'Jiufen (Nine Portions)'

'Jiufen (九份)' is not only a charming little old town that many people enjoy visiting following the footsteps of the red lantern village in Spirited Away... but it is also a seventh heaven for food lovers! For those who are planning a trip to Taiwan... I would like you to pin this place on your map, you will not be disappointed! Whether it's desserts, savory dishes, stir-fries, curries, or fried foods, everything is so delicious! As a foodie, I highly recommend it!

Traveling from Taipei

Traveling from Taipei to Jiufen is a straightforward journey. Take bus route 1062 directly from Taipei, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Board the bus at the bus stop near MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (Exit 1). Disembark at Jiufen Old Street. The fare is only 102NT.



Taiwanese Peanut Ice Cream

"Ice Cream with Taro Balls" is the name we use for this dessert, which perfectly captures its flavor and texture. The sweet, creamy ice cream is a delightful contrast to the chewy taro balls, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. The dessert's resemblance to cotton candy adds to its playful charm. The generous filling of taro balls and two scoops of ice cream make it a satisfying treat. We highly recommend this dessert, giving it a perfect score of 10/10.


Taiwanese Pineapple Cake

The following is " ข น ม เ ปี๊ ย ะ ไ ต้ ห วั น" with various flavors and fillings. The one I tried was red bean paste with shredded pork and mochi inside. It was delicious! You should try it too! What are you waiting for?

Taiwanese Braised Eggs

" ไ ข่ พ ะ โล้ ไต้ ห วั น" is a Taiwanese dish that translates to "Taiwanese Braised Eggs." It is a popular street food and snack in Taiwan. The dish consists of hard-boiled eggs that are braised in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and spices. The eggs are typically served with a side of rice or noodles.

The taste of " ไ ข่ พ ะ โล้ ไต้ ห วั น" is similar to that of Chinese braised eggs, but with a slightly sweeter and more savory flavor. The eggs are typically very tender and flavorful.

If you are looking for a delicious and authentic Taiwanese dish to try, " ไ ข่ พ ะ โล้ ไต้ ห วั น" is a great option. It is a popular dish that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.

Grilled Oysters

"Grilled oysters" Who loves to eat oysters? Raise your hands!! This grilled oyster is good, fresh, crunchy, full, very flavorful. The price may be a bit expensive, NT$100 per cup, but the quality is guaranteed. You must try it!!



Spicy Squid Salad

"This is a delicious Taiwanese street food called 'ปลาหมึกกรอบ' (crispy squid). It's just as good as Japan's takoyaki! I love it. Each skewer costs NT$30, and I give it a perfect score of 10/10."

Herbal Meatballs

"The 'Look Chin Suman Prip' is incredibly chewy! Each bite is a burst of flavor without any hint of flour. The taste is delicious, with subtle herbal notes and a touch of spice. It's perfectly balanced and deserves a 10/10! I highly recommend it."


Cute Candy

"Candy" The charm of this small town lies in its abundance of cute candies, sweets, and snacks. Even the lollipops are shaped like Pikachu, making them too adorable to eat. It's like a mini version of the candy stalls we see at our local temple fairs!


Taiwan Beer

After trying both sweet and savory dishes, we decided to cleanse our palates with a "Taiwan Beer." The can's design is incredibly cute, which is why we bought it. We visited during the Christmas season, so the beer cans were specially designed for the festive occasion. The beer itself tastes ordinary, but we give it a 10/10 because we love the can. 😛


The pineapple-flavored beer (left) tastes delicious and fragrant. The pineapple flavor is not overpowering, and the alcohol content is not too high. It's easy to drink and enjoyable. It doesn't have the bitterness of regular beer. The other beer is a Taiwanese beer that claims to be "all malt." I'm not sure what that means, but I tried it anyway. The taste is quite bitter and harsh on the throat. It's pretty strong, so it's not suitable for those who prefer milder beers.


"Chardonnay Sparkling" (left) has a lovely fruity aroma and a low alcohol content, making it similar to cider. It's definitely worth a try! The "Taiwan Beer" (right) has a cute bottle design that's sure to catch your eye (and your wallet!).



To conclude, we have a light and fragrant Bia Beer from 7-Eleven. It's perfect for both men and women, with a low alcohol content of only 3%.


Milk tea

"Milk tea" is a must-try for everyone. It's delicious, fragrant, and smooth. One bottle is not enough! There are many flavors to choose from, such as milk tea, latte, earl grey, green milk tea, etc. Personally, I like the Milk Tea flavor the most. The tea flavor is just right, not too sweet, with a fragrant aroma of tea mixed with creamy milk. Oh, it's so delicious that I had to buy some back to Thailand with me. ^ ^ P.S. This milk tea can be found at 7-Eleven or mini marts everywhere.

I am a journalist translator. I translate sentences from Thai to English.



After indulging in a delicious feast, we boarded the bus back to Taipei around 7 pm. To our astonishment, we were greeted by an incredibly long queue. We ended up waiting for almost an hour! For those who prefer to avoid the wait, taxis are readily available. Fares are displayed on the meter, but it's always wise to negotiate with the driver to avoid potential surcharges.



Despite the grueling bus ride back, if we ever have the chance to visit Taiwan again, we will definitely return to Jiufen! With its stunning views, pleasant weather, and delicious food, it's an absolute must-visit.

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