Wulai Old Street: A Scenic Walk Through Tradition & Local Flavours

#newyearnewtrip #travelanywhere We woke up early in Ximending, excited for a tranquil day trip to Wulai. After taking the metro to Xindian Station, we hopped on a local bus for an hour-long journey that wound its way through lush, mountainous terrain. It was still early—around 8 AM—and as we arrived, we were welcomed by a breathtaking sight: a turquoise blue hot spring river flowing gracefully through the valley, framed by towering mountains shrouded in delicate morning mist. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the crisp air, made it feel like we had stepped into a dream, the perfect start to our adventure in Wulai. We strolled across the Wulai Tourist Bridge, taking a moment to soak in the stunning view, before heading towards Wulai Old Street. As we entered, the street seemed to transport us back in time. Traditional wooden shopfronts lined the road, their weathered signs telling tales of generations past. Elderly vendors, with their warm smiles and gentle hands, sold handmade treats and local specialties. The charm of the village was undeniable, with every corner steeped in nostalgia—a true taste of old Taiwan. Hunger soon set in, and we found ourselves at Formosa Nostalgic Eatery, a cozy, retro-style restaurant tucked away in the heart of the old street. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with vintage décor that added a touch of charm. What truly set this place apart was the view from our table—open windows offered an unobstructed look at the picturesque hot spring river below, framed by the mountains. As we sat there, we ordered a refreshing glass of Gac fruit juice—a rare treat that’s hard to find in Singapore. The flavor was unique: a delightful fusion of papaya’s mellow sweetness and starfruit’s tangy kick, refreshing and exotic in the best possible way. We also enjoyed a comforting bowl of wild pork meat and vegetable soup, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding mountains. The dish was rustic and rich in flavor, offering a perfect reflection of Wulai’s natural beauty. After our satisfying meal, we returned to the old street, where we discovered Xiaomi Mochi (Xiaomi Ma Ji), a charming stall run by a local Wulai grandmother. The mochi here was unlike anything we had tasted before—freshly handmade with soft, chewy rice dough filled with rich, flavorful fillings of peanut, black sesame, red bean, and taro. Each bite was a revelation—the mochi had a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, and the fillings were both generous and vibrant in taste. It was, without a doubt, the best mochi we had during our entire Taiwan trip. To end our morning on a high note, we stopped at a street vendor selling BBQ wild pork sausage. The sausage was smoky and juicy, with a slightly sweet caramelized glaze that added an irresistible depth of flavor. It was the ideal way to wrap up our morning in Wulai, a place that had truly captured our hearts. #taiwan #travel #couplestrip #myitinerary