Taiwan (台湾) remains as ane of the countries most visited yesteryear Malaysians mainly because of its vibrant culture, mouth-watering local delicacies, well-developed transportation, world-class shopping malls as well as most importantly, budget-friendly. The ascent of low-cost carriers receive got indirectly contributed to the boost of tourism as well, peculiarly a huge in-flow of Malaysians to Taiwan. Taipei as well as Kaohsiung are the most pop destinations but Taichung is non to hold out forsaken as well. The strategic geographical location makes the part ideally as a pit-stop for travelers travelling from North to South (or vice versa). Taichung is the tertiary largest metropolis inwards Taiwan as well as was previously the pump of colonial direction during the Japanese-ruling era; the municipal innovation of the metropolis was modeled based on the metropolis of Kyoto. It is tardily to discovery Japanese-influenced buildings as well as Japanese-colonized footsteps. While nosotros did non care to explore the entire city, nosotros did care to halt yesteryear for a curt 24-hour interval trip.
*This weblog post is brought to you lot yesteryear Taiwan Tourism Bureau (台湾观光局).*
*Special Thanks to China Airlines for making the trip happened*
NTD $630 from Taichung to Taipei (vice versa)
Getting to Taichung from Taipei or whatever other part(s) of Taiwan is easy, merely accept the Taiwan High Speed Rail from whatever goal as well as you lot volition create it Taichung inwards no time. It only took us 59 minutes to attain Taipei from Taichung. The journeying to Taipei was a shine ane as well as the cabin was spacious as well as comfortable.
Moving precisely about the town would non hold out as convenient as compared to Taipei as Taichung City does non receive got whatever MRT. The only populace shipping organisation that you lot could perhaps rely on would hold out populace buses but fares are by as well as large affordable as well as inexpensive. The coverage is broad as well as commonly easily checked yesteryear using their website or apps.
Taichung Train Station
1) Natural Way Six Arts Cultural Center (道禾六艺文化馆)
Address: No. 33, Linsen Road, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan (台中市中区林森路33号).
Opening Hours (for the Park): ix am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.
Opening Hours (for the Kendo Dojo): 1 pm to v pm on every Tuesday to Friday.
Admission: Free of accuse for the park
Admission (for the Kendo experience-class): NTD $500 per individual for 40-min experience. Not available for children below v years old.
Contact Number: +886 (04) 2375 6113
Website: http://www.sixarts.org.tw/
Email: sixarts33@gmail.com
Following the human foot steps to farther explore the Japanese-influenced city, our journeying took us to Natural Way Six Arts Cultural Center, a recreational common somewhere close to Taichung City. The common is opened upward to the populace piece joining classes volition incur fees. Step inwards the common as well as you lot volition hold out at nowadays transported to Japan, the exterior of the edifice exudes a calm "zen" vibe. The house acts as a recreational common itself but inwards fact, the interested parties tin sign upward for their Kendo, Kyudo, Chado classes etc.
Japanese Wagashi (日本和菓子)- Matcha Red Bean amongst Mochi
If you lot hand to hold out at that topographic point as well as intend to accept a leisure stroll precisely about the vicinity, we'd advise you lot to accept your adventure at this house that sells Japanese Wagashi. All Wagashis are freshly produced as well as they are expertly crafted. Sweetness was well-balanced, the exterior of the Wagashi was crisp piece the inner constituent was filled amongst chewy Mochi as well as delicately sweetened Red Bean filling. It was substantial yet low-cal plenty to hold out eaten as a between-meal snack.
Hsiao Sensei demonstrating Kendo (Japanese martial art)
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 glimpse into the Kendo Dojo
We were invited to a 40-minute Kendo foundation-experience class, where nosotros got actual hands-on sense on practicing the Japanese martial art. We were kickoff taught on the basic manners earlier proceeding amongst physical training; nosotros as well as then beingness guided measuring yesteryear measuring on the basic usage of the Shinai (竹刀). The entire session was non only an eye-opener but a dandy workout session as well.
Our Sensei- Ms. Hsiao was formerly a Kendo National Champion of Taiwan as well as is experienced plenty to behavior classes. If you lot receive got some fourth dimension to spare as well as would similar to sense something different, the 40-minute Kendo session is something you lot should human face for. It costs NTD $500 as well as it is definitely cheaper inwards Taiwan than inwards Japan.
Archery Centre
2) Caught inwards a whiff of Smoke- Chef's Tasting Menu (又见一炊烟- 无菜单料理)
Address: No. 363-35, Zhong Xing Ling Street , Xinshe District, Taichung City, Taiwan (台中市新社区中兴岭中兴里363-35号).
Business Hours: eleven am to 9:30 pm. Opens Daily. Reservation is required for Dinner.
Contact Number: +886 (04) 2582 3568
The concept of having Chef's Tasting Menu is mushrooming inwards Taiwan- no fixed carte du jour but the diners shall relish whatever dishes prepared yesteryear the Chef as well as such sense tin only hold out enjoyed amongst advance reservation. One of the famous restaurants inwards Taichung that practices such concept is Caught inwards a whiff of Smoke (又见一炊烟). It's non tardily to discovery the restaurant, nosotros traveled an hr from Taichung City to Xinshe District only to discovery the eating seat is situated on a hill. The vantage is of course, the breath-taking scenery, fresh air as well as cool breeze. Though it was an exhausting journeying to the restaurant, nosotros establish it well-worth it. All dishes were skillfully crafted as well as elegant presented, it was ane of the most memorable meals during our entire Taiwan trip. The 9-course Chef's Tasting Lunch is priced at a Prix Fixe Price of NTD $1,200 (excluding 10% service charge).
Grilled South African Abalone amongst Japanese Sauce (酱烧南非鲍)
Seasonal Fresh Fruit Wrap (季节限定蔬果卷)
Porcini Rice (牛肝菌菇炖饭)
We started off amongst a string of exciting appetizers, nosotros were thrilled to run into South African Abalone on offer. The premium Seafood was treated minimally as well as heavily relied on the character of the ingredient. The texture was resilient but non difficult to the seize amongst teeth piece the deport upon of sweetness (from the Japanese sauce) enhanced instead of overshadowing the seafood-sweetness of the Abalone. The next course of pedagogy was a refresher to the palate- diners were treated amongst crisp Seaweed wrapped inwards seasonal offering such as fresh Burdock as well as fruits.
While nosotros were enjoying the appetizers, the Porcini Rice was almost ready. Together amongst Porcini, at that topographic point were a cube of Butter as well as a generous amount of fresh Shimeiji Mushrooms. The earthy flavor was especially overwhelming... it was merely as good futile to resist, what's to a greater extent than amongst the alluring aroma?
Pan Fried Snapper served amongst fresh Pomelo (柚香煎鲷鱼)
Braised Glass Noodles amongst Crab (蟹膏粉丝煲)
Pan Fried American Sirloin Steak (香煎美国莎朗牛)
The appetizers were proven interesting but the primary dishes were as satisfying. We questioned if the Snapper would go amongst fresh Pomelo but nosotros were proven wrong. The tangy-bursty pulp of Pomelo carries a hint of fruity sweetness to counter-balance the greasiness of the Pan Fried Snapper. We as well as then moved on from mildly flavored dish to bolder flavored; the Braised Glass Noodles amongst Crab were beyond amazing. Despite on the salty side, the Glass Noodles were carefully cooked to the correct texture as well as brimming amongst flavors of the creamy-sweet Crab Roe. As if nosotros had ample tum space, the side yesteryear side course of pedagogy was Pan Fried American Sirloin Steak- a slab of premium character meat cooked to perfection. It was non something special but it added goodness value to the variety.
Braised Dang Gui Chicken Soup (山当归鸡汤)
Mashed Yam amongst Dried Longan Sauce (桂圆芋泥)
The repast continued amongst a comforting serving of Dang Gui Chicken Soup... non peculiarly outstanding but the flavors were well-balanced as well as warm plenty to telephone yell upward it an end. We ended the luncheon amongst Mashed Yam amongst Dried Longan Sauce- creamy mashed Yam served amongst gooey Dried Longan sugariness sauce. The sweetness was spot on, precisely goodness plenty to complement the starchy tropical plant.
3) Fantasy Story of Culture as well as Arts (绿光计划- 范特喜微创文化)
Address: 117 Lane, Section 1, Meicun Road, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan (台中市西区美村路1段).
Business Hours: *Subject to the tenants' trouble organisation hours*
Contact Number (for the office): +886 (04) 2301 6717
Website: http://www.fantasystory.com.tw/
Fantasy Story was started amongst the aim to save the old heritage edifice establish at the modest alleys of Taichung City. They believe that the advancement of a City does non rely on the amount of luxury houses built but the happiness as well as bliss enjoyed yesteryear the people staying there. The projection begins amongst revamping old heritage edifice into artsy dark-green building, amongst enhancement of room space; it allows novel trouble organisation proprietors to start their businesses. Here at Meicun Road 117 Alley, it gathers numerous handcraft shops, eateries as well as blueprint studios... turning the vicinity into an modern, artsy infinite yet, preserving the heritage footpath.
It is best to accept some fourth dimension for a leisure stroll inwards the vicinity... a house that allows travelers to sense the local civilization as good as to empathize the City more. There are a huge divulge of handcraft workshops or studios available if you lot are into it; accept a spot at the corner of a cafe to discovery the world goes yesteryear would hold out as ideal otherwise. If you lot postulate a guide, catch the guide mass as well as it volition perhaps, give you lot some watch close the projection as well as some of the must-visits of your interest.
4) Ah Qiu Big Juicy Goose (阿秋大肥鹅餐厅)
Address: No. 13, Section 3, Li Ming Road, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan (台中市西屯区黎明路3段13号).
Business Hours: eleven am to two pm, v pm to 10 pm. Opens Daily.
Ask a local for recommendation of a Chinese eating seat as well as the chances of them replying "Ah Qiu Big Juicy Goose" are extremely high. The Chinese eating seat is renowned as the house that offers character Roasted goodies as well as perhaps, it has larn the de-facto house to celebrate for occasions (for the locals). During our curt trip there, nosotros receive got managed to halt yesteryear for dinner but it was a compassion that nosotros receive got missed their Roasted Goose. The 10-course dinner for 10 pax costs NTD $5,000 nett... extreme value for money.
Thai-styled Seafood Salad (泰式海鲜沙拉)
Roasted Cherry Duck (明炉樱桃鸭-半只)
Mixed Seafood Thick Soup (什锦海鲜羹)
We were stunned yesteryear the gigantic serving portion, it started off amongst their Thai-styled Seafood Salad- a blend of Octopus, Prawns, Crab Meat as well as crunchy greens... dressed inwards a tangy, sweet-sour sauce. Probably our Malaysian palates human face to a greater extent than as far as Thai nutrient is concerned. We watch the dish was alright, non peculiarly amazing. But the side yesteryear side Roasted Cherry Duck was lip-smacking. For the uninitiated, Roasted Cherry Duck is especially famous inwards Yilan County... northeastern of Taiwan. The meat was tender piece the peel was crisply roasted; nosotros had ours dipped inwards the sweet-savory Plum sauce. The Roasted Cherry Duck lonely makes a goodness accompaniment to a bowl of White Rice.
Steamed Glutinous Rice amongst Dried Sakura Shrimp as well as Fish Floss (双味香米糕)
Steamed Prawns amongst minced Garlic (蒜泥蒸海虾)
Steamed Sea Bass amongst Fermented Soya Beans ( 豉汁蒸海鲈)
The excitement did non halt there, nosotros "wow-ed" at the Steamed Glutinous Rice amongst Sakura Shrimp as well as Fish Floss. The flaky condiments provided the essential flavors to the chewy Glutinous Rice; the dish is known to hold out a variant to a famous Taiwan local delicacy- Bee Koh (米糕). It was calorific as well as dangerously addictive at the same time; though nosotros fought difficult to resist the temptation for 2d helping. This was in all probability ane of the culprits that contributed to my two kg-weight gain.
Braised Chicken Soup (养生炖鸡盅)
Seasonal Fresh Greens (季节鲜时蔬)
Dim Sum (精致香美点)
As if everyone on the tabular array soundless receive got the tum infinite for more; the next dishes appeared inwards humongous portion. We started to wonder if all Taiwanese possess huge appetite... a controversial of the svelte trunk figures. Anyway, it was most comforting to halt the repast amongst something warm similar Braised Chicken Soup as well as refreshing squash of the Seasonal Fresh Greens. We threw the white flag for the Buns, non to refer that the concluding course of pedagogy was a huge serving of fresh Fruit platter. For a mere NTD $500 per person, nosotros watch the share was extremely huge as well as provided dandy value for money.
5) Feng Jia Night Market (逢甲夜市)
Address: Fu Xing Road, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan (台中市西屯区逢甲大学周围).
Business Hours: v pm 12 am. Opens Daily.
Rumor says that at that topographic point are to a greater extent than than hundreds of Night Markets inwards Taiwan, at that topographic point are a handful of famous ones but Feng Jia Night Market is the de-facto nighttime marketplace to see when you lot are inwards Taichung. Do non tell others you lot receive got visited Taichung if you lot receive got non made a trip to Feng Jia Night Market.
The expanse is large plenty to pass a goodness few hours to explore; whether you lot are looking for local treats or the trendiest hipstery food... store for branded goods or inexpensive nighttime marketplace products, Feng Jia Night Market has it all. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 bonus if you lot are into peel care, at that topographic point are countless of shops that you lot tin pass some fourth dimension on... if you lot must know, there's a Nature Republic inwards the vicinity as well as the products are priced many times cheaper than those establish inwards Malaysia... they fifty-fifty carry products that cannot hold out establish inwards Malaysia. Taiwanese peel attention brands similar Dr. Wu, Naruko, My Beauty Diary or Dr. Morita tin hold out however, establish inwards most pharmacies or Watsons stores.
Also some other tip for the shopaholic inwards you... shoes as well as socks are typically inexpensive inwards Taiwan as compared to Malaysia. If you lot are looking for a couplet of goodness sports shoes, explore those flagship stores or ABC Mart (a house that carries multiple shoe brands). P/S: I've managed to catch a couplet of create novel Nike Air Max at NTD $2,700 nett.
Sausage Bun (大肠包小肠)
Grilled Goodies
Grilled Chicken Rolls
Black King Kong Peanuts (黑金刚花生)
Stir Fried Spicy Innards
Grilled Squid (烤鱿鱼)
Liege Waffles
Grilled Conch as well as Abalones (NTD $100 per portion)
Papaya Milkshake 木瓜牛奶 (NTD $60)
There are no improve guides to human face for best nutrient except to follow the queues. Look for those stalls amongst long queues inwards front end as well as you lot are correct on track. The locals know their nutrient the best. Amongst the nutrient nosotros had, the Grilled Abalone as well as Conch turned out to hold out as tasty as they seemed but freshness was the existent describe of the dish nosotros reckoned. The Grilled Squid is non to hold out forsaken as well- expertly grilled as well as lightly seasoned... chewy yet resilient. At the halt of the meal, nosotros highly recommend to launder it downwardly amongst a loving cup of fresh Papaya Milkshake.
6) One of the best Souvenirs from Taichung- Dominicus Cake from 阿明師老店太陽堂
Address: No. 11, Section 2, Ziyou Road, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan (台中市中区自由路2段11号).
Business Hours: 8 am to 10:30 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: (04) 2227 4007
Website: http://www.suncake.com.tw/main01.aspx
Aming-shi Dominicus Cake (阿明師老店太陽堂/ NTD $ 440 per box of 20)
While at that topographic point are countless of souvenirs that you lot could perhaps convey dorsum to Malaysia for your loved ones, Aming-shi Dominicus Cake is native to Taichung as well as peculiarly represents the City. The few-decade old create is well-known for its Dominicus Cake, a delicacy similar to our Pong Piah. But nosotros do handle that the pastry is flakier as well as the filling is non as sugariness as compared to those brands establish inwards Penang. If you lot establish Dominicus Cake a tad as good conventional, the create does receive got a few to a greater extent than types of traditional pastries on offering as well. All products as well as their prices tin hold out checked on their website.
Have Fun as well as Travel Safe inwards Taichung!
