Hey everyone! Welcome to Day 2 - another day for a foodie adventure!
If you missed out on Day 1, click on this link to be updated!
http://vanvanscully.blogspot.sg/2015/07/taiwan-2014-day-1-part-1-singapore.html
Since this was a very short trip, we essentially only had 3 days to really eat what we wanted to eat, and do what we had to.
On Day 1, we went to Ximending to make a reservation for Mala Hotpot. This shop is called 馬辣頂級鴛鴦火鍋 and in Ximending, they have two branches: the Ximen branch and the Hankou branch.
Based on some new and updated research, they've standardised it such that all branches charge the same rate. You also no longer have to go down physically to the shop to make a reservation for another day. You can make reservations online even before you fly into Taipei!
Link to their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mala.hotpot/?ref=page_internal
The rates have increased (duh it's been 7 years since this!) and the menu has been slightly revamped. However, I've been back a few times and I always love my meals here. I'm stuffed full and silly but my stomach is so happy. I have faith that when I go back in a couple of months, I'll have a great meal too!
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| The whole array of dishes available at Mala Hotpot. Even braised shark meat?!?! We ordered the Huadiao Chicken soup and the Mala soup broth. We also chose the most budget-friendly option of all the meats available. There are drinks, fruits and desserts available and there's even free flow beer! |
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| The best part of the buffet is the free flow of Haagen Dazs and Movenpick ice cream! A second stomach magically appeared in me because how can I miss out on such a wonderful opportunity? |
馬辣頂級鴛鴦火鍋 西門店 Mala Hot Pot Ximen Branch (updated in Sep 2023)
108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Xining Rd, 157號2f
Opening Hours: 11.30am - 2am
- Choose from the following:
- Angus beef access (NTD698 for lunch on Mon to Fri; NTD798 for dinner, Saturday and Sunday)
- Prime Wagyu access (NTD798 for lunch on Mon to Fri; NTD898 for dinner, Saturday and Sunday)
- Supreme Duo of Wagyu access (NTD898 for lunch on Mon to Fri; NTD998 for dinner, Saturday and Sunday)
After a massively delicious meal, we walked around Ximending for a little to digest our food. And what's Ximending known for? Ah Zhong Mian Xian of course! We shared a small bowl because we were still stuffed with hotpot food.
No.8-1, Emei St., Wanhua District, Taipei City |台北市峨嵋街8號之1
Tel: 02-2388-8808 | Opening Hours: 8:30am to 10:30pm (Mon – Thu),
8:30am to 11pm (Fri – Sun)
- Small bowl: NTD60; Big bowl: NTD75
- You can add your own vinegar, toppings and chilli on the side
- Stools are provided but there are no tables! That's the beauty of this mee sua.
With the Ximending tradition done, we made our way down towards Huaxi Street for a massage at Ginza Massage 銀座足體養生會館.
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| The shopfront looks a lot brighter than this now so just look out for the shop name! Based on Google photos, a 60-minute foot massage should set you back around NTD599. You can do the math yourself to see if that's worth the money. I actually did gua sha and a foot massage. Gua sha is great, but it left my body bruised that it hurt to move or touch my skin =( |
With our massage over, we decided that since we were not too hungry yet, we could go to Carrefour to buy some Taiwanese snacks home (since it would be cheaper than at a convenience store). I don't think I actually bought anything though because nothing really caught my eye.
However, if you're in the area and you don't mind popping in to take a look, go ahead! They may have seasonal specials that tickle your fancy.
After making a quick stop at the hotel to dump off what was bought at Ximending and Carrefour, it was time for more eating at Raohe Night Market!
From Taipei Main Station, hop on a train headed to Hualien (or ask for directions) towards Songshan Train Station. This is a 6 minute ride and only 1 stop away. Alternatively, if you are at Ximending, you can head directly to the Songshan subway station (if you're more comfortable with this option.)
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| Your Raohe Night Market journey must start with a Pepper Bun (hu jiao bing). This store has won the Michelin Bib Gourmand and is a crowd favourite. The queue may be long but it moves quick. I heard they've moved to another shopfront that's larger but is still at the entrance of Raohe Night Market. |
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| I
really love this tamago shop! What they sell is simple and you can
choose the topping you prefer. However, by the classic street food
rules, it's easy to eat, not too filling and completely delicious. |
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| A snack I discovered on this particular trip to Taiwan: quail eggs cooked Takoyaki-style. Basic quail eggs are meh but these are SO GOOD. Each "ball" has a tiny shrimp within and you could choose from mayonnaise or honey mustard topping. I went with mayonnaise and wow! The calories though~ |
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| I'm not a shellfish person but this stall definitely enjoyed quite a bit of business! |
Foodie day 2 completed!
Stay tuned for Day 3 (our final day) where we visited a cat cafe and decided to cram a whole load of last-minute eats for our final day in Taipei.
Till then,
Fly safe and eat happy,
V
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