The charm of a city lies in the history and traces of life found in its neighbourhoods. The delicious meal could be a starting point or destination of your journey to go through time and explore the beauty of the city’s culture. Some of these restaurants featured below are housed in historical buildings, while others are situated near bustling market streets or important industrial and architectural heritage sites. Sampling delicious food alongside cultural tastes is the best way to explore a city.
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Experience Nearby Taiwanese Literature Base: NOBUO
One-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant NOBUO's dishes feature a refined and modest style with distinct flavours. Located on the tranquil Tai'an Street in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei, NOBUO is situated in one of the city's prime locations, which has long been the political and economic centre since the Japanese colonial era. Just a minute’s walk away is Qidong Street, part of the Taiwan Literature Base, while nearby landmarks include the Huashan 1914 Creative Park (hero image, formerly the Taipei Distillery ©Shutterstock), National Taiwan University Hospital, and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
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The neighbourhood to the west of NOBUO retains several public buildings from the Japanese era, such as the Control Yuan and Jinan Presbyterian Church. Heading north, the Taiwan Literature Base includes one city-designated heritage building and nine historical buildings, hosting literary events and exhibitions and offering writer residencies. The nearby Huashan 1914 Creative Park is a great place for arts and cultural activities, where you can feel the pulse of Taiwan’s latest cultural movements.
Explore Dadaocheng with Delicious Small Eats: Mai Mien Yen Tsai
Dadaocheng is a historic neighbourhood in the southwestern part of Taipei’s Datong District. Taking advantage of the shipping routes along the Tamsui River, Dadaocheng became the most prosperous hub for goods in Taipei by the late 19th century, dealing in tea and textiles. Although trade no longer drives the area today, the colonial-era architecture of the early 20th-century buildings along Dihua Street, with their finely crafted façades, adds to the charm of the area. Walking around the district, browsing the traditional shops, and soaking up the local atmosphere make this a must-visit area in Taipei.
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Tucked away in an alley near the Yan San Night Market, Mai Mien Yen Tsai has been a local favourite for over 80 years, serving dry noodles, soup noodles, rice noodles, braised pork, and chicken viscera dishes. Regulars recommend the soup noodles for their rich, fresh broth, while the signature fried braised pork, made from pork belly marinated with red vinasse and spices before being deep-fried, is another popular dish. After your meal, those with a sweet tooth can visit Lin’s Wagashi Confectionery for nourishing traditional sweets that have been around for 70 years, or head to the nearby Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple, dedicated to Mazu, and enjoy the local snacks in the temple courtyard shaded by banyan trees.
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Experience the Home of the Central Bank Governor: CEO 1950
Built in 1949, CEO 1950 is a rare example of a "Japanese-Western hybrid" two-storey wooden house. Originally the residence of the first governor of Taiwan's Central Bank, Xu Baiyuan, parts of the former residence, such as the reception and banquet halls, were repurposed as dining spaces. The venue reopened to the public in 2020 as part of the Taipei City Government's "Old House Cultural Movement 2.0", offering a glimpse into the life of a former central bank governor.
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CEO 1950 features a green courtyard, where you can admire unique circular "bull's-eye" windows and washed stone features. Looking up, you can see the exposed wooden roof structure. Notably, the restaurant's kitchen is located in the former air-raid shelter of the house, with walls an impressive metre thick—a true rare sight. The second floor serves as an art and exhibition space, allowing guests to enjoy a meal while appreciating the historical and cultural beauty of the space. (Right image ©CEO 1950）
Since 2020, when Taiwan was authorised to hold the international "Open House Taipei" architectural experience event by the UK, the CEO 1950 space has been an important part of the event with its iconic architectural heritage. Chef Jackie Chang of the restaurant is known for his mastery of French cuisine, incorporating Hakka ingredients and exotic elements for a unique dining experience.
Explore Tainan's Historic West-Central District with Delicious Street Food: Yeh Jia Calamari Rice Noodle Soup
Yeh Jia Calamari Rice Noodle Soup, located on the bustling Guohua Street in Tainan, has been serving up this beloved noodle soup for over 90 years. The dish features thick rice noodles, similar to Mee Tai Mak, in a clear, sweet broth, with tender and fresh squid, well loved by the locals and tourists.
Also on Guohua Street, another must-try street food on the Bib Gourmand list is Yi Wei Pin, which serves bowls of "Kueh" made from aged rice, accompanied by freshly-slaughtered pork, whiskered velvet shrimp, and house-made pork mince. A classic Tainan flavour, the dish features a deep colour, almost like caramelised soy sauce. Walking along the street, you’ll find more other delightful street food such as Gua Bao (braised pork belly buns), spring rolls, beef soup, and Spanish mackerel stew—a wonderful chance to indulge in Tainan's small eats culture.
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While walking through the old town, you can also visit the recently reopened Tainan West Market, a century-old public market that reopened in 2024 as part of the Taiwan Design Expo. It was Taiwan's first public market and the largest food wholesale market during the Japanese era, playing an important role in the city's development. The area around the West Market and Guohua Street also houses historical landmarks such as Chihkan Tower, the Confucius Temple, Lin Department Store, and Shennong Street—perfect for both a cultural and culinary experience in the old capital.
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Feel the Charm of Yancheng: Duck Zhen (Wufu 4th Road)
Yancheng in Kaohsiung was once the city’s political and economic centre, with its proximity to the Love River, Kaohsiung Port, and Shoushan Mountain making it a vibrant area during the Japanese era. Though the commercial centre of Kaohsiung has since shifted east, Yancheng has made a comeback in recent years with the charm of slow living, making it a popular destination for tourists—and the delicious street food is an experience you can't miss.Duck Zhen (Wufu 4th Road) has been a favourite for over 60 years, specialising in smoked duck and braised pork rice, both beloved by locals.
Other than Duck Zhen, the streets of Yancheng are filled with establishments offering small eat choices like milkfish, soup noodles, and sweet herbal tea. A five-minute walk from Duck Zhen takes you to the Yancheng First Public Market, where long-standing vendors and newer brands combine to create an atmosphere that blends old and new.
Yancheng also has notable cultural landmarks such as the Kaohsiung City Hall (now the Kaohsiung Museum of History), the ALIEN Art Centre, the Juejiang Shopping District, and The Pier-2 Art Centre. The mix of old world charm and new artistic energy makes Yancheng a must visit destination for anyone looking for inspirations and culture experience.
