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"Why is everyone going to Jiufen?"

For those planning a trip to Taiwan and are considering visiting Jiufen, here's a review of some of the famous and unique street food options available (think of it as the Yaowarat of Taiwan). This might help you decide whether to add Jiufen to your itinerary.

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Jiufen is a small town with an old-fashioned atmosphere that harkens back a hundred years. Situated on a mountain by the sea, it boasts not only delicious food but also stunning scenery. In fact, Jiufen served as the inspiration for the setting of Ghibli's animated film, Spirited Away.

Located just an hour away from Taipei by car or two hours by bus route 1062, Shifen is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. While some prefer to visit during the day to enjoy the scenic views and convenient transportation, others opt for an overnight stay to experience the enchanting atmosphere of the red lanterns lining the streets at night.

"Peanut Ice Cream Roll" 35NTD, also known as "Huashengjuan Bingqilin" in Chinese (花生卷 = peanut roll, 冰淇淋 = ice cream) or "A-Jou Peanut Ice Cream Roll" in English.

A must-try creative menu here. The outside is a roti-like dough, filled with chopped peanuts that have been fried until fragrant and then grated into a fresh powder, which is the heart of the deliciousness. Ice cream is scooped in and sprinkled with coriander before being rolled up like roti sai mai. When you eat it, you get the taste of fragrant, sweet chopped peanuts, ice cream that tastes just right, and the soft dough of the roti, making you wonder, "Hey, how did they come up with this?"

The location is easy to find, with several shops just inside the alleyway.

Taro and tapioca balls in almond milk (芋圓豆花) 50NTD

Also known as taro balls, this popular local dish can be enjoyed hot or cold. When served hot, it is typically paired with ginger juice (jiangzhi 姜汁) or red bean soup (hongdou tang 红豆汤), and may include additional toppings such as mung beans (lvdu dou 绿豆) or tapioca pearls (zhenzhu 珍珠).

The taro balls here are large and chewy, similar to those sold at the QQ shop in Centralworld.

Video clip available here

Meatballs here are sold in bowls with soup for 30 NTD per bowl.

There are various types of fish balls, including traditional recipes (gǔzǎowán 古早丸), fish balls made from sailfish (qíyúwán 旗鱼丸), milkfish (chīmùyǐwán 虱目鱼丸), and squid fish balls (huāzhīwán 花枝丸).

Tapioca noodles (冬粉) can be added to the dish.

Dorayaki ice cream (Tongluo Shaobing Qilin) 35NTD

The phrase "ถงหลัวเซา" is equivalent to "Dorayaki," while "ปิงฉี่หลิน" refers to "ice cream." (This term is useful and you will encounter it frequently.)

This dorayaki shop is unique because it offers ice cream as a filling. There are many ice cream flavors to choose from. The shop is easy to find, just a short walk away.

Enjoy a cup of tea and the scenic view at A Mei Tea House, also known as Sky Castle Tea House by locals, for 300 NTD.

The bathhouse scene in the Ghibli film Spirited Away was inspired by this location. For 300 NTD per person, you can enjoy panoramic views of the hills and the sea. You can choose between hot or iced tea, with refills available. If you choose hot tea, you'll be treated to an elaborate tea-making ceremony. The set also includes a small plate of snacks to accompany your tea.

Stinky tofu (chòu dòufu 臭豆腐) 35 NTD

This is a popular Chinese tofu that evokes the flavor of blue cheese. It is produced through a fermentation process that results in a green mold.

Palm sugar candy (nougat)

Nougat, also known as "niuhua" in Chinese, is a popular confection among the Chinese population. It is essentially a chewy candy similar to the nougat found in Snickers bars.

Individually wrapped nougat bars in over 10 flavors. Perfect for nougat lovers!

Honeycomb cake (蜂巢糕) from Fengchao, 20 NTD for 6 pieces, 100 NTD for 30 pieces.

The term "fengchao" translates to "water cake," while "gao" means "cake." In simpler terms, it resembles a Thai rice noodle dish called "malai khao." Essentially, it's a cake that is steamed instead of baked. The recipe uses more brown sugar than white sugar, resulting in a more porous texture.

In addition, there are ancient desserts made with chewy mochi dough, coated with peanuts, and filled with various fillings.

Rouyuan, also known as Jiufen Hongzao Rouyuan (九份红糟肉圆), is a renowned dish in Jiufen. It features a sticky rice flour exterior and a savory red-colored pork filling, resembling a red pork-stuffed turnip cake.

This ancient snack is similar to Taroball or taro balls, which are sold as sweet snacks. However, this is a dry version. You can eat it directly or add it to soup. It costs 80 NTD per box and comes in many flavors, including:

Sweet potato or sweet potato flavor

Lù wǔ chā lǜ chá, green tea

Purple Yam

Taro and Yam

This dish is quite simple, grilled clams. Similar to those found in Thailand, they will be shucked and served in a bowl for your convenience.

The side dish is grilled squid, also known as "kao yow yoo," for 120 NTD.

Grilled sausage, similar to Chinese sausage (烤香肠 เข่าเซียงฉาง), 35 NTD for 3 pieces, 100 NTD for 10 pieces.

While sometimes referred to as "gou rou" (dog meat), this dish is not actually made with dog meat. It is a Chinese sausage with a texture similar to cured ham, coated in oil and grilled until hot. This dish is considered a unique Chinese delicacy. If you haven't tried it before, give it a go!

The latest special menu item is the "Big Intestine Hugging Small Intestine" (大肠抱小肠) for 60 NTD. This translates to "Big Sausage Hugging Small Sausage" in plain English. The dish is served like a hot dog, with the larger sausage split in half and the smaller sausage inserted inside. This is a unique and creative dish that is sure to be a hit with adventurous eaters.

Wild Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera)

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Pía cake

In Taiwan, all kinds of mooncakes are delicious, and each shop has its own unique characteristics. If you are a fan of mooncakes, I recommend trying them one by one from different shops.

The outer shell of the mooncake typically comes in two varieties: "Su" (酥), which is crispy, and "Bing" (饼), which has a texture similar to the crust of a Chinese pastry filled with bean paste.

Red bean taiyaki (unsure of the exact name) or (hóngdòu bǐng - 红豆饼)

This menu is clear and everyone should be able to guess the taste. It also has Thai language attached. If you have never eaten it, try it at Isetan. There are many delicious flavors. I recommend the chestnut filling.

Black peanuts

The food here is a bit dry, unlike back home where it's steamed.

Fresh milk cream pie, like a pop.

The dish is essentially a puff pastry or layered pie, generously filled with overflowing fillings. These fillings include cream, chocolate, taro, and sweet potato.

The picture shows a blended Yakult drink, which is a popular street food in Taiwan. The vendor pours Yakult from the bottle into a blender and shows it to customers to assure them that no other ingredients are added. The drink costs 50 NTD.

Note: This shop buys from an old gold mine not far from Jiu fen Old Street (but not within walking distance).

Grilled giant mushroom 100NTD

The mushrooms are as big as forearms. I didn't try this menu, so I can't comment on it. If you like mushrooms, you can go and try it.