My Favorite Bakery and Cafe

I would like to keep this place a secret.

But if you didn't hear it from me, someone else would tell you.

Avec plasir ... Bonjour.

The Song Shan location has a full on breakfast and lunch menu in addition to their pastries and desserts. I ate here almost everyday. For a hearty meal, my personal recommendations are the fried chicken sandwich, friend rice or beef hamburger. No joke. If you have a sweet tooth or are a carb-o-holic, you'll think you stepped into heaven.

Bon appétit!

Squid Ink and Smiling Faces

Pop into any bakery in Taipei and you'll find baked goods so black you can't help but wonder what it is.

We picked up a Garlic Chicken filled Squid Ink roll from Champs-Élysées Bakery. Sooooo good!



Other bakeries carry baked goods that make you smile with just one look.

Convenience Stores

5 Reasons why convenience stores in Taipei rock

1) That bottle of Poca Sweat costs the same whether you are buying it from High Life or OK Mart down the street

2) You can buy beer and enjoy it sitting at either their tables indoors or outdoors

3) When you spend 60NT at 7-11 you earn points towards a special edition Paddington bear

4) You can submit payment for your utility bill

5) 7-11 sells sliced white guava (seasonings included)

1885 Burger Store

Am I really saying this?

It was better than In N Out, Fudd Ruckers, Johnny Rockets, Burger Meister, Darla's and even ... Big Mouth.

In Taiwan of all places.

I'm convinced.

Anything is possible.

Fruit and more Fruit

I absolutely love tropical fruit. And Taipei was full of it - tropical fruit, I mean.

Green Apple Guavas





Pink Guavas with seasoning



I have NO idea what these are, but they have the texture and taste of white nectarines, with a hint of salt.

Me and My Cafes

When I am on vacation, even when I am traveling alone, I always try to set aside time for myself. In Taipei, this means finding a quaint dog-friendly café, with free wi-fi, delicious desserts, hip décor, comfortable couches and Louis playing in the background. Here are a few places I checked out.

Mucho Mucho Cafe
No.29, Alley 5, Lane 107, Sec. 1, Fuxing S. Rd, Taipei


Cozy place.

The Path Cafe
10, Alley 33, Ln 216, Zhoungxiao E Rd, Taipei


I think I make better cheesecake.

My Sweetie Pie
No. 3, Lane 93, ShiDa Rd, Taipei










The apple pie was pretty good.

Insomnia
13, Ln 93, Shida Rd, Taipei












There is a 150NT minimum pp at this place. Did they just charge us for 300NT for microwaved mashed potatoes, vegetables and salmon?

MOS Burger

Before coming out here, I kept hearing about MOS Burger, but never in the context of YOU HAVE TO TRY IT. It wasn't until I found out they served a peanut butter breakfast sandwich with lettuce, egg, and sliced ham, did they jump on the to-do list.

They stop serving breakfast after 10:30 am. The clock said 9:45, perfect. I walked in, asked to see a menu and they handed me a laminated sheet with pictures and descriptions in english. #7 Found it. I pointed. The woman replied, "Mei you". I officially had my first Mandarin lesson. I frowned, hopped on my bike and headed for another Mos Burger down the street.

Score! I forked over the cash and popped a squat on the nearest bench. I unwrapped and examined the sandwich. I wasn't sure of what to expect, but I was excited. How could you possibly go wrong with peanut butter?



MMMmm.. Mos Burger PB breakfast sandwiches. Not too sweet, salty, gooey or crunchy. I can't wait to share this combination with the rest of the world. No wonder their motto is "Making people happy through food."



Check out their Main Menu

Mister Donut

If you were raised out in the east coast, perhaps you remember Mister Donut. The company started out in Boston and was founded by Harry Winouker in 1955. Then, in 1983, a Japanese company (Duskin Co. Ltd.) acquired the sales and trademark rights for Mister Donut in Asia. Since then, Mister Donut has taken off and is now one of the largest donut retailers in the world.

I am not big on donuts, but I am a huge fan of almost anything made with green tea. I keep hearing about this amazing old fashion green tea, made exclusivley at Mister Donut. I had to try it for myself.

Blag.

This particular location didn't have any in stock, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from making my visit worthwhile. The glass cases were filled with probably twenty different kinds. They all seemed to scream, "Pick me!".

I once saw a macaron recipe that combined chocolate and green tea. What an interesting pair of flavors that I had yet to try.



Not too sweet and not too rich - just the way I like it. American desserts are waaay over the top. Just a touch of sugar is all the world needs.