Taipei is a special destination for foodies. Besides its famed night markets, iconic beef noodles and a growing constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants, the city’s real soul is in its hidden corners, where you’ll find craft beer paired with mala fried chicken; sweet potato coffee, created by a latte art champion, no less; wild teas poured like wine and Dongpo pork with a black tea soy milk cocktail served inside a hidden VHS-lined bistro.

Chicken Bar by Weekend

American and Korean fried chicken have serious competition. In 2020, inspired by their love for the traditional salt-and-pepper chicken of Taiwan’s night markets, chefs Jeek Pan and Chester Lin joined forces to create Chicken Bar.

The restaurant, which has a retro design and laid-back vibe, serves crispy, aromatic and deeply satisfying fried chicken tossed with spices, garlic, mala and a peppery kick that lets Taiwan’s own fried chicken heritage shine.

Location: Several locations, but we recommend the main shop at 74, Section 2, Keelung Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan

Must order: Mala hotpot fried chicken with a Taiwanese draught beer; fried cauliflower for vegetarians

Gabee Coffee

Barista Van Lin opened Gabee Coffee in 2004; a month later, he won the Taiwan Latte Art Championship. Since then, he has also written a Chinese-language book on coffee.