We just can’t get enough of Chinese food—our cravings brought us from the streets of Binondo all the way to Mandaluyong for a visit to Charlie Wanton Special. It’s a spot we’ve dined at many times before, and clearly, we’re not the only ones who keep coming back. Located just a few blocks from José Rizal University, Charlie’s has become a go-to for many, which makes finding a seat (and a parking spot!) more of a challenge these days.
Luckily, on this visit, just when we thought we’d have to skip dinner again due to the full house and tight parking, a staff member pointed us to their newly opened gated parking across the street—just past the nearby car wash. A small win that turned our night around.
Additional parking slots for Charlie Wanton Customers
Inside the extended parking slot of Charlie Wanton Customers
Once seated, we quickly ordered our favorites: the Beef Wanton Mami Special is always a must. The broth is rich and comforting, perfect for when you’re hungry and craving something warm. They even serve it with two extra bowls of soup, making the meal even more satisfying.
Beef Wanton Mami
Beef Wanton Mami + Soup
We also tried their Green Chicken Curry Rice Bowl, which looked promising and came in a big, shareable serving. While it had generous toppings and came out piping hot (we had to poke holes in the rice just to release the steam!), I found the flavor a bit mild for my taste. A little more spice—or maybe a few green chilies—could’ve given it that curry kick I was looking for. I ended up bringing it home and tweaking it a bit.
Chicken Curry Rice Bowl
We originally wanted the Tofu with Lechon, but by 7:30 PM on a Sunday, it was already sold out. As a backup, we went for the Fried Pinsec—crispy little bites of minced pork wrapped in wonton skin and deep fried to perfection. We didn’t even need the dipping sauce; it was that flavorful. My husband almost polished off the whole plate!
Fried Pinsec
Closer look at Fried Pinsec
Here’s the pricelist of our orders:
Chicken Curry Rice (₱285) – big portion, but again, mild on spice.
Beef Wanton Mami Special (₱350) – still a winner.
Tofu with Lechon (₱350) – when available, a must-try!
Fried Pinsec (₱300) – our unexpected favorite
Asado Siopao (₱95) and Bola-Bola Siopao Special (₱130)
Both siopaos are massive and delicious. The asado had just the right balance of dough and filling, not too sweet. The bola-bola, with its thick meat filling and salted egg, was still delicious the next day, reheated on top of rice in the rice cooker.
Bola-bola Siopao Special
Asado Siopao
Overall, our return to Charlie’s Wanton reminded us why we keep coming back. The food is comforting, the servings generous, and the experience always satisfying—even if you have to circle the block a few times for parking.
Plan your orders ahead with this menu copies:
Charlie Wanton Special Menu 1Charlie Wanton Special Menu 2
We kicked off our Binondo food trip bright and early, leaving Mandaluyong at 5:30 AM to make sure we arrived before the streets got too crowded. By 6:30 AM, we were standing in front of the historic Binondo Church, its centuries-old façade glowing softly under the morning light.
Binondo Church
Our first stop was Chuan Kee Turu-Turo, a well-loved eatery known for its classic Chinese-Filipino dishes. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t open until 7 AM, so we returned to the church and joined the peaceful rosary prayer, taking in the quiet serenity before our food adventure began.
As soon as Chuan Kee opened, we hurried back to find early diners already. We ordered their Kikiam, Soup No. 5, and Chicken with Cucumber Xiao Long Bao (the green one). The kikiam came with s few slices of pickled radish and a sweet, slightly sticky sauce, but tasted fine even without it.
Chinese Kikiam Order
Kikiam at ₱95
The Xiao Long Bao was an unexpected treat. Despite the “cucumber” in its name, it had no overpowering cucumber taste, just a light, healthy balance of flavors. The dough has the right thickness, complementing the savory chicken filling. I eagerly took a sip of the rich, steamy broth inside—only to burn my tongue! But it was worth it.
10 pieces per order of Xiao Long Bao (ate 1 already)
Chicken with Cucumber Xiao Long Bao at ₱240
Finally, the Soup No. 5, a dish infamous for its supposed aphrodisiac properties, had a deep, rich flavor that I preferred over the one served at Café Mezzanine upstairs. There are chunks of beef also though it’s on the pricey side for a small bowl (₱400). Until now I’m still wondering who named and what is the idea behind calling it Soup Number 5.
Soup # 5 (₱400)
Here are other dishes you can order at Chuan Kee Fast Food.
Chuan Kee Turu-turo Main Dish Menu
Chuan Kee Turu-turo Soup Dimsum Dish Menu
From there, we walked toward Wong Kei, a small stall made noticeable by the piles of nearly dried sugarcane stacked beside it. The fresh sugarcane juice (₱100) was a bit pricey but refreshingly sweet with their clever marketing touch—a sticker that read “I Love Wong Kei” on the straw.
Wong Kei’s Sugarcane Juice at ₱100
Along with our drinks, we ordered a variety of grilled barbecues: Rice Cake, Tofu, Sausage, and Veggie Balls (₱50 per stick). The tofu and veggie balls stood out the most, their soft, while the rice cake has a slightly chewy texture resembling tikoy. The sausage, however, was surprisingly bland—good thing the sauce and seasoning saved it, I mean all of it!
Wong Kei Stall
Wong Kei Barbecues: Rice Cake, Tofu, Sausage, Veggie Balls (₱200)
Wong Kei’s Barbecue Pack
A short walk along Ongpin Street led us to the famous Lord Stow’s Bakery, its inviting aroma of freshly baked pastries drawn us in. A foreigner was filming a vlog about their egg tarts as we entered, adding to the store’s bustling charm. It’s a small eatery with a few chairs serving coffee, pasta and more. We got a box of six egg tarts (₱320) and upon our first bite, I understood the hype. The flaky crust gave way to a smooth, creamy custard that was perfectly balanced—not too sweet with enough softness. If I weren’t trying to cut down on sugar, I could have easily devoured the whole box!
Lord Stow’s Bakery Egg Tart Price List
To Go: Lord Stow’s Bakery 6 pieces Egg Tart (₱320)
Lord Stow’s Egg Tart (1st bite)
Nearby, we made a stop at Shanghai Fried Siopao Shop, a no-frills stall selling at ₱35 per piece of fried siopao. The size is slightly small (similar to what we buy at 7-11 Convenience Store) that looked liked it was steamed first then pan-fried at the bottom. It had a mix of pork and chicken filling on my taste, with bits of fresh onions that added a natural sweetness. It didn’t come with sauce but it wasn’t dry either. Still, I wished I had something to drizzle over it.
Fried Siopao cut into halves
We also grabbed a plain Bichu (₱35), a large, deep-fried treat that had a light hint of saltiness but wasn’t greasy even when consumed after hours of our trip to Nueva Ecija. It turned slightly soggy, but it was still delicious.
Shanghai Fried Siopao Shop
Other food items you can buy at Shanghai Fried Sioapo Shop was siomai, buchi, hopia and more.
To go: Fried Siopao and plain Bichu
We then passed by Oishiekun Chinese Bites, where we couldn’t resist trying their Milky Bichu (₱70)—yes, another Bichu, but this one was coated in sweet milk powder, just like the ones in 90’s ice scrambles! Though it was smaller than the plain Bichu, it was still big enough to share, and they even cut it into bite-sized pieces and provided sticks to keep our hands clean. Hours later, it had gone a bit stale, but the sweet, milky flavor still held up.
Oishiekun Chinese Bites Store
Oishiekun Chinese Bites: Milky Bichu pack
Oishiekun Chinese Bites: Milky Bichu
Other Chinese Snacks are sold in this store so check out the menu below.
Oishiekun Chinese Bites Menu
While wandering through the narrow Carvajal Street, we stumbled upon Lian Niang Restaurant, a hidden gem tucked away in an alley. We decided to try their Pan-Fried Dumplings (₱200) and Beef Noodles (₱250). The dumplings were fantastic—crispy on the bottom yet soft and juicy inside, almost like a pan-fried xiao long bao. However, after waiting over 30 minutes for the beef noodles, we found out our order was never placed! In hindsight, it was a blessing since we were already too full to enjoy it.
Lao Niang Restaurant’s Takeout/Takeaway Menu
Inside Lao Niang Restaurant
Lao Niang Restaurant’s menu photos
Lao Niang Restaurant’s menu
8 pieces Lao Niang Restaurant’s Pan Fried Dumpling (₱200)
Just a few steps away, we tried the famous Puo Hing Fresh Lumpia, but it wasn’t for me. It had sugar granules in the filling making it too sweet, and lacked garlic, which I usually love in fresh lumpia. I still prefer Aboy’s Fresh Lumpia from SM Megamall.
Puo Hing Fresh Lumpia Takeaway at ₱100
Puo Hing Fresh Lumpia at first bite
Puo Hing Fresh Lumpia Stall
Puo Hing Fresh Menu
Our final stop was Mixue Ice Cream Shop on Dasmariñas Street, a random discovery while searching for something to quench our thirst. The store had cute snowman (Snow King) products displayed and I regret not trying their ice cream. Instead, we ordered a Peach Earl Grey Tea, which had just the right amount of sweetness with fruit bits—a refreshing way to end our food crawl.
Mixue’s Peach Earl Grey Tea for ₱65
Mixue’s Menu
Mixue’s Snow King products
Mixue’s Snow King products 2
Looking back, we barely scratched the surface of what Chinatown has to offer. There’s still so much to try, so I guess another Binondo food trip is definitely in order!
One of the must-visit spots in Cebu City is the Temple of Leah. It’s a bit far from the city center, so renting a car or motorcycle is a smart move to make the most of your time. We made the mistake of commuting and walking on our first days, which ate up a lot of time. If your budget allows, I highly recommend renting a vehicle upon arrival for convenience.
For the best experience, visit the Temple of Leah around sunset—the view is stunning, and it stays open later than other attractions nearby. When we arrived around 4 PM on a weekday, it was already bustling with tourists.
Dining at Ristorante Teodorico
After exploring the temple, we grabbed a meal at Ristorante Teodorico, located in the semi-basement of the temple. While there’s no view from the restaurant, it’s a cozy spot with elegant chandeliers, plenty of plants, and an open-air setting.
Ristorante Teodorico Menu
Here’s what we ordered:
Our Orders at Ristorante Teodorico
• Lumpiang Shanghai (P250) – 16 crispy spring rolls, perfect for sharing.
• Carbonara (P350) with two slices of toasted garlic bread– Good flavor but a bit too saucy, making it mushy over time.
• Honey Lemon Tea (P220) – Similar to the ones sold at S&R, a bit too sweet for my taste.
The food is reasonably priced for the location, and the servings (except for the pasta) are great for sharing.
Cebu Lechon at The Barracks
Cebu Lechon at The Barack’s
Cebu is famous for its lechon, so we had to stop by The Barracks for another round. We ordered 1kg of Cebu Lechon (P320), and while the free taste came with crispy skin, the actual order wasn’t as crispy. Still, the vinegar dip made up for it.
While waiting for our Lechon de Cebu Order
Lapu-Lapu City Eats
We stayed at Pacific Cebu Resort, located on the quieter side of Lapu-Lapu City. Of course, we had to try their in-house Bloom’s Bar and Café. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but the food quality and ambiance made it worth it.
Plated Breakfast meal at Bloom’s Bar and Café
Here’s what we tried:
• Margarita Pizza (P450) – Thin and crispy, simple but flavorful
Margarita Pizza at Bloom’s Bar and Café
• Gnocchi Formagie Pasta (P520) – Soft potato dumplings in white sauce, surprisingly filling
Gnocchi Formagie Pasta at Bloom’s Bar and Café
• Squid Calamari (P540) – Crunchy on the outside, soft and fresh inside, served with Marinara Sauce and Roasted Garlic Aioli
Squid Calamar
Their service was excellent, and the peaceful ambiance made us want to come back. I’m not sure if they offer buffet breakfast on all Sundays since we experienced it during our stay.
Local Food Stop: Mica’s Turo-Turo
Mica’s Food Trip dishes
For an affordable local food experience, we stopped by Mica’s Turo-Turo along the highway. It’s easy to spot with the number of motorcycles parked outside. The food was budget-friendly and flavorful. My favorite? Their grilled chorizo—juicy and smoky, a must-try! They often serve freshly cooked dishes on batches so we’re lucky to have hot- served viands.
Our Cebu trip was a great mix of sightseeing and food adventures. Next time, we hope to bring family along to explore more beaches and hidden gems. If you have any questions about car rentals or food spots, feel free to comment below. Happy travels!
P.S. some photos of Bloom’s Bar and Café Menu and our view at Pacific Cebu Resort 😘.
Bloom’s Bar and Café Menu 1Bloom’s Bar and Café Menu 2Bloom’s Bar and Café Menu 3Bloom’s Bar and Café Drinks Menu 1Bloom’s Bar and Café Drinks Menu 2Bloom’s Bar and Café Drinks Menu 3Bloom’s Bar and Café Drinks Menu 4
This is the 3rd pool since there’s a main pool and diving pool. No photos taken, sorry.
Pool No.3Bloom’s Bar and Café buffet breakfast on a SundayClear sky at Pacific Cebu Resort
Eel or Bakasi in Cebuano, is a local delicacy found in some parts of Cebu. Since eel dishes are quite expensive in Japanese restaurants, especially in Metro Manila, we made sure to include it in our food trip when we visited Cebu. The best place to try it? Entoy’s Bakasihan—the most talked-about eatery serving Bakasi.
Entoy’s Bakasihan at Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Getting there wasn’t easy. If you’re driving a car, the narrow streets and parked vehicles on both sides make it difficult to pass through. Fortunately, we rented a motorcycle, which made the trip more convenient.
Entoy’s Bakasihan is a simple carinderia with a variety of seafood dishes. It’s located by the sea, offering a nice view but also a very hot atmosphere. As expected, we ordered two bottles of soda right away to cool down before our meal.
Entoy’s Bakasihan offered dishes
For our main dishes, we ordered deep-fried eel and kilawin (raw eel in vinegar). We also added gusô (sea moss) with tomatoes and onions, plus adobong octopus.
Fried Eel, Kilawin, sea moss, corn and regular rice
When the food arrived, we excitedly dug in. The adobong octopus and kilawin were both rubbery and tough to chew—not exactly impressive. The vinegar used in Kilawin didn’t have enough acidity or saltiness, so it didn’t taste right to me. The adobo, on the other hand, had a slightly burnt flavor, which made it a bit bitter for my taste.
Adobong Octopus
Leftover Adobong Octopus
Leftover Kilawin
The gusô, on the other hand, was light, fresh, and enjoyable. Maybe more onions will add more sweetness and tanginess.
Kilawin and Gusô
And the star of the meal? The deep-fried EEL. It was crispy, well-seasoned with just salt, and so good that we finished every single piece even without dipping sauce.
Deep Fried Eel
All the drinks available were Pepsi products, and while the prices weren’t cheap for a carinderia, they were much more affordable compared to eel dishes in Manila. Our total bill came to a little over ₱500, including drinks.
To end the meal, we grabbed a cone of mango ice cream from Manong Sorbetero, who was waiting outside with his cart. It was a simple yet satisfying way to wrap up our Bakasi experience.
Dirty Ice Cream (Mango Flavor)
Overall, Entoy’s Bakasihan offered a unique taste of Cebu’s local cuisine. While not every dish stood out, the deep-fried eel was definitely worth trying. It was a fun food adventure that I’m glad we didn’t miss!
Our first day in Cebu had been a series of near misses when it came to food, so we made it our mission to redeem our taste buds on Day 2.
After a morning visit to a museum, we set out on a quest for Esmen Carinderia, a humble eatery tucked away on Rallos Street, known for its famed fish tinola. I had read about it in multiple blogs, and knew it wouldn’t be for everyone—especially those who aren’t keen on dining in an open-air, no-frills setup.
Esmen Carinderia Tarpauline
Finding the carinderia proved to be a challenge. We had unknowingly walked past it, only realizing our mistake when we doubled back and spotted groups of people dining outside. A tarpaulin sign finally confirmed that we were in the right place. The eatery was bustling before lunch time, with only a few seats available. It was clear this place was a local favorite.
Front of Esmens Carinderia
Hubby ordered two bowls of fish soup. At first glance, they looked identical—both featuring medium servings of fish heads submerged in steaming broth. But as soon as I took a sip, I understood the difference. One was made with porcupine fish, its broth rich and flavorful, the meat unbelievably tender. The other had a unique taste, distinct but just as satisfying. Three large kawa (woks) stood at the front, each brimming with a different variety of broth, ladled out according to the customer’s order.
Two orders of different linarang (fish stew)
Big chunk of fish meat
Corn Rice
One thing that stood out was their attentiveness. The staff quickly offers a refill of the hot, comforting broth whenever a bowl was nearing empty—a heartwarming gesture that added to the experience.
Noticing that many customers were ordering a small plate of kilawin, I decided to try one myself. It was unlike the kilawin I had in Davao back in 2023. This version had chopped white onions and tomatoes, but no trace of the usual calamansi or vinegar. Instead, it had a distinct fermented taste—almost like tuba (palm wine). The fish used in the dish was porcupine fish as well, which added to its unique flavor profile.
Porcupine Fish Kinilaw
For two bowls of fish head soup, a small plate of kilawin, one order each of corn rice and regular rice, plus two bottles of soda, our total bill came to just around ₱467—a great deal for such a satisfying meal. More than the price, though, it was the warm service and the honest, comforting flavors that made this dining experience memorable.
Starting your day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee is a delight, and Taiwan’s convenience stores make it surprisingly affordable. At Family Mart and 7-Eleven, the coffee is brewed from real coffee beans, made fresh upon order, and comes at a very reasonable price. These stores also offer a wide variety of teas, perfect for anyone seeking a quick and tasty drink. Below, you’ll find snapshots of their coffee and tea selections.
FamilyMart Cafe Menu in Taipei
Preparing my ordered coffee from fresh coffee beans
Coffee Menu with KCal info per cup
Quick coffee fix from City Cafe (Taipei, Taiwan)
Sihai Soy Milk
While exploring, we stumbled upon a local eatery bustling with patrons. Little did we know, there were separate queues for dine-in and takeaway. Thankfully, a kind student directed us to the correct line. The service was quick despite the crowd, and we tried several dishes: salted soybean soup topped with donuts, a bread with donut filling, Steamed Bun with Green onions and egg, and a dish we picked from the menu based on a picture. To our surprise, the “steamed bun” we ordered turned out to be a large bun with a thin pork filling—not what we expected, and a bit disappointing. However, the salted soybean soup was savory and unique, and the clay oven rolls with spring onion and egg filling were satisfying.
Our oders at Sihai Soy Milk
Salted Soybean Soup topped with Donuts
Shaobing with fried dough sticks
Shaobing with Green onions and egg
We order the no.1 on the menu (expectation)
Reality (what was served)
Frog Kitchen at Taipei Zoo
Later at the Taipei Zoo, we grabbed a quick lunch from a food stall (Frog Kitchen – just translated the receipt). We ordered curry chicken rice and pork “honey barbecue” rice (though the latter tasted more like pork in gravy than barbecue). While the meals were a bit pricey and average in taste, they kept us energized for the rest of the day. Fun fact: there’s a McDonald’s near the zoo’s entrance if you’re looking for something familiar.
Curry Chicken Rice
Honey Barbecue Rice
Frog Kitchen Receipt at Taipei Zoo
Soup Hong Kong Style Barbecue Stall
Soup Hong Kong Style Barbecue Menu
Another highlight was a crispy pork meal near our hotel. The pork came with tofu cubes, sprouts, chives, bok choy, and rice, all topped with a flavorful sauce. Even after 20 minutes, the pork skin stayed crispy—an impressive touch!
Roasted Pork Rice @ NTD 120
Translated take away box of Soup Hong Kong Style Barbecue Stall (English)
Beitou Lao You Xin Beef Noodle House
One accidental find was Beitou Lao You Xin Beef Noodle House near Beitou Train Station. Their braised beef noodle soup, beef jerky noodles, vegetable xiao long bao, and pig scalp were all fantastic. The soup, in particular, stood out and was even better than a more popular spot we tried earlier. Despite our late lunch (past 3 PM), the kind owner still accepted our orders ‘coz he was already closed for the late afternoon.
Translated menu of Beitou Lao You Xin Beef Noodle House
Braised Beef Noodle Soup
Beef Jerky Noodles (dry noodles)
Vegetable Xiao Long Bao
Pig scalp (translated from the menu)
Hómee Kitchen
Before heading home, we wrapped up our food journey at Hómee Kitchen, where we enjoyed hearty set meals: stewed beef with tomato sauce and meatball vermicelli soup. Each set came with sides like vegetables and mango gelatin, making it a filling and satisfying end to our culinary adventure in Taiwan.
Stewed Beef with Tomato Sauce Set
Meatball and Vemicelli Soup Set
If you’re ever in Taiwan, don’t miss these spots for affordable coffee, unique local eats, and warm hospitality.
And please do correct me if the food establishment names are incorrect as I relied on Google Translation of my photos. TIA
Our flight from Clark, Pampanga, departed at 11:30 AM, so by the time we arrived in Cebu, it was almost lunchtime. Instead of eating at the airport, we decided to save our appetites for Cebu’s iconic lechon. Luckily, as we exited Cebu Mactan International Airport, we spotted a small queue at a stall selling Ayers Cebu Lechon. We couldn’t resist and ordered 1/4 kg of lechon (₱335) with two servings of rice. While the lechon skin wasn’t crunchy anymore, it was still tender and easy to chew, even for those with dentures. The real star was their flavorful vinegar, which elevated the taste of the lechon.
Cebu’s Ayers Lechon
Cebu’s Ayers 1/4 kg Lechon
3A’s Makabusog Grill Original Larsian BBQ
3A’s Makabusog Grill Original Larsian BBQ
After checking into our hotel, we decided to explore Larsian BBQ at Fuente Osmeña, about a 23-minute walk away. Arriving at 4:30 PM, the place seemed uninviting, with only a few open stalls and no diners in sight. Based on online recommendations, we tried 3A’s Makabusog Grill Original Larsian BBQ. Our order included grilled tuna panga, a squid skewer, two chorizo de Cebu sticks, and rice (₱475 total). Unfortunately, the panga and squid tasted stale, lacked seasoning, and had a raw, unpleasant flavor. The rice was cold and hard, and only the chorizo de Cebu met our expectations. It was a disappointing experience that left us regretting the long walk.
Raw Tuna Panga
Raw Squid Skewer
Our Orders at 3A’s Makabusog Grill Original Larsian BBQ
Shamrock Pasalubong Center
We then headed to the Shamrock Pasalubong Center at Fuente Osmeña Circle to buy local delicacies as pasalubong. Although their items came highly recommended, we were surprised by the steep prices—more than ₱3,000 for just a few treats.
Pungko-Pungko at Fuente
Still unsatisfied, we searched for pungko-pungko, a popular Cebuano street food experience near the circle. The first thing we noticed was the energetic staff in matching orange shirts, enthusiastically welcoming customers. The setup was simple, humid, and lacked basic amenities like tissues. We ordered an assortment of fried foods, including 4 pieces Ginanot (chicharong bulaklak), 1 piece liempo, half shell of rellenong crab, 1 piece sausage, 2 lumpia, and a soda (₱249 total). The dipping vinegar is too sour on my palate and a bit salty. Unfortunately, none of the items were crispy or flavorful, leaving me puzzled about how vloggers rave about this experience.
Pungko-pungko selection
Pungko-pungko orders
Pater ni Aki Stall
Pater ni Aki at Cebu Coty Circle
As the day wound down, we stumbled upon a lively program near the circle with several food stalls. Here, we found two dishes that redeemed our culinary adventure: grilled scallops and Chicken Pater, a Maranao dish. The scallops, priced at just ₱99 for 18 pieces, were small but perfectly grilled with butter and garlic. Meanwhile, the Chicken Pater (₱80) featured fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk (I assume), tender shredded chicken, and a spicy sambal-like side dish. It was a satisfying end to an otherwise mixed food journey. They also sells spider snail with vinegar as the dipping sauce but haven’t tried it. It’s only PhP 25 per piece.
Grilled Small Scallops
Chicken Pater (take out)
Spider Snail at PhP 25 per piece
While our Cebu trip had its ups and downs, the grilled scallops and manok pater made the long walks worth it. As they say, food is an adventure, and sometimes it’s the surprises that make it memorable.
When you search for the best night markets in Asia, Taiwan’s Shilin Market consistently ranks high. Naturally, during our trip to Taipei from September 25-29, 2024, we made it a goal to visit at least one night market each day. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, and we missed out on the Shilin Night Market.
On our second night, we headed to Raohe Night Market, which is conveniently accessible via the Songshan MTR Station (Green Line). Exiting the station, the market is hard to miss—just exit to the right, and you’ll spot the Songshan Ciyou Temple. Raohe Market sits just to the left of the temple, welcoming you with its lively atmosphere and irresistible food stalls.
Songshan Ciyou Temple
Famous Pork Pepper Bread
Pork Pepper Bun Line
Our food adventure began at 4:30 in the afternoon, right when the market was in full swing. A line had already formed for the famous pork pepper buns – Fuzhou Pepper Buns (pork pepper buns), and the staff were hard at work—kneading dough, chopping ingredients, and filling buns for cooking. At NTD 60 per piece, hubby couldn’t resist and got four.
Fuzhou Pepper Buns (Pork Pepper Buns): Worth the Hype
Preparing Pork Pepper BunPork Pepper Bun Filling at first biteYummy Pork Pepper Bun
These buns were packed with flavor! Despite the name, the pepper wasn’t overwhelming; instead, it beautifully complemented the juicy pork. From the first bite, the filling burst with rich taste, and we noticed there was no empty space between the bun and the meat—it was generously stuffed. The pork had a mix of ground meat and small slices, giving a nice texture. The bun wasn’t your typical bread; it had a slightly crisp exterior. Though I saved one bun for the next day, it still tasted good, but of course, freshly cooked is always better. If I had to rate this? Definitely more than 10/10.
Michelin-Worthy Bone Soup: A Simple Delight
Next, we stumbled upon a Michelin-awarded eatery nestled among the market’s stalls. It was packed with people—students, office workers, and seniors alike. We ordered the crowd favorite: bone soup (NTD 100) with rice (NTD 20).
Bone Soup and Rice with ground pork toppings
The soup was light yet comforting, with a slightly medicinal quality, making it surprisingly enjoyable even in warm weather (hubby’s words!). The meat was so tender it fell off the bone with just chopsticks. While the plain rice was meant to pair with the soup, we accidentally got a sweet ground pork rice, which didn’t complement the soup well. A small mix-up, but the soup alone made the stop worth it.
Fried Squid: Not as Exciting as Expected
Fried Squid Stall
Hubby had been eyeing the big squid on a stick since we arrived. For NTD 160, we got one, expecting something grilled. However, the vendor rolled it in breading, fried it, and topped it with sweet chili sauce. While it looked appetizing, the taste was underwhelming—it was nothing unique, and I’ve had similar squid in Manila. Not quite worth the price.
1 order of Fried Squid with Sweet Chili Sauce
Taro Balls: A Pleasant Surprise
We couldn’t resist a small stall cooking taro balls non-stop. They intrigued me with their egg yolk-like appearance and pork floss toppings. We bought two pieces (NTD 30 and 35 each) to try. Surprisingly, the yellow portion wasn’t egg yolk—it was glutinous rice with taro. Both pieces were sweet and satisfying.
Taro Balls MenuCloser look on the taro ball
Grilled King Mushroom: A Regretful Choice
One of the foods we’d seen in countless travel videos was the grilled king mushroom, so when hubby spotted it, he grabbed one for NTD 100. We were encouraged to try the recommended sauce, but sadly, this dish didn’t hit the mark for me. The mushroom became watery, diluting the flavor of the sauce, and the texture was a bit rubbery. I couldn’t finish it, regretting not trying the fried mushrooms from a nearby stall that seemed popular with locals.
1 order of Grilled King Mushroom with special sauce
Grilled Cajun Corn: Aromatic and Satisfying
When hubby returned with a stick of grilled corn coated in a spicy-looking seasoning, I initially thought it was meat. The aroma was mouthwatering, and the flavor didn’t disappoint! The Cajun seasoning added just the right kick without being too spicy. Eating it fresh off the grill, with steam still rising from the cob, made every bite delightful. This treat cost NTD 75.
Grilled Cajun Corn
Cranberry Juice with Lemon: A Refreshing Finish
Right beside the mushroom stall was a juice vendor offering cranberry juice with lemon for NTD 65. After days of milk tea indulgence, we opted for this healthier alternative. It was refreshing, not too sour, and perfectly balanced—not as tart as the cranberry juices I’m used to. The addition of lemon did not overpower the flavor.
Freshly squeezed Cranberry with Lemon Juice Stall
Final Thoughts on Raohe Night Market
Although the pork pepper buns filled us up early on, Raohe Night Market offered a wonderful variety of street food. While some dishes didn’t meet our expectations, the experience of trying new things made it worthwhile. One tip: look for stalls with lots of customers—it’s often a sign of great food.
Our night at Raohe was a delightful mix of hits and misses, but it was an adventure I’d gladly do again. With so many choices and flavors to explore, it’s a must-visit for food lovers!
Who wouldn’t enjoy a day/night market full of food choices—some familiar and others completely new, right?
Not many restaurants are opened as early as 6-9am where we stayed at (Datong District) so we headed to Ximending which is 1 station away from Taipei Main Station. We also wanted to check the Walking District since we read that it gets crowded from early afternoon ’til late night.
Beef Noodles Soup at Lao Shan Dong
We visited the green Wan Nian Building on Xining Road, where many stalls were still closed past 9am. While exploring, we stumbled upon Lao Shan Dong, a Michelin Star Awardee. Based on the videos we had seen, their beef noodles were highly recommended, so we made sure to order that, along with the Beef, Tendon, and Tripe Soup (though we didn’t get a photo of it).
Lao Shan Dong Restaurant
Lao Shan Dong TW Menu
Lao Shan Dong English Menu
Lao Shan Dong Beef Noodles
Their Beef Noodle Soup features large chunks of beef and wide, firm handmade noodles (just the right texture for my taste) – topped with a sprinkle of onion chives. The broth, while decent, isn’t overly beefy. The soup is served at a comfortable temperature (not too hot) so you can enjoy it right away. That’s a big plus for me.
We also ordered the Beef, Tendon, and Tripe Soup, though it’s not pictured here because they initially brought the wrong soup. I assumed it would taste similar to mine, just with rice instead of noodles, so I asked if the rice would be coming later. When the waitress checked our order, she quickly took my husband’s soup and replaced it with the correct one. By then, he had already eaten 3-4 big chunks of beef 😅. Their customer service was great – handling the mix-up promptly.
As for the condiments, I wasn’t a fan of their chili oil/paste -it had a slight sourness with a hint of peanut and wasn’t very spicy. However, I did love their pickled radish with mustard leaves. You’ll need to grab your own condiments from a table in the corner.
Overall, it’s a good experience to try this Michelin Star restaurant.
Pan-fried Dorayaki (Pancake)
Pancake with Redbean filling
Closer look on Redbean Pancake
As we left Lao Shan Dong, we were drawn to a well-lit stall selling pancakes with various fillings. It was Simon’s Pan-fried Dorayaki, and according to the menu, their best seller is the red bean flavor. Even though we were still full from the noodles, we decided to try one. My verdict? It was lightly sweetened – hubby wasn’t a fan, but I thought it was okay. I imagine the chocolate or other fillings, along with a slightly toasted pancake would make it a more satisfying snack.
Popcorn Chicken King
Popcorn Chicken King Stall at Ximending
Fried Chicken Popcorn
Looking for a place to sit, we decided to try a relatively large stall on the corner which is called Popcorn Chicken King. To our surprise, the chicken pops tasted even better than those we’ve had at places like KFC. They were incredibly flavorful for just NTD 65 (~PhP113.75). No sauce or ketchup was needed—though an extra cup of rice might have been nice! 😅
Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodles
When you walk past the popular Boba Xin Fu Tang Store, you’ll be greeted by another long line for Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodles. The queueing is faster than you would imagine as there’s a separate line for ordering/paying and another for order pickup.
Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodles
We got the small bowl (NTD 65 or ~PhP 113.75) which hubby and I shared. To be a bit more descriptive, this is a humble-looking soup with just a few ingredients from the naked eye. Aside from the thin noodles – misua-like noodles but firmer and I think pork intestine pictured above. I fell inlove with this noodle soup at the very first sip.
Totoo ang chismis! (The rumor is true!) It’s not overrated because the taste is so good. It’s evident based from the number of bowls in the trash bins and people eating this here and there.
Tian Tian Li (Oyester Omelet and Carrot Cake)
Past the Uniqlo building, we were invited by a long line of locals and tourists at Tian Tian Li -left side of the street. We just observed the queue but since this guy cooking the oyster omelet and carrot cake is non-stop, we decided to try it.
Tian Tian Li @Ximending
The oyster omelet shown below has a soft texture and is topped with a creamy, tomato-like sauce. I’m not sure exactly what the sauce is, but it definitely enhances the flavor of the dish. If you look closely, you’ll see large oysters along with green chives, and there’s a bit of sticky liquid from the oysters in some parts of the omelet. Rather than adding chili sauce, I suggest using pepper powder for seasoning. I wonder if there’s a version of this omelet that’s crispy on the outside but still soft inside—it would make a great difference.
Oyster Omelet Order
Closer look on Oyster Omelet/Pancake
The next dish is their version of carrot cake. At first, I thought it was a radish cake because of its white color, but the menu translated it as carrot cake. In the Philippines, carrot cake is typically a dessert, but here it’s savory, and I didn’t taste any hint of carrot from the first bite to the last. Again, I found the pepper powder to be a better seasoning than their chili sauce.
Taiwan’s Carrot Cake
Between the two dishes, I like carrot cake better but both tasted good.
Fried Stinky Tofu
Next, we tried the famous fried stinky tofu, priced at NTD 80 (~PhP 140). Since I eat tofu regularly at home, I couldn’t really distinguish it from regular fried tofu, so it didn’t feel like anything new to me. Given the higher price, I was expecting a more distinct smell and flavor, but it didn’t stand out. For someone who doesn’t usually eat tofu, this might be an interesting experience. Oh by the way, the side dish of cabbage was a nice touch.
Fried Stinky Tofu
White Bitter Melon Shake?
White Bitter Melon Shake Stall
This (Fruit) Drinks Stall at Ximen is really interesting especially that huge bitter melon display hanging from the ceiling. Anyone dared to try this white bitter melon shake? I haven’t since I don’t have the courage to order one. It looked like a white bitter melon to me but still not sure. Maybe the next time we visit Taiwan, we’ll definitely get one.
Are you looking for food souvenirs or what we usually call “pasalubong” (in the Philippines) from Taiwan? Here is a short list of what we bought from our most recent Taiwan Trip (Sept. 25-29, 2024) aside from Pineapple Cake (or bread).
Boba Chocolate
Boba Chocolate
When I was researching for best pasalubong or food souvenir prior to our trip, I didn’t come across a Boba Chocolate mentioned on any blog or video. It’s individually packed when opened which is priced around PhP320 at Shopee.
The taste is like eating a milk tea instead of drinking it. I’m not sure if it’s white chocolate but when you take a half bite, there’s a pearl or tapioca inside. It’s unique, sweet and very new to me. Will I recommend this, Oh Yes specially to those with sweet tooth and loves milk tea. This is a good find…ofcourse by hubby. 🙂
Mixed Mochi
Mixed Mochi
Since there are Michelin Star Awardees of Mochi sellers in Taiwan, we decided to bring home and try this mixed mochi (not a Michelin Star though). There are five flavors to choose from and my top choice in order from most to least favorite – Sesame, Taro, Green Tea, Peanut and Red Bean are tie.
Taiwan’s Mixed Mochi
Taiwan’s Mixed Mochi: Sesame, Taro, Green Tea, Peanut and Red Bean
Nougat Crackers
Nougat Cracker (onion-chive flavored)
Individually Packed Nougat Cracker
I always thought that nougats are sweet and sticky that will always leave your mouth tired of chewing. Fear not! This nougat cracker is nowhere near that assumption. The saltiness of the green chive-flavored cracker goes well with the not so sweet nougat. It’s a good replacement for late night snack.
Egg Roll
Egg Roll Biscuit with Black Sesame Seeds
Black Sesame Egg Roll
Egg Roll Biscuit Original Flavor
This food souvenir is similar to barquillos we have in the Philippines except that this is softer and less sweet. If you hold this a little bit firm, you’ll easily crash it into pieces. We bought two variants- one with black sesame seeds while the other is original.
Pineapple Bread
Pineapple Cake
Bite size Pineapple Cake
Pineapple cake is well known in Taiwan and almost every “pasalubong” stall sells this. We’re initially looking for a “ChiaTe” Brand but can’t find it at Ximending/Ximen so we just tried this. Ofcourse the taste is not as good as those popular pineapple bread brands but this is not bad either. The price is cheaper, although I can’t remember but I’m pretty sure it’s not expensive. There are only 8 pieces per box in bite sizes. The crust is soft and crunchy and the pineapple jam filling is a balance of sweet and sour taste.
Boba Grain Snacks
Boba Grain Snack
‘Will update my take on Boba Grain Snack once I open it for tasting (stay tuned) 😍.
Coffee Flavor Nougat Cracker
Nougat Biscuit (Coffee Flavor)
Coffee Nougat Biscuit
Similar to the nougat cracker mentioned earlier, this coffee-flavored nougat biscuit is not on the sweet side. The coffee filling is not too strong with a hint of bitter taste. The biscuit is a bit firm and crunchy which is far from our “Hansel” biscuits (can’t find a good comparison). I can munch this instead of drinking coffee if I need to cut down my coffee intake.
Overall, I’m happy with these food souvenirs we brought home from Taiwan. These were all bought from 2 stores at Ximending.
If you have other recommendations, feel free to comment since we still consider going back in the near future. 🙂
My eatsperience 
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