Tamsui is located at the end of the red line, on the North of Taipei. We decided to go because our friend told us it was a really good place. The weather was very cloudy but we spend an enjoyable day walking around that place ! There was a lot of people when we went out the subway. Tamsui is popular and we soon understood why. SJ and me went there without planning anything but there was a map inside the subway with all the interesting spots to visit. We decided to take the Old Street's direction, on the left when you go out the station. We walked without really knowing where we were going, I have to admit, ah ha. We saw a small colorful temple stuck between two big buildings, and we then ended up at the beginning of a looooong market street. It was going back to the station's direction but we still choose to go in. |
There was a lot of interesting boutiques there, from souvenirs to shoes shops. Small little stands everywhere, clerks screaming to attract customers. Street foods, drinks, jewelries, clothes, we could find everything there ! SJ and me bought a sugar can juice (so delicious) and strawberries covered with a tick red sugar coat (just like love apple). All this for cheap.
We then took a small alley and ended up facing a huuuuge plain. It was really animated, a lot of people were sitting on the grass talking or eating stuff. There was a LOT of food and drinks stands along the street. Restaurants, souvenir shops, even fast foods. Games for kids, small arcade places, it was awesome. We tried a lot of free samples but they mainly sold octupus and sea food stuff.
We could also admire Tamsui river and the sea but the sky was so cloudy we didn't stay long. It was apparently possible to take a ferry to go to Bali from that place but the queue was so long we decided to stay here.
We could also admire Tamsui river and the sea but the sky was so cloudy we didn't stay long. It was apparently possible to take a ferry to go to Bali from that place but the queue was so long we decided to stay here.
We went back to the inside streets to try the infamous Castella Bread. Now this bread comes from heaven ! Because it's so, SO fluffy it's unbelievable ! You feel like eating a cloud. The waiting line was really long but trust me, it's worth it. We could smell the sweet buttery flagrance of the bread while we waited, it was mouth watering. You could also see the guys baking and preparing the dough behind the counter, it was so impressive.
The bread was REALLY big and boucing like a jelly when the guys touched it. There was only two choices : 130TWD for one piece of cheese Castella and 90TWD for a classic one. But one piece's size was HUGE ! And so hot. We took the cheese one (of course). It was slightly sweet, just enough to perfeclty blend with the creamy warm cheese. It was PURE awesomeness. Even hours later it was still melting in my mouth. I fell in love with that bread. I want to marry that bread. That's how good it is.
The bread was REALLY big and boucing like a jelly when the guys touched it. There was only two choices : 130TWD for one piece of cheese Castella and 90TWD for a classic one. But one piece's size was HUGE ! And so hot. We took the cheese one (of course). It was slightly sweet, just enough to perfeclty blend with the creamy warm cheese. It was PURE awesomeness. Even hours later it was still melting in my mouth. I fell in love with that bread. I want to marry that bread. That's how good it is.
So after that foodgasm, we wanted to visit the Red Castle and all the other temples but we got lost (that was bound to happen as we were travelling without maps). So by the time we found our way again, we were so tired we just went back home.
Tamsui is an awesome place in my opinion, especially if you want to chill and eat outside with your friends. You don't even need to prepare food before, just go there and buy all the stuff food stands has to offer. The atomsphere is different from the center of Taipei. More relaxed, laid-back even if it's really animated. It really feels like being on holidays, I loved it.
Tamsui is an awesome place in my opinion, especially if you want to chill and eat outside with your friends. You don't even need to prepare food before, just go there and buy all the stuff food stands has to offer. The atomsphere is different from the center of Taipei. More relaxed, laid-back even if it's really animated. It really feels like being on holidays, I loved it.
Address : Huanhe road and around
Station : Tamsui (red line)
Direction : Old Street. The map indicates the position of the Castella Bread shops, but everything around is worth exploring.
Station : Tamsui (red line)
Direction : Old Street. The map indicates the position of the Castella Bread shops, but everything around is worth exploring.
Pix provided by Lazy Viruses.