Dadaocheng 大稻埕慈聖宮, one of Taipei’s oldest district, is full of history. You can visit some of Dadaocheng’s historic tea shops such as Wang’s Tea on Chongqing N. Road. You’ll find old historical temples and old Chinese pharmacies. Have breakfast in the old market, and then meander along the streets of the old town. There is also a very good noodle shop called Yi Mian Wang 意麵王 (‘King of Yi Mian’) nearby on Guisui Street, No 204.

No trip to Taipei is complete without visiting Fu Hang 阜杭豆漿 for breakfast. It’s an early start as 6am is the best time to go. You won’t miss the place, just look for a queue that wraps round the building…and snakes up the stairs. Get their egg omelette (Dan Bing) and homemade soy milk drink. We recommend the savoury soy milk which is soy milk, curdled with vinegar, with toppings.

Considered to be one of Taiwan’s national dishes, there is even a festival dedicated to it. Here’s our recommendations:

For a lighter, thicker noodle go to Lin Dong Fang Beef noodles 林東芳牛肉麵. ; Top tip – the red pot on the table is spiced beef fat, add a dollop of this to your noodles.

For a spicer, thinner noodle go to Yong Kang Beef noodles 永康牛肉麵. Make sure you order the steamed rice spare ribs.

Taipei is surrounded by sea, so it’s no surprise that it has access to some great seafood. You can go to Quick Fry 100 which is classic Taiwanese where you pick your seafood and they quick fry it for you or alternatively there are some great spots for good value sushi.

For Sushi go to Man Zhe Die 瞞著爹. A good value sushi restaurant. For a seafood market go Addiction Aquatic Development. The development has a gourmet grocery shop, restaurants, bars and live seafood market. Go for lunch and you choose to eat from a variety options, fresh sushi, hot pot station, and ready to eat station.

Located on Huanhe South Road 環河南路 is a Kitchenware street that has all the kitchenware, equipment, steamers you need.

Yingge 鶯歌, a short train ride from the centre is known as Taiwan’s Ceramic capital. Go here for Ceramics and Teapots. If you don’t want to venture out, there are many small teashops selling ranges of handmade teapots to factory made teapots.

Famous Taiwanese Bakery specialising in pineapple cakes and wife cakes. Baked fresh, you’ll find the pastries still warm in the packaging. Beware of the queues, they are a very popular gift item, so be prepared to see crowds of people walking out the shop laden with boxes and boxes of pastries.

Go to Ice Monster for fresh mango and condensed milk shaved ice. No. 297, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Rd. When it’s blazing hot, this is just what you need.

Or try the traditional shaved ice from Taro King 芋頭大王 on Yong Kang Street, they do an amazing sweet taro soup in the winter times too. No.15-4 Yong Kang Street.