Ximending is one of Taipei’s most vibrant districts, often compared to Tokyo’s Shibuya or Harajuku. First-time visitors usually flock to the night market snacks, shopping streets and famous landmarks. But if you have already visited Ximending before, the area still has plenty of hidden gems and nostalgic bites worth revisiting.
During my recent trip to Taipei, I revisited Ximending not as a first-timer, but as someone looking for familiar flavours and local favourites that never go out of style. From legendary braised pork rice to crispy street snacks and iconic Taiwanese drinks, here are a few things worth doing in Ximending if you have already checked the typical tourist list.
- Tian Tian Li (天天利美食坊)
Located in the heart of Ximending, Tian Tian Li (天天利美食坊) has been serving comforting Taiwanese classics for decades and remains a favourite among locals and returning visitors.
The highlight here is their Braised Pork Rice topped with Fried Egg, where the rich, savoury pork sauce seeps into the fluffy rice while the silky egg adds an extra layer of indulgence. Simple, satisfying and full of Taiwanese soul.
Another popular dish is their Oyster Omelette, though I personally felt that versions from Ningxia Night Market still have the edge in terms of flavour and texture. Still, it’s worth trying if you are already here.
Expect queues even before opening hours, but service moves quickly. Orders are placed via a paper order sheet before entering the shop, making the process efficient despite the crowd.
2. Crispy Donut (脆皮甜甜圈)
One of the most addictive street snacks in Ximending is the Crispy Donut (脆皮甜甜圈). You will often notice a queue forming around this humble stall. It is a good sign that something delicious is being fried.
Freshly made on the spot, the donut is deep-fried until golden before being coated generously with sugar. The outside is crisp and slightly crunchy while the inside remains soft and fluffy.
Best enjoyed hot and fresh, this simple Taiwanese street snack proves that sometimes the most basic treats can be the most satisfying. Interestingly, the queue seems even longer than when I last visited two years ago.
3. Ah Chung Mian Xian (阿宗麵線)
A trip to Ximending almost always includes a stop at Ah Chung Mian Xian (阿宗麵線), one of Taipei’s most famous street food stalls.
The vermicelli soup here is rich, thick and comforting, topped with tender braised pork intestine. The best part is customising the flavours with garlic, vinegar and chilli sauce at the counter.
There are no seats here .Everyone simply stands around the stall enjoying their bowls of noodles. Somehow, this casual street-side dining experience is part of what makes it so iconic.
Even if you have tried it before, it’s one of those nostalgic bites many travellers return to whenever they are back in Ximending.
4. Buy Sunny Cake From Ruyi (如邑堂) — With Free Tasting
If you are looking for Taiwanese souvenirs, Ruyi Sunny Cake (如邑堂) in Ximending is a great stop.
What makes the shop special is that most of their pastries are available for tasting, allowing visitors to sample different flavours before deciding what to buy. Upon entering, staff often serve guests a cup of hot tea while offering samples of their signature items.
Besides the classic sun cakes, you can also try other pastries such as tieguanyin tea pastries, matcha treats, taro pastries and yolk pastries. For travellers buying gifts, the shop also offers tax refund services and careful packing, making it convenient to bring home Taiwanese treats for friends and family.
You can read full details on my previous post here.
5. Xin Fu Tang (幸福堂)
Bubble tea is practically synonymous with Taiwan, and Xin Fu Tang (幸福堂) is one of the well-known brands famous for its brown sugar bubble milk.
Their signature drink is prepared with freshly cooked brown sugar pearls that are caramelised in a hot wok before being mixed with fresh milk. The result is a creamy drink with warm, chewy pearls and fragrant caramel notes.
While bubble tea options are endless in Taipei, Xin Fu Tang remains a fun stop in Ximending for those craving a classic Taiwanese drink while exploring the district.
Ximending may be one of Taipei’s most visited districts, but it still offers plenty to explore beyond the typical tourist checklist. For returning visitors, revisiting familiar favourites like Tian Tian Li or Ah Chung Mian Xian can feel surprisingly nostalgic, while street snacks and souvenir shops add small discoveries along the way.
Sometimes the best way to enjoy Ximending is simply to slow down, revisit old favourites and snack your way through the neighbourhood again.
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