Really Nice Vacations

Taipei on Business

I’m in this frustrated (& furious?!) mood because of work… so talking about business trips make sense, I think.

Business trips are a pain, although you have fun topping up your airline mileage & enjoying 5-star hotel stay at the company’s expense. I’ve never ventured far during my frequent Taipei business trips (yeah, it’s like a visit every 1-2 months). I’d rather cozy up in my hotel room. But, I don’t usually do room service (unless I’m sick!). There are many nice, decent and inexpensive restaurants in Taipei.. have a few of them in my must-go list when I’m in Taipei.

1. DOZO

Address: 102, Guangfu S Rd, Taipei (www.dozo.com.tw)
Telephone: (02) 2778 1135
Open: Daily 6pm to 3am (last food order at 2am)
Details: English and Chinese Menu. Credit cards accepted

I brand Dozo “Japanese fusion” - the Japanese dishes are prepared with an updated touch, and are definitely a good complement of the “tall beer” (the 2-/4-litre beer is their specialty). My ex-colleague first brought me to this restaurant end May, telling me I’d love this place. And wow! Nice ambience, cool music and good food. Inexpensive too. But first, try locating the entrance (thick wooden doors) to the 2-storey, spacious setup with a mix of Japanese and Oriental decoratives. And sure enough, I went back there with another colleague during my most recent trip.

Muz try: the very thinly-sliced charcoal-grilled beef with garlic sauce, rare salmon & avocado sushi, the skewers, grilled squid, shrimp tempura, stewed dice beef, … And remember to down the dishes with the tall beer!

2. Xin1 Ye4 Tai2 Cai4

Address: Shuangcheng Jie No. 34-1-2

Tel: 25963255-8

If you want to try the authentic taiwanese porridge & taiwanese dishes, this is the place to go.. There are a few branches in Taipei. My Taiwanese friends said not all branches are good. The one we went is supposedly the original restaurant and has maintained its quality. Simple, delicate dishes that reminds you of home & free home-made dessert & chinese tea to finish off the night. Remember to make reservation if you are going…

Muz try/Recommended dishes: scrambled eggs with caipo (wow.. looks like a personal pizza), fried pig liver, fried vege with oyster, …

3. Li3 Ji4 (www.taipeileechi.com.tw/)

Address: No. 73, Section 2, Chang An-East Road

Honestly, this is NOT a restaurant. It’s a cake shop that sells traditional oriental cakes. I go there to top up supplies for my dad whenever I’m in Taipei. I have to admit - their traditional cakes are fresh, soft and tasty, so much so that I would look forward to having them for breakfast or tea.