual atmosphere makes it easy to enter.
The two dishes I chose while pumping my fist in victory.

Guotie (Potstickers)

Guotie are large, pan-fried dumplings with a crispy bottom. They have both a golden, crispy side and a chewy, plump side, so you can enjoy the wrapper in two different ways.

The meat juices oozing from the ground pork were a perfect match for the black vinegar-based sauce.

Si Gua Ge Li (Luffa and Clams)

Si Gua Ge Li is a dish of luffa and clams steamed in a bamboo basket. It has a simple seasoning of clam broth, ginger, and salt.

Apparently, it's a classic home-cooked dish in Taiwan, and I was moved by how gentle the flavor was. The steamed luffa was melt-in-your-mouth soft, and it really soothed my stomach, which had been exhausted from days of overeating...!

Hong Shao Qie Zi and Chao Di Gua Ye

Aside from the main dishes chosen from the menu, there were side dishes in small plates laid out buffet-style. I chose the Hong Shao Qie Zi (braised eggplant) and Chao Di Gua Ye (stir-fried sweet potato leaves) from there.

Hong Shao Qie Zi is a dish where lightly cooked eggplant is tossed in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce. The melt-in-your-mouth, juicy eggplant goes perfectly with the garlic-infused sauce! The sauce looks spicy, but it's not as spicy as it looks. I could eat two bowls of white rice with just this...

Following yesterday's menma, the Chao Di Gua Ye has successfully ranked as the best side dish. I looked it up and learned that it's actually the leaves and stems of a sweet potato plant.

You can eat the leaves and stems of a sweet potato?!
I was surprised.

And it was actually really delicious. The vine-like, curly stems have a fun, crunchy texture. The simple seasoning of garlic and salt is also great. If this were at an izakaya, I would definitely order another beer just for this.

I think the combination of the oil-rich pan-fried dumplings and the three lighter side dishes was a pretty good balance, if I do say so myself.

Still, I definitely ordered too much. (I never learn.)
It was certainly more than one person should eat, but I finished it all like a competitive eater and left the restaurant feeling completely satisfied.

Typhoons that hit Taiwan are quite intense. When a typhoon hit directly during my first trip, the trees were bending so much it looked like they were doing the limbo. It was like the end of the world.

The next place I'm heading is somewhere I couldn't visit on my first trip.
Fortunately, the rain is sparse and the wind is fickle. It's close from here, so I'll walk to let my stomach settle. Please let it be open...!!

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a massive, iconic white building in Taipei built to commemorate Taiwan's first president, Chiang Kai-shek. The blue tiled roof and the spacious Liberty Square are impressive, and the changing of the guard ceremony is a must-see.

Seeing the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in person was even bigger than I imagined...! Unfortunately, the doors were closed, so I couldn't see inside.
The wind was blowing incredibly hard at times, so just being able to see the exterior was enough for me. I'll head to the next spot before I get blown away by a gust.

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

A cultural spot in Taipei renovated from a former sake factory. Shops and cafes are scattered throughout the grounds, which are lined with red brick buildings, making it a fun place just to walk around. Or so I'm told.

The fact that I say 'or so I'm told' means, yes, most of the shops were closed due to the typhoon. Bummer. There were some shops and cafes I was curious about... I'll have to try again another time.

Taipei 101 Observatory

I made an emergency evacuation to the observation deck of this iconic skyscraper, where you can get a panoramic view of Taipei. The wind and rain were getting stronger, and if I wasn't careful, my umbrella would have been snatched away...!

Even if I went up to the observation deck, it looks like I'd only see clouds. Another bummer. I didn't go all the way up and headed to the next spot.

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a large cultural area in Taipei that was regenerated from the site of a former tobacco factory. There are many ponds and greenery, and it would be a nice place for a stroll if it were sunny.

I walked around the indoor shops to escape the rain, and since I was starting to get hungry, I decided to have dinner.

Marugame Udon, Eslite Spectrum Songyan Store

I caught the 'I miss Japanese food while traveling' bug, and ended up at Marugame Udon of all places. There is a food court in the basement of the Eslite Spectrum commercial facility within the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, and it's located in one corner.

I tried to pick a menu item that you can't get at Marugame in Japan, but I've forgotten what flavor it was...

Evening came and the rain started to let up. Just as I started walking back to the hotel, I realized I hadn't had dessert yet.

Alright, it's still bright out, so I'll grab some douhua before heading back.

Douhua Zhuang

Douhua Zhuang is a long-established specialty shop for douhua. You can enjoy smooth douhua combined with your choice of toppings like peanuts or tapioca.

The softness, which requires no chewing, is practically a drink. Plus, it's refreshing and sweet, making it easy to eat. It was just perfect for dessert after a meal...!

Tomorrow is finally the last day. Since I have an afternoon flight, I'll try to revisit the shops that were closed today due to the typhoon in the morning. I hope they are open.

I'll eat tonight's snack and go to sleep while praying!
To be continued in DAY 4...