Leo Chiang DOT COM

This meal cost me NT$180, which is roughly $6 CDN.

I find it abundantly amazing that a place with the population density of Taipei,  currently approaching 3 million people, not including Taipei County, with the relatively expensive standards of living that the food and beverage costs can be so low.

Approximately a total of 23 million people populate the island of Taiwan, which is about the size of Vancouver Island.

It would not be difficult to live life here simply and spending less than $10 CDN per day.

Cheap eats are available in a variety of roadside vendors and small, alleyway shops.

Part of the fun of Taipei is visiting the various shops and eateries which reside in the old alleyways that criss-cross this large metropolis.  The Japanese occupied Taiwan from 1895 to 1945 and the Japanese influence is still readily apparent in the design and layout of the old city and particularly in the narrow alleys.

The above pictured sugar cane is roasted to caramelize the sugars, then pressed through a giant juicer.  Fresh ginger extract is an optional addition for additional goodness. A healthy juice snack and the smell is amazing.

Hot pots are popular here in Taipei.  We visited one that gave you a choice of your own hot pot, a bowl of rice and unlimited soft drinks and ice cream for only NT$100 per person, that works out to about $3 CDN.

Let’s not forget desserts.  A Taiwanese favorite is shaved iced with various toppings.  A delicious treat especially during Taiwan’s very hot, tropical climate.  A genuine coffee from Mr. Brown is also a must, forget about Starbucks.

If you ever get the chance to visit Taipei, follow your nose, you may be pleased with what you find.

Posted on February 5th, 2009 by Leo
Filed under: Lucid Thoughts, Shooting Gallery