Taipei, like many other East Asian cities is known for its night market scene and street food. You will find many alley ways and nooks and crannies filled with food stalls and tea spots (perfect for a foodie like me!) This week I came across two spots which I wanted to share, both of which I highly recommend.

GIMBAP

I was in Ximen Ding doing some secret santa shopping last week when my friends and I found a Korean specialist food stall. They mainly served Gimbap (or kimbap). Gimbap is a popular Korean dish made with steamed white rice (bap), range of fillings (veggies or meat) and seaweed (gim).













Gimbap is traditionally served in bite size pieces but this stall served it as a roll. We went for the Vegetarian Burdock Rice roll (NT$40). It was filled with burdock (obvs), sweetcorn and lots of crunchy lettuce.

We were all headed home for dinner after shopping so decided to share one and regretted it shortly after having our first bite! It was a perfect on-the-go light, evening snack. A much healthier alternative to the usual cong you bing we go for.  I will most definitely be heading back for some more. If you're around Ximen Ding then make sure to check it out. The stall is a 5 minute walk from Ximen station (exit 6), towards Coldstone.

Address: Zhongua Rd. Sec 1 No.144-1, Taipei, Taiwan

Phone (hotline): 2314-9808

Closest MRT: Ximen Exit 6

CHOCOLATE & CUSTARD IMAGAWAYAKI

I have been an imagawayaki fan for as long as I can remember. It is a popular Japanese dessert that is quite popular  in Taiwan. In Chinese it is known as Chelun Bing, Car Tire Pastry (車輪餅) or Hongdou Bing, Red  Bean Pastry (紅豆餅).

Numerous stalls sell Chelun Bing and they come with various fillings including: red bean, custard, sesame, peanuts, chocolate etc. My all time fave has been custard but I never tried one with a combination of fillings. Now, I know I said we had dinner to eat after the Gimbap, but just look at this little piece of scrummyness. This particular stall was selling custard and chocolate flavored Chelun Bing (NT$15).









The vendor made some fresh ones for us by adding some batter, melting two chunks of Hershey's kisses milk chocolate and adding a dollop of custard.





It was cooked to perfection - a fresh, crisp layer of batter with warm melted milk chocolate and custard oozing out of the center. It was much needed after an afternoon of stressful shopping in the rain.



Also, can I just mention how trusting the vendor was? He lay his coin box out and we paid and took change on our own - what a rarity these days!



Address: FuHua Road (opp Zhishan station exit 1), Taipei Taiwan

Closest MRT: Zhishan (Exit 1)

Let me know what your street food faves are below. until next time! :)

JB's Diner

I have always been a huge brunch fan. Pancakes, eggs benedict or omlette, you name it and I'll guarantee I can have it any time of the day. I live in Tianmu so when I first heard about JB's brunch menu I was all in for trying it out.

JB's is an American diner located on Tianmu East road, just behind Wovie (previously known as Miramar) Cinemas. My friends and I decided to go Christmas caroling at the old age home in Tianmu and thought brunch at JB"s would be the perfect place to go to prior to that.





With diners quickly gaining popularity in Taipei, JB's has made a good name for itself in Tianmu. We got there at 12.30pm on a Sunday and had to wait for 30 minutes so I definitely suggest making a reservation if you plan on going during peak times or the weekend.





Their menu ranges from pancakes, omelettes, pasta to burgers - so there is something for everyone. Portions at JB's are great for the price you pay so make sure you have plenty of tummy space available, you won't leave hungry!

Most of us went for breakfast and were able to choose a side of hash browns, home style fried potatoes or fruit salad. With an extra NT$30 we were able to add a beverage of our choice (excluding alcoholic beverages).

For all meat lovers out there, this one is for you. Aptly named Meat Lover's Omelette (NT$290), it is an omelette stuffed with sausages, ham, bacon, onion and cheese.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Jay has given his seal of approval for the Meatlover Omlette[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_291" align="alignnone" width="600"] Meatlover Omelette with a side of toast and hash brown (NT$290)[/caption]

If you're feeling a little adventurous, the Tex Mex omelette (NT$320) comes with black beans, onion, peppers, jalapenos, Jack cheese and a dollop of chunky salsa.

[caption id="attachment_307" align="alignnone" width="600"] Tex-Mex Omelette with home-style fried potatoes (NT$320)[/caption]

For a more traditional option, there is also fried egg  served on English muffins.

[caption id="attachment_301" align="alignnone" width="600"] Fried egg with a side of hash brown[/caption]

If you don't see any omelette options that stand out, fear not - you can also create your own omelette starting at NT$120. Fillings range from NT$30 to NT$60 and include: feta, tomatoes, avocado, black beans, spinach, etc.

Continuing on the breakfast and egg bandwagon, JB's also has great Eggs Benedict options. You can choose what fillings you want and get a side of your choice.

I went for the Smoke Salmon & Spinach (NT$330) and my friend went for the Crab & Avocado (NT$340). You get two poached eggs on two English muffins topped with a generous amount of Hollindaise sauce plus a side of your choice.

[caption id="attachment_306" align="alignnone" width="446"] Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon & spinach and a side of fruit salad (NT$330)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_312" align="alignnone" width="600"] Eggs Benedict with Crab & Avocado and a side of home-style roast potatoes (NT$340)[/caption]

If you've got an early sweet tooth coming on, JB's range of pancakes will hit the spot. From banana and chocolate chips, cinnamon apple, oreo, and blueberry pancakes - you won't be left short of options!

[caption id="attachment_305" align="alignnone" width="600"] Banana & Chocolate Chips pancakes (NT$240)[/caption]

Other than brunch, JB is also great for American style main courses.

[caption id="attachment_300" align="alignnone" width="600"] Mimi's Mexican Meatless Burger (NT$280)[/caption]

For all vegetarian burger lovers out there, JB's has some delicious burger options. This is Mimi's Mexican Meatless Burger (NT$280). With a homemade style bean patty, topped with some guacamole, salsa and tortilla chips, this burger is packed with flavor - and the tortilla chips add a great crunch.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Grilled Chicken Sandwich (NT$260) with a side of fries[/caption]

Last, but not least this is a classic Grilled Chicken Sandwich (NT$260) with grilled chicken, Monterrey jack cheese and honey mustard. 

For a decent price, you get great quality American style food at JB's. Be it breakfast or main courses, you won't be left disappointed.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/judyandbert?fref=ts

Address: Tianmu E. Rd, Lane 50, No 8

Phone:  2876-1588

Opening times: Tue - Sun: 08:00 - 22:00

Eggs in a Basket

Breakfast is my favorite meal. I love whipping up different ideas and experimenting to make my meals more interesting.

I don't know about you, but whenever I have omelettes it needs to be big enough to cover my entire piece of toast. Eggs in a basket is the perfect way to avoid the stress of matching my omelette and toast size and getting right into eating it. It's also a fun alternative to the traditional way of serving toast and omelette - so let's get into it!

You will need:

1 tbsp olive oil

2 slices of your favorite bread

1 egg

1/2 onion

handful of coriander

dash of salt + pepper

plus any of your other favorite omelette fillings

Method:

1) Toast your favorite slice of bread half way (it'll get cooked further on the fry pan)



2) Once toasted, use a steel glass or any circular object to cut out your 'toast circle'





3) Chop up onion and coriander (and any other fillings) into small pieces and whip it up with your egg



4) Add a dash of salt and  pepper into your mixture



5) Heat up 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan

6) Lay your toast on the pan and add half of your egg mixture



7) Let one side cook on low heat for about two minutes, lift up with a spatula to see if it's cooked

8) Flip to the other side and cook for another two minutes

9) Repeat steps 5-8 for your second piece of toast

...and voila! Breakfast is served. I love how quick and fun this recipe is. You also get two servings with one egg so it's perfect for sharing (or you can save it for later)

      

If you do recreate your own eggs in a basket , let me know how it turns out and what your favorite fillings are.

La Bey Cafe

On a cold rainy day, there is nothing more comforting than a cup of hot chocolate. Add a few fluffy marshmallows on top and it's heaven in a cup.

My friend G just got back from a three week trip around Korea and Malaysia so we decided to look for a cafe and chit chat away.

I passed La Bey several times on Zhongyi Street and always took a quick glance to find a full cafe and cute accents of decor hanging inside. When trying to decide on a place, La Bey quickly popped to mind and we made our way there.



La Bey is a cozy, independent cafe run by a (very sweet) couple. As soon as you step inside you get the homely feeling - with wooden tables, couches and a magazine corner it is the perfect place to unwind and relax. For those who just can't itch away the temptation of checking emails, there is also free WiFi access.











The cafe has a range of drinks and food on their menu such as coffee, tea, sandwiches, cakes and waffles. We went in at around 5pm and thought we'd save some tummy space for dinner so just decided to go with a hot drink.









G and I went for Sipping Chocolate (80NT) and E went for a Caramel Milk Tea and Lemon Drizzle Cake (180NT). You can choose to get just a hot drink or get a refillable tea pot with one slice of cake, pastry or honey toast.

The couple prepare all the food and drinks themselves so our order did take longer than the usual chain cafe - approx 20 minutes or so, but it was well worth it.

Can we all take a moment and appreciate the froth and cute marshmallow on top?



The hot chocolate had the perfect balance of cocoa and sugar. It wasn't too bitter or too sweet and the caramel drizzle added an extra hint of sweetness.

I tried some of E's Lemon Drizzle Cake and it was delish. I'm not a big lemon cake fan, but the lemon wasn't too overpowering and the cake was moist and spongy enough.





We ended up staying at La Bey for a good two hours. The service was great - E got offered a top up and overall we were happy bunnies. I would highly recommend La Bey if you are in Tianmu. I know I'll definitely be going back for some coffee and cake.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Bey-Cafe-Bar/329594947060742?fref=ts

Address: Zhongyi Street No 157, Taipei, Taiwan

Closest MRT: Zhishan

Opening times: Noon to 11 (kitchen closes at 10) Monday to Sunday

Vino Vino Cafe

If you read my previous post, I mentioned my friends and I went to a cafe while we were waiting for a table at KGB. We strolled along Shida and noticed people enjoying their drinks at the patio on the second floor at Vino Vino.





It was a breezy Friday evening and we thought it'd be the perfect place to sip on a drink while we waited for our burgers. We got a table on the corner of the patio, overlooking a park and Shida Road.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="650"] Patio on the second floor at Vino Vino[/caption]

Vino Vino, as you may have guessed is an Italian restaurant. The restaurant had a laid back atmosphere with dim lights, wine bottles as decor, and photographs along the walls. Vino Vino does serve dinner, but as we were headed out for some food after we just decided to get a drink each.

I and H went for a glass of house wine each and toasted to I's engagement (congrats again!)



E got a pint of beer.



M and I decided to get some tea to warm up.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="650"] Almond milk tea[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="650"] Green tea[/caption]

The drinks weren't extraordinary, but what I did like about Vino Vino was the laid back atmosphere and the patio. I managed to catch a glimpse of a few dishes in the restaurant downstairs, namely tomato pasta, salad, and risotto. They didn't look exceptional (given that a dish of pasta was approx 300NT).



I would recommend Vino Vino if you are in the Shida area and are looking for a chilled out drink or coffee on a nice day.