Taichung Food Trail: Local Markets, Famous Noodles & Miyahara Ice Cream
#newyearnewtrip #travelanywhere Today, we left behind the energy of Taipei and made our way to Taichung, a city renowned for its food and culture. After checking out of our hotel in Ximending, we headed to Taipei Main Station for the high-speed rail. In under an hour, we arrived in Taichung, ready to dive into a new experience.
From Taichung Station, we took a quick local train to Taichung Railway Station and walked less than 10 minutes to Shin Sei Bashi Hotel, which we had booked via Trip.com. After leaving our luggage, we set off to explore. Its central location made it easy to navigate the city on foot.
Our first stop was Taichung Second Market, a historic food hub loved by both locals and visitors. A 15-minute walk brought us to this lively marketplace, where we joined the fast-moving queue at Lai’s Tea Shop for its famed black tea. Smooth, fragrant, and well-balanced, it was a refreshing start to our food trail.
Next, we queued for Ah Qi San Dai Fuzhou Yi Mian Lao Dia, a three-generation-old eatery known for its traditional Fuzhou-style noodles. Their springy noodles, rich minced meat, and stuffed fishballs and meatballs were deeply flavorful, making the wait worthwhile.
Still hungry, we stopped by Arashi Braised Minced Pork for their signature luroufan and homemade meatballs. The braised pork was tender and rich, while the meatballs, seasoned with a unique marinade, added an extra layer of depth to the dish.
A trip to Taichung wouldn’t be complete without visiting Miyahara, a former ophthalmology clinic turned dessert destination. Beyond its grand, library-like interior, Miyahara is best known for its handcrafted ice cream. With a vast selection of tea, fruit, and chocolate-based flavors, we opted for a waffle bowl with two scoops, topped with bear-shaped cookies, cheesecake cubes, and an assortment of complimentary toppings, including fresh strawberries and crisp biscuits. Every bite was a mix of rich, creamy, and refreshing flavors.
In the early afternoon, we wandered around the Taichung Railway Station area, making a stop at Capoo Cat Café, a themed café dedicated to the well-loved blue cartoon cat. After a short break, we continued our exploration, ready to experience more of what Taichung had to offer.
#taiwan #travel #couplestrip #myitinerary