Taipei

Hello,

In December, I traveled to Taipei, Taiwan, for a work trip lasting less than 48 hours. The journey itself was an adventure: I flew with Air China, taking approximately 24 hours each way from Frankfurt to Shanghai and then to Taipei. Despite the brief stay, the city left a lasting impression on me.​

I arrived at my hotel, exhausted, on a Sunday afternoon. Yet, I was excited to explore and sample the local cuisine. I met my colleague at a downtown restaurant called Gan Mei Alley. The noodles were insanely good—juicy, chewy, and aromatic. A friend once called me opinionated; perhaps I am. In my view, Asian food is superior. Period.​

Taipei is young, proud, and lively. Taiwan plays an important role in the global tech industry as a leading chip manufacturer. The island holds strategic importance for both China—which claims Taiwan as part of its territory—and the US, which maintains economic ties with Taiwan without officially recognizing it as a sovereign state. Upon landing in Taipei, the news highlighted a critical development: China had moved its ships closer to Taiwan. Local colleagues mentioned that many young people in Taiwan prefer independence and identify as Taiwanese, even though their ethnic and linguistic roots are deeply intertwined with China. ​I am curious to see what the next years will bring to this beautiful city. 

We strolled through the streets and visited a Pop-Mart store. My colleague was unfamiliar with Labubu, a popular character in Asia. These figures resemble little monsters with semi-angry, semi-mischievous expressions. While kids adore them, they're not just for children; many adults carry see-through bags showcasing their Labubu collectibles. As a fan of cartoons, anime, characters, and toys, I found Asia to be a paradise for such interests.​

Taipei is renowned for its night markets. I had certain expectations, but Ningxia Night Market surpassed them. There are two long rows of food stalls with a narrow walkway in between, bustling with crowds. I loved the vibrant atmosphere. Although we weren't hungry, the scallion pancakes looked tempting. I opted for fruit juice, which helped me wake up. We returned to our hotel to meet our third colleague, who had just arrived. After a few beers at the hotel bar, we called it a night.​

Our local colleagues invited us to dinner at a trendy restaurant called Sinchao Rice Shoppe, which served delicious and elevated Taiwanese cuisine. The food was top-notch, and the cocktails were worth trying.​

On the last day before my flight, we dined at a sushi restaurant. Oh my, oh my. What are we eating in Berlin? I read that Taiwan offers some of the best sushi outside Japan, possibly due to Japan's 50-year rule over Taiwan. Sushi is an art form that requires precision to taste right. As I finished my plate, I decided to try making sushi at home soon.​

Bye,

Deniz

Travel Reads: Unfortunately, this time I read work-related material rather than a good book.