Welcome to My Lovely Hometown Taichung Part 1: Taiwan’s Foodie Paradise

Photo source: Chun Shui Tang official website

By Kimi Sun, DET Marketing

Since the pandemic outbreak back in March 2020, I’ve cancelled all my overseas travel plans and it’s been a year since my last home trip back to Taiwan.

Although my country is doing quite well on risk control compared to other countries, the 14-day quarantine plus 7-day self-monitoring requirements have put me off the idea of making the trip.

Because I can’t go back, I’d like to invite all of you to come with me to all my favorite spots in Taiwan’s best city as if we’re there now.

My husband Peter and I enjoying a picnic at the park near National Taichung Theatre (2018)

Taichung the Heart of Taiwan

My hometown Taichung City (臺中市) is located in the center of Taiwan and is the 2nd largest city with a population of more than 2.8 million residents.

While you may have visited our country’s capital city Taipei before, I’m sure you’ll notice that Taichung is a very different city. Here it’s less crowded, life moves at a slower pace and there’s an abundance of cultural elements that are unique to Taiwan. This all makes it the top city for Taiwanese youngsters to visit on weekends.

In the first part of my tour I’d like to introduce you to the places where I get my fix of must-have local foods whenever I’m back.

If you ever have chance to visit after the pandemic, you can take a direct flight from Bangkok (BKK) to Taichung international airport (RMQ).

For now, you can follow me and enjoy a nice slow-life stroll through this fantastic city.

Grab the best traditional Taiwan drinks and snacks in Taichung
Lai Lai Soybean Milk Shop (來來豆漿)

There are plenty of soymilk shops in Taichung, but this one is my all-time favorite. It’s open 24 hours so I always go straight to the shop right after I get off the plane. This shop actually is originally from Taipei but as an experienced food-lover who has tried both shops, I can assure you that the one in Taichung tastes better and has larger portions:) 

Soymilk shops don’t just make and sell comforting fresh soy milk. They also have piles of delicious snacks like egg rolls (蛋餅), xiao long bao (小籠包) Taiwanese steamed dumplings, chive dumpings (韭菜餃子), Taiwanese turnip cake (蘿蔔糕) and of course the famous Taiwan beef noodles (牛肉麵).

You can choose from a great variety of sweet and savory bites. My recommended combination is the cold sweet soymilk (it has a little bit of a burnt taste) and an egg roll. If you want to try something special, I also highly recommend the salty soymilk.

Chun Shui Tang (春水堂人文茶館)Original shop at Siwei Street (photo from Chun Shui Tang official website)

This traditional Taiwanese teashop was founded in 1983 in Taichung and is well known as the inventor of the world-famous bubble milk tea. The original store is located at Siwei Street and was renovated few years ago.

If you have time, you can go to the charming original store to enjoy the décor. Otherwise, you can visit any branch location at a shopping mall or city areas as all the shops I’ve visited all make drinks with superior taste and quality.

Chun Shui Tang also offers a great variety of meals. I highly recommend their Kungfu Noodles (功夫麵) and braised bean curd with rice cake (招牌滷味豆干米血). It is a great place to stop by with friends for a snack, regular meal or a late night supper.

Taking our then 10-month-old son out for dinner. Too bad bubble tea is not good for babies (2019)

As you can see Taichung is a foodie paradise where you can get the authentic taste of the foods and drinks that have made Taiwan world-famous. I hope you enjoyed our stroll in the city today and hope you join me in part 2 of this tour where we will visit some of the most iconic locations in Taichung.

Until then, see you next time bye bye 拜拜啦!

Useful Links
Lai Lai Soybean Milk Shop location: https://goo.gl/maps/c9dMNZgAnJtjD6FR7
Chun Shui Tang: https://chunshuitang.com.tw/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RJgux5ka1fHy3fLA8

About the Author (Editorial Team)

Kimi Sun

I’ve relocated to Thailand, the land of smile and super spicy food, from Taiwan since 2018 to join DET Marketing team. Prior to joining DET, I was with IABG team in Delta Taiwan. My years in Delta have taught me the values of hard work and time management. These have helped me tremendously to juggle between work and my first born. If you want to know anything about Delta branding direction and trade events in the SEA+ region, feel free to email me.

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