Where to eat in Taiwan and delicious things you must try

New: Where to eat in Taiwan and delicious things you must try 
Whats up: Make your own cheese nibs

Seven days in Taiwan and 80 per cent of that time was spent eating. The streets of Taiwan are filled with food carts, food stands, restaurants—every form of food vending you can think of. 

Everything I ate was fresh and handmade on the premises, sometimes just as you order it.

Although it takes more than a mere seven days to explore the infinite eating opportunities, here are the top ten things and a few places you must try in Taiwan:

1. Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

A given yes, but make sure to ask for beef too when you order it. If you just ask for Taiwanese beef noodle soup you will get just that, noodles and broth. An amazing, flavourful broth yes, but the tender chunks of beef just make it so much better. Great at most places I tried, so you can’t really go wrong. If you’re unsure, just look for the place with the lineups.

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

2. Taiwanese Shaved Ice

One of my favourite desserts in the world. Taiwanese shaved ice is served with the freshest toppings at any shaved ice restaurant or stand. There are an infinite number of combinations from fruit, to chocolate or pudding to more traditional toppings such as taro, red/green beans, grass jelly and of course the most popular, mango. I tried King Mango’s red bean, taro and condensed milk flavour.

You can also get the shaved ice mixed into the topping for something like an icy ice cream. I tried the taro flavour—amazing.

Red bean taro shaved ice

Cheap meals in Vancouver -- Fill up for under $5

New: Cheap meals in Vancouver -- Fill up for under $5

What’s up: Travel Dining - Sapphire Princess cruise ship dining, Cheap baking substitutes

We’re not always as loaded as we’d like to be, and sometimes we just want a tasty bite that costs next to nothing. Where can we get a cheap meal in Vancouver? Does cheap exist outside of fast food?

Check out my list of the top cheapest meals in Vancouver. That’s right folks, we can be full for under $5 in Vancouver. These may not be the most ideal places to bring a date or bring any guests at all, but when all you’re looking for is some cheap food and a full, satisfied stomach, give these cheap Vancouver restaurants (FYI not all are restaurants) a try.

Bons off Broadway

For just $2.95 you can get their infamous, super filling all day breakfast. You have your choice of a combination of toast, potatoes (or French fries), bacon/ham/sausage and eggs cooked to your preference. You can also substitute any of the above for anything else. For example, I’m not an egg person, so I often switch out my eggs for potatoes or bacon (that’s right you can have more bacon) for no extra cost. There’s also a variety of bread so you can have brown, white or even rye bread.

If the all day breakfast isn’t to your liking you can also get a stack of pancakes, a soup and sandwich combo or an omelette. It’s a fair sized restaurant although a bit dingy, the utensils are clean and you get free coffee refills. Make sure to go early and grab a table. Take out is also a great option.

Starts at: $2.95

Location: 5451 Nanaimo St.

Ikea Restaurant

Ikea's famous Swedish Meatballs covered in gravy and crispy french fries

Yes, it’s a bit strange to think of Ikea as a place to grab some grub, but it’s fantastic. They’ve got great, hearty meals and extremely inexpensive bites. This cafeteria-style restaurant serves up their famous Swedish meatballs and potatoes for $2.99 Monday to Friday and $4.99 Saturday to Sunday.

Craving some pasta? They’ve got organic pasta with marinara sauce for just $1.99 and you can even grab dessert for under $3. Head down to the Ikea Bistro near the exit to grab a bite on your way out. For just $0.75, you can get a hot dog, or for $2 you can get the 2 hotdogs and unlimited soft drink refills deal. No need to skip dessert either because they’ve got some delicious frozen yogurt that tastes just like the McDonald’s ice cream for just $1.

Looking for a super cheap breakfast? For just $1, yes $1! You can get a hearty breakfast of eggs, potatotes and sausages (until 11 a.m.).

Starts at: $0.75