A recent trip to Taipei by a mother and daughter highlights the city’s comforts and culinary delights, blending nostalgia with new experiences.
Taipei: I remember my first trip to Taiwan when I was just a baby. My mom took me to see my grandparents, and I didn’t even cry on the plane! I was so excited to travel that I had my own little suitcase, a pink Hello Kitty one, and I’d zoom around O’Hare Airport like I owned the place.
Now, years later, I’m back in Taiwan with my mom, flying on EVA Air’s Hello Kitty Besties Jet. It’s all decked out with colorful characters, and it’s just as fun as it sounds!
When I was little, I’d spend the long flights watching cartoons and playing with Hello Kitty cards. Now, I’m all about the flight perks—like fancy skincare, delicious whisky, and comfy pajamas designed by Jason Wu. It’s a real treat!
We landed in Taipei early in the morning and were thrilled when the Mandarin Oriental let us check in right away. This hotel is known for its amazing service and has been a top luxury spot for years, especially famous for its afternoon tea and Michelin-starred restaurant.
The club lounge is a must-try, with breakfast options like beef noodle soup and black sesame croissants. And the outdoor terrace? It’s like a little slice of paradise in the city.
I swear by a good massage to beat jet lag, and the spa at Mandarin Oriental has this amazing Oriental Qi massage that really helped me feel balanced after the long flight.
Taipei is super easy to navigate with its metro system, and I found myself getting sidetracked by all the shops. There’s a cool underground book street at Zhongshan station, and above ground, you can stroll through parks and explore little shops everywhere.
We even took a beading class and caught an indie film at the Taipei Film House. My mom and I treated ourselves to a bowl of chilled tofu pudding, a nostalgic snack from her childhood. She reminisced about the vendor who used to bike around her neighborhood in Kaohsiung.
We used to visit my grandparents every summer, but since they’ve passed, it’s just us now. This trip was special because we reconnected with some of my mom’s childhood friends and their kids, many of whom I hadn’t seen in ages.
When it comes to Chinese food, sharing is key! We had a blast at Flower Restaurant, enjoying dishes like Taiwanese basil omelette and minced pork with chive flowers.
Getting around was easy, too. We tried a new car service called Daytrip, where the drivers speak English and you can even make stops along the way.
One thing I love about Taipei is how chill it feels for a big city. Each neighborhood has its own vibe and cool spots to check out.
If you’re new to Taipei, you can’t miss Taipei 101. It used to be the tallest building in the world, and it’s still a stunning sight in the shopping district.
There are plenty of hotels nearby, like Humble House Taipei, which has a rooftop pool with great views of Taipei 101.
Da’an is another favorite area of mine, filled with cafes, art galleries, and trendy shops. Kimpton Da An is a great pet-friendly hotel there, and they serve an amazing breakfast sandwich!
After getting our hair done, we headed to Yongkang Street, a fun spot for snacks and shopping. It’s where famous places like Din Tai Fung started, and you can find all sorts of delicious treats.
This time, I discovered a new gelato shop with the creamiest flavors. We also loved checking out the local coffee shops, where fruit-flavored coffee is all the rage.
Ending the day at a night market is a must! Shilin is the biggest, but Ningxia has better food options. We snacked on everything from fried sweet potato balls to refreshing fruit juices.
After a week of feasting, we were almost too full to eat on our flight home, but I’m glad we did. The meals on EVA Air are top-notch, especially the congee with pickles and pork floss. It was the perfect way to wrap up our trip.
As I toasted my mom with Champagne, I felt so grateful for the memories we made together and the time spent with old friends.
