I'll get there the 20th 9:30 pm and leave afternoon on the 29th.
Anyone been there? Have any suggestions on what to do?
Do you actually work or do you just get paid to take constant vacations? :hmm:
Quote from: Caliga on January 11, 2012, 06:43:55 AM
Do you actually work or do you just get paid to take constant vacations? :hmm:
It's not his fault that you are a workaholic.
Hey, there's a lot of Taiwanese students that need textbooks this year.
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 11, 2012, 06:56:45 AM
It's not his fault that you are a workaholic.
I'm going to Disney World in April and Turks and Caicos in November. :)
Quote from: Caliga on January 11, 2012, 07:30:25 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 11, 2012, 06:56:45 AM
It's not his fault that you are a workaholic.
I'm going to Disney World in April and Turks and Caicos in November. :)
2 vacations? In the same year!?!
The nerve!
You should cut your hours down so mor epeople can have a chance at vacation.
I've been there at least a dozen times. You should visit the entire island, not just Taipei, if you have that much time. Just the city itself is probably a 3-4 day trip.
Oh and this is probably the worst time of the year to go to Taipei because 23rd January is Chinese new year - a lot of stuff will be closed.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 11, 2012, 08:42:27 AM
Oh and this is probably the worst time of the year to go to Taipei because 23rd January is Chinese new year - a lot of stuff will be closed.
Fireworks! :)
Protest the turnover of HK to the wrong China.
Smoke some opium and bang a hooker.
I go to Taipei primarily for its food :blush: Taiwan is most famous for its snacks and comfort food. A great way to start is to visit one of the many night markets. These are very crowded places with tons of small shops that sell all kinds of local snacks. One strategy is to forget about lunches and dinners, and just eat a little something here and a little something there. These are great for you since presumably you go there by yourself and it is quite difficult to order food at formal Chinese restaurants for a party of one.
The Taipei 101 tower is a world-famous landmark. There is an observation floor up there - best vantage point to see the city. Lots of restaurants inside the tower and in the surrounding areas. I go there primarily for a large group of nearby buildings that are all Mitsukoshi stores (Taiwan branch of one of the largest Japanese department stores). The basement of these buildings all sell food :mmm:
Another must see is the Forbidden city/national palace museum in Taiwan - yes, it refers to the forbidden city in Beijing. When the nationalists retreated to Taiwan in 1949, they took a lot of the best works with them.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293913-d1516879-Reviews-Din_Tai_Fung_Xinyi-Taipei.html
This is one of the most famous restaurants in Taipei that has branches everywhere in the world, including HK. Their speciality is Shao lung bao - small pork dumplings. IMHO it started a world-wide and lasting revolution on how the dumplings are done. Nowadays the quality of all the shao lung baos are much better almost everywhere thanks to its recipes and training. Everybody tries to imitate them. The chefs literally weigh the flour of every dumpling.
http://www.nileguide.com/destination/taipei/restaurants/shilin-night-market/1623491
Of all the night markets, the Shilin night market is probably the largest and most famous. Don't go there if you dislike crowded places with people everywhere. If you go, make sure you go with an empty stomach :mmm:
Chinese new year is a bit tricky because the celebrations are supposed to last 3 days, from 23 to 25 Jan. It is also tradition for families to get together for a big meal (kinda like thanksgiving) on new year's eve. So 22 Jan will not be a normal day. All the restaurants will be full. 23 Jan is going to be the worst.
Of all the Taiwanese snacks, probably the most famous is the pineapple cake. It is actually more like a large biscuit with pineappple paste filling. They are dead serious about these, and they hold regular island wide competitions on who makes the best cake.
http://erindesantiago.suite101.com/chili-house-spicy-sichuan-restaurant-in-taipei-taiwan-a229298
This is my favourite Sichuan restaurant in Taiwan. Sichuan is most famous for its spicy food, and this restaurant specialises in making pork dumplings in spicy soup (totoally different from the Din tai fung kind). I first encountered the place in Vancouver - the family of the operator emmigrated to Canada. When I went to visit Vancouver a few years after I left, I was dismayed to learn that the place was closed, because business was not good in Vancouver and the operator had stayed long enough to get the Canadian passport anyway (same story for 90% of Chinese restaurants there). So I went to Taipei for the original restaurant. Best dumplings of its kind anywhere in the world. They offer spicy and non-spicy varieties of the dumplings. Make sure you get the spicy ones. This place also serves small portions that are good for parties of one.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 11, 2012, 05:37:35 PM
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293913-d1516879-Reviews-Din_Tai_Fung_Xinyi-Taipei.html
This is one of the most famous restaurants in Taipei that has branches everywhere in the world, including HK. Their speciality is Shao lung bao - small pork dumplings. IMHO it started a world-wide and lasting revolution on how the dumplings are done. Nowadays the quality of all the shao lung baos are much better almost everywhere thanks to its recipes and training. Everybody tries to imitate them. The chefs literally weigh the flour of every dumpling.
Damn, they have one in Seattle(Bellevue even, my home town!). Where was this thread a month ago before I was up there for Christmas.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 11, 2012, 05:37:35 PMThese are great for you since presumably you go there by yourself and it is quite difficult to order food at formal Chinese restaurants for a party of one.
Incorrect. I am going with HMBOB.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 11, 2012, 05:37:35 PM
This is one of the most famous restaurants in Taipei that has branches everywhere in the world, including HK. Their speciality is Shao lung bao - small pork dumplings. IMHO it started a world-wide and lasting revolution on how the dumplings are done. Nowadays the quality of all the shao lung baos are much better almost everywhere thanks to its recipes and training. Everybody tries to imitate them. The chefs literally weigh the flour of every dumpling.
Sounds good. :mmm:
Hey, a Mono-Timmay meet up would be 'pretty' cool, even allowing for the inbuilt taint. :cool:
If there are two of you then I can suggest one or two restaurants.
http://www.shinyeh.com.tw/about_en.php
This is easily one of the most famous restaurants that do Taiwanese cuisine. It is traditional, noisy, full of big tables, big portion, but it offers real local Taiwanese stuff. There are a couple of branches, and one of them is in the 101 tower. I suggest avoiding that one, because that one is kinda fusion, modern, fine-dining style that has doesn't have the traditional flavour. My suggestion is go to the "original" restaurant at 雙城街 (can you display these Chinese characters?)
http://taipei.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp#4319
The other one I highly recommend is Shanghai Court. Yes it is inside the Grand Hyatt and it is expensive. But it is well worth the price. It is slow-paced (perhaps a bit too slow for my taste), elegant, and the food is excellent.
http://www.kingjoin.com.tw/kingjoin.asp
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2011/02/18/2003496162
This is another of my favourites, and is a bit unique. This one sells "imperial" style "long-life" food, and is all-vegetarian. Their speciality is dim sum and desserts. You don't really notice that it is vegetarian, because a lot of food is seasoned tofu disguised as meat. Great for afternoon relaxation.
http://gondola.trtc.com.tw/eng/index.htm
Scenic cable car ride. It isn't something you'll remember for the rest of your life, but is ok if you've never done it before.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiufen
A tourist attraction near Taipei. It is almost a day-trip. Pretty cool place with lots of traditional houses and food vendors. A 100% tourist place though.
Transportation - it is a pretty big city, and not really "walkable". My impression is that Taipei "feels" a lot bigger and scattered than Seoul. There are two primary ways to get around, the city train system and taxis. Taxis aren't too expensive (about the same as Seoul). Biggest advantage is they find the spot for you. Obvious problem is that most drivers don't really speak English (again, same as Seoul). You can get around this by asking the hotel staff to talk to the drivers. The city train system is excellent, but of course you need to find your way to your destination.
Cash. A lot of places are cash only and you can't rely on your credit cards alone. The money changers at the airport are ok. Maybe 2% more expensive than the city, but they aren't outrageously expensive. If you really want to save that 1-2%, buy Taiwanese cash at the banks in the city. They are closed on Sundays and public holidays (i.e. during the 3 days of Chinese new year).
Weather. Taipei is A LOT warmer than Seoul, which seems a frozen basement to me. Lots of rain this time of the year, though.
When I go, I'm totally doing what Mono says to do. Hey Mono. I adore spicy food. Point me to the spiciest, most insane stuff available. I will gobble it up.
If I have to endure two days of intestinal rejection? Totally worth it. Let's rock.
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on January 12, 2012, 04:57:07 AM
When I go, I'm totally doing what Mono says to do. Hey Mono. I adore spicy food. Point me to the spiciest, most insane stuff available. I will gobble it up.
If I have to endure two days of intestinal rejection? Totally worth it. Let's rock.
If you like spicy food, you should go to Sichuan. These guys put chili in everything and I mean everything. Hunan is not as bad, but the food is still quite spicy. Cantonese food is generally not spicy at all. Taiwanese is about half-way between Sichuanese and Cantonese.
Best spicy Taiwanese food IMHO is their spicy beef noodle in brown soup.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beef_noodle_soup
The Taiwanese absolutely adore beef noodle. There are thousands of places that sell these. Almost all of them are inexpensive, but if done right it is excellent. The noodle is al dente, the beef tender, the soup rich in different kinds of flavour :mmm:
It comes in many different varieties, some very spicy and some not spicy at all. IMHO the spicy version is much better. As a Cantonese myself, my acceptance of spicy food is quite low. I once had a bowl of spicy beef noodle at the Chili House that I mentioned earlier. The result: 2 days of sore throat :ph34r:
Quote from: Monoriu on January 11, 2012, 08:26:57 PM
Transportation - it is a pretty big city, and not really "walkable". My impression is that Taipei "feels" a lot bigger and scattered than Seoul. There are two primary ways to get around, the city train system and taxis. Taxis aren't too expensive (about the same as Seoul). Biggest advantage is they find the spot for you. Obvious problem is that most drivers don't really speak English (again, same as Seoul). You can get around this by asking the hotel staff to talk to the drivers. The city train system is excellent, but of course you need to find your way to your destination.
Cash. A lot of places are cash only and you can't rely on your credit cards alone. The money changers at the airport are ok. Maybe 2% more expensive than the city, but they aren't outrageously expensive. If you really want to save that 1-2%, buy Taiwanese cash at the banks in the city. They are closed on Sundays and public holidays (i.e. during the 3 days of Chinese new year).
Weather. Taipei is A LOT warmer than Seoul, which seems a frozen basement to me. Lots of rain this time of the year, though.
How does the weather compare with Shanghai?
Is it reasonably beach weather for thick-skinned people?
Oh, and I love Hunan spicy food. I've built up enough of a tolerance that my mouth just goes delightfully numb, instead of catching on fire. ^_^
I like Sichuan (that's the one with the darker more orange sauce? )Sweet and Sour Pork.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 12, 2012, 07:41:56 AM
I like Sichuan (that's the one with the darker more orange sauce? )Sweet and Sour Pork.
Not sure if we are talking about the same thing. I love sweet and sour pork, but that's Cantonese and is usually not spicy.
From wiki -
QuoteSweet and sour pork is a Chinese dish that is particularly popular in Cantonese cuisine and may be found all over the world.
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on January 12, 2012, 07:13:56 AM
How does the weather compare with Shanghai?
Is it reasonably beach weather for thick-skinned people?
Shanghai is more extreme. Hotter in the summer, colder in the winter.
Taipei this time of the year can be quite cool. I need to bring my winter coats if I go there in January. It is anything but beach weather.
:huh:
Average high in January in Taipei is 66F/19C, and average low is 57F/14C.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 12, 2012, 09:05:32 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 12, 2012, 07:41:56 AM
I like Sichuan (that's the one with the darker more orange sauce? )Sweet and Sour Pork.
Not sure if we are talking about the same thing. I love sweet and sour pork, but that's Cantonese and is usually not spicy.
From wiki -
QuoteSweet and sour pork is a Chinese dish that is particularly popular in Cantonese cuisine and may be found all over the world.
I've had two distinct kinds at Chinese restaurants in Korea. One with a lighter more golden colored sauce that is more sweet than sour, and one with a heavier more orange/red sauce that is more tangy/sour than sweet.
Quote from: Caliga on January 12, 2012, 07:23:23 PM
:huh:
Average high in January in Taipei is 66F/19C, and average low is 57F/14C.
I've talked to a lot of people who have lived in both Hong Kong and Vancouver. We all agree on one thing - that the temperatures in the West Coast and Hong Kong feels very different. 12C in Hong Kong feels like freezing and is intolerable. 12C in Vancouver feels a bit cool but is fine with adequate clothing, even outdoors. A lot of people blame the high humidity in this part of the world. I have to wear sweaters and coats every time I visit Taipei in January, so I won't describe it as beach weather.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 12, 2012, 07:34:39 PM
I've had two distinct kinds at Chinese restaurants in Korea. One with a lighter more golden colored sauce that is more sweet than sour, and one with a heavier more orange/red sauce that is more tangy/sour than sweet.
There really is no standard recipe to make sweet and sour pork, or chow mien, or tan tan noodles. The tan tan noodle exemplifies this. Some places put peanut sauce in it, some don't. Some put minced meat. In some places it is so spicy that I can't tolerate one bite. In others it is only slightly spicy. Some places use angle hair like noodles. Other places use noodles like linguini. Some places add egg to the flour for making the noodles. Some use beef stock. Others use vegetarian stock. It is said that no tan tan noodle is the same. Every shop uses a different recipe.
But the point is, they are all tan tan noodles.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 12, 2012, 08:40:24 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 12, 2012, 07:23:23 PM
:huh:
Average high in January in Taipei is 66F/19C, and average low is 57F/14C.
I've talked to a lot of people who have lived in both Hong Kong and Vancouver. We all agree on one thing - that the temperatures in the West Coast and Hong Kong feels very different. 12C in Hong Kong feels like freezing and is intolerable. 12C in Vancouver feels a bit cool but is fine with adequate clothing, even outdoors. A lot of people blame the high humidity in this part of the world. I have to wear sweaters and coats every time I visit Taipei in January, so I won't describe it as beach weather.
You're just used to much warmer weather so it feels cold to you. People who live in colder climates coming to Taipei will feel warm. It's as simple as that.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 12, 2012, 08:46:59 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 12, 2012, 07:34:39 PM
I've had two distinct kinds at Chinese restaurants in Korea. One with a lighter more golden colored sauce that is more sweet than sour, and one with a heavier more orange/red sauce that is more tangy/sour than sweet.
There really is no standard recipe to make sweet and sour pork, or chow mien, or tan tan noodles. The tan tan noodle exemplifies this. Some places put peanut sauce in it, some don't. Some put minced meat. In some places it is so spicy that I can't tolerate one bite. In others it is only slightly spicy. Some places use angle hair like noodles. Other places use noodles like linguini. Some places add egg to the flour for making the noodles. Some use beef stock. Others use vegetarian stock. It is said that no tan tan noodle is the same. Every shop uses a different recipe.
But the point is, they are all tan tan noodles.
Ok.
Can you suggest a restaurant that serves Sweet and Sour pork that is more sour/tangy than sweet.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 12, 2012, 08:58:53 PM
Can you suggest a restaurant that serves Sweet and Sour pork that is more sour/tangy than sweet.
Sweet and sour pork is really a Cantonese thing. It is on the menu of most Cantonese restaurants in Hong Kong. When I go to Taiwan, I want to try something different; something that I can't normally have in Hong Kong. So there is no point for me to order sweet and sour pork in Taiwan. It is not their specialty anyway.
Actually, sweet and sour pork is one of my most favourite Cantonese dishes, and I make it a point to order it at least once in every Cantonese restaurant in HK. IMHO, the best sweet and sour pork anywhere in the world is from this restaurant -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luk_Yu_(tea_house)
If you are in Taiwan, I suggest that you order Taiwanese fried rice vermicelli instead. This is their specialty and they do it a lot better than the Cantonese.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 12, 2012, 08:57:17 PM
You're just used to much warmer weather so it feels cold to you. People who live in colder climates coming to Taipei will feel warm. It's as simple as that.
You may have a point. I was in Seoul during Christmas and when I came back to HK, I felt very warm :lol:
The Taiwanese are obsessed with fried rice vermicelli. It is said that, in the past, any would-be wife needed to prepare it for tasting by her mother-in-law as a sort of "entrance exam".
Another local specialty that you must try is the minced fatty pork with rice, or lurou fan. They are available everywhere.
And pork balls! You must try Taiwanese pork balls. It is minced pork made into a ball shape. The inside is hollow and is filled with all kinds of soup, sauces and ingredients. Beware that some balls will literally explode in your mouth if you are not careful :lol:
Quote from: Monoriu on January 12, 2012, 09:12:27 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 12, 2012, 08:57:17 PM
You're just used to much warmer weather so it feels cold to you. People who live in colder climates coming to Taipei will feel warm. It's as simple as that.
You may have a point. I was in Seoul during Christmas and when I came back to HK, I felt very warm :lol:
When I was living in Seoul I went to Hong Kong in Jan on vacation, and got back with just a light jacket. Going back was pretty brutal.
You are bound to see the Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall in Taipei city centre sooner or later. It is huge and impossible to miss. If you go there, make sure you stay until the start of each hour. There is an hourly changing of the guard ceremony inside the grand hall.
One advantage of going in January is that it should be strawberry season (I think). IMHO the best strawberry is Korean, followed closely by Japanese (I must have bought and eaten at least 5 or 6 boxes of strawberries when I was in Seoul). Taiwanese is third. They have many tourist strawberry farms that can be reached via taxi. They let you harvest strawberries yourself. The rule is that you may not eat the strawberries before you've paid for them.
How are the expenses? Similar to Korea?
Quote from: Monoriu on January 13, 2012, 02:14:06 AM
You are bound to see the Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall in Taipei city centre sooner or later. It is huge and impossible to miss. If you go there, make sure you stay until the start of each hour. There is an hourly changing of the guard ceremony inside the grand hall.
I would think it would be hazardous to your health to admit you've visited Chiang Kai-shek's memorial. :hmm:
Quote from: Caliga on January 16, 2012, 07:17:33 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 13, 2012, 02:14:06 AM
You are bound to see the Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall in Taipei city centre sooner or later. It is huge and impossible to miss. If you go there, make sure you stay until the start of each hour. There is an hourly changing of the guard ceremony inside the grand hall.
I would think it would be hazardous to your health to admit you've visited Chiang Kai-shek's memorial. :hmm:
Why? The communists love Chiang Kai-shek. They celebrate if Chiang's party win the Taiwanese presidential elections, which they just did a few days ago. The last thing Beijing wants to see is Taiwan declaring independence. Chiang is all about reconquering the mainland and putting the Taiwan secessionists to jail.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 16, 2012, 07:13:17 AM
How are the expenses? Similar to Korea?
I'm not familiar with Korea. Taipei is a lot cheaper than HK or Shanghai though.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2012, 10:46:51 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 16, 2012, 07:13:17 AM
How are the expenses? Similar to Korea?
I'm not familiar with Korea. Taipei is a lot cheaper than HK or Shanghai though.
So a lot cheaper than Korea.
Korea > Hong Kong > Shanghai, price wise.
How easy is travel around the island?
Quote from: Monoriu on January 12, 2012, 09:09:23 PMActually, sweet and sour pork is one of my most favourite Cantonese dishes, and I make it a point to order it at least once in every Cantonese restaurant in HK. IMHO, the best sweet and sour pork anywhere in the world is from this restaurant -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luk_Yu_(tea_house)
I'll make sure to try it there next time. The yum cha was good there too.
Speaking of restaurants - my wife and I are thinking of going to Japan this spring; I'd love to have some recommendations from you.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 12, 2012, 08:57:17 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 12, 2012, 08:40:24 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 12, 2012, 07:23:23 PM
:huh:
Average high in January in Taipei is 66F/19C, and average low is 57F/14C.
I've talked to a lot of people who have lived in both Hong Kong and Vancouver. We all agree on one thing - that the temperatures in the West Coast and Hong Kong feels very different. 12C in Hong Kong feels like freezing and is intolerable. 12C in Vancouver feels a bit cool but is fine with adequate clothing, even outdoors. A lot of people blame the high humidity in this part of the world. I have to wear sweaters and coats every time I visit Taipei in January, so I won't describe it as beach weather.
You're just used to much warmer weather so it feels cold to you. People who live in colder climates coming to Taipei will feel warm. It's as simple as that.
I don't think so. 10 degrees Celsius feels much colder to me in Shenzhen than back in Toronto. Perhaps it's just due to paper-thin walls and lack of heating anywhere.
Quote from: Jacob on January 16, 2012, 03:24:44 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 12, 2012, 09:09:23 PMActually, sweet and sour pork is one of my most favourite Cantonese dishes, and I make it a point to order it at least once in every Cantonese restaurant in HK. IMHO, the best sweet and sour pork anywhere in the world is from this restaurant -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luk_Yu_(tea_house)
I'll make sure to try it there next time. The yum cha was good there too.
Speaking of restaurants - my wife and I are thinking of going to Japan this spring; I'd love to have some recommendations from you.
Which part of Japan? :hug:
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on January 16, 2012, 01:40:30 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2012, 10:46:51 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 16, 2012, 07:13:17 AM
How are the expenses? Similar to Korea?
I'm not familiar with Korea. Taipei is a lot cheaper than HK or Shanghai though.
So a lot cheaper than Korea.
Korea > Hong Kong > Shanghai, price wise.
How easy is travel around the island?
Shanghai is now almost as expensive as HK.
It is very easy to go around in the island. They have an excellent rail system. It was once ruled by Japan and it shows. I haven't tried it, but they got high speed rail a few years ago.
In Taipei, easiest way is to go to Taipei rail station in the city centre, and go from there. It is an all-in-one rail station. In Taipei, the city rail system has two major lines that form a big cross on the map. Taipei station is right at the centre, you won't miss it. When you get there, exit the city train system, go to the hall and you'll find all sorts of regular trains that go to every other city, large and small. I'm not sure but high speed rail may require reservation in advance, you may need to check.
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on January 16, 2012, 05:40:06 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 12, 2012, 08:57:17 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 12, 2012, 08:40:24 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 12, 2012, 07:23:23 PM
:huh:
Average high in January in Taipei is 66F/19C, and average low is 57F/14C.
I've talked to a lot of people who have lived in both Hong Kong and Vancouver. We all agree on one thing - that the temperatures in the West Coast and Hong Kong feels very different. 12C in Hong Kong feels like freezing and is intolerable. 12C in Vancouver feels a bit cool but is fine with adequate clothing, even outdoors. A lot of people blame the high humidity in this part of the world. I have to wear sweaters and coats every time I visit Taipei in January, so I won't describe it as beach weather.
You're just used to much warmer weather so it feels cold to you. People who live in colder climates coming to Taipei will feel warm. It's as simple as that.
I don't think so. 10 degrees Celsius feels much colder to me in Shenzhen than back in Toronto. Perhaps it's just due to paper-thin walls and lack of heating anywhere.
In HK and Shenzhen, the buildings are designed to deal with 30C+ and 90%+ humidity in the summer, which is much longer than winter. In Vancouver, the house was very well suited for winter, but was hellish for summer :glare:
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2012, 07:14:26 PMWhich part of Japan? :hug:
If the recommendation is worthwhile enough, to where ever the restaurant you suggest :)
We haven't started on the itinerary yet, but there's a bit of an outline.
We'll probably fly out of and into Tokyo, and stay there for a while; lots of friends to visit. We'll probably get a train pass and travel around for a bit. We'll definitely spend some time in Kansai as well - we're going to Uji for the tea, and I expect we'll got to Kyoto as well. Maybe Osaka as well. There's another friend in Fukuoka we might visit also. Oh... and apparently we'll spend a few days in Okinawa as well.
But we're doing the train pass thing, so I'm quite up to go to somewhere else for a really good restaurant. If, say, the best restaurant in Japan in your opinion is in Sapporo, then that's worth knowing.
I recommend these two. Both are very traditional old school Japanese kaiseki places in Kyoto. I had a 17000 yen per person 8 course lunch in kikunoi, and a 5000 yen lunch box in hyotei. I've posted a pic of the lunch box in my thread before, and you've probably seen it (it is gone now, I think). Both are Michelin 3 star (max) restaurants. I think they have branches, but it is said that their main branches are the best. Notice that I dare not have dinner in these places. One because it is a lot more expensive. Two because they serve pretty much the same stuff, except that during dinner, they use this 400 year old bowl made by that master who served Hideyoshi or something :ph34r:
http://kikunoi.jp/english/
http://hyotei.co.jp/
Quote from: Jacob on January 16, 2012, 07:53:04 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2012, 07:14:26 PMWhich part of Japan? :hug:
If the recommendation is worthwhile enough, to where ever the restaurant you suggest :)
We haven't started on the itinerary yet, but there's a bit of an outline.
We'll probably fly out of and into Tokyo, and stay there for a while; lots of friends to visit. We'll probably get a train pass and travel around for a bit. We'll definitely spend some time in Kansai as well - we're going to Uji for the tea, and I expect we'll got to Kyoto as well. Maybe Osaka as well. There's another friend in Fukuoka we might visit also. Oh... and apparently we'll spend a few days in Okinawa as well.
But we're doing the train pass thing, so I'm quite up to go to somewhere else for a really good restaurant. If, say, the best restaurant in Japan in your opinion is in Sapporo, then that's worth knowing.
That's almost exactly like the trip I took there a couple years ago. :P
If it matters, Chinatown in Yokohama was pretty cool. Himeji castle is awesome, and an easy day (or half day) trip from Kyoto.
I also traveled with a friend who was stationed in Okinawa, so I could definitely pull out some restaurant recommendations there as well, including a few that I can as well. I'll need to do some research to look them up/pull them out of my brain.
Okinawa is really nice, but to get to any good beach from Naha, you'll have to take a bus.
Definitely see Shuri Castle. The Peace Memorial Park, which is a former tunnel system used by the Japanese military, is pretty interesting and worth a visit. You could probably do both in one day, if necessary.
And definitely do some snorkling. Scuba too if you can.
It's not too expensive, but not as cheap as China. I think it was fairly close to Korea, price-wise.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2012, 07:25:10 PM
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on January 16, 2012, 05:40:06 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 12, 2012, 08:57:17 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 12, 2012, 08:40:24 PM
Quote from: Caliga on January 12, 2012, 07:23:23 PM
:huh:
Average high in January in Taipei is 66F/19C, and average low is 57F/14C.
I've talked to a lot of people who have lived in both Hong Kong and Vancouver. We all agree on one thing - that the temperatures in the West Coast and Hong Kong feels very different. 12C in Hong Kong feels like freezing and is intolerable. 12C in Vancouver feels a bit cool but is fine with adequate clothing, even outdoors. A lot of people blame the high humidity in this part of the world. I have to wear sweaters and coats every time I visit Taipei in January, so I won't describe it as beach weather.
You're just used to much warmer weather so it feels cold to you. People who live in colder climates coming to Taipei will feel warm. It's as simple as that.
I don't think so. 10 degrees Celsius feels much colder to me in Shenzhen than back in Toronto. Perhaps it's just due to paper-thin walls and lack of heating anywhere.
In HK and Shenzhen, the buildings are designed to deal with 30C+ and 90%+ humidity in the summer, which is much longer than winter. In Vancouver, the house was very well suited for winter, but was hellish for summer :glare:
I get the building construction angle, but what I don't like is the aversion to (or even lack of ever having imagined) having some form of heating in most places in the winter. I know all the justifications for it, but at the end of the day, I still don't get why should I have to wear a jacket for several months at all times when indoors. :thumbsdown:
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on January 17, 2012, 06:48:44 AM
I get the building construction angle, but what I don't like is the aversion to (or even lack of ever having imagined) having some form of heating in most places in the winter. I know all the justifications for it, but at the end of the day, I still don't get why should I have to wear a jacket for several months at all times when indoors. :thumbsdown:
I know what you mean. My parents and grandparents are like that. They hate any kind of heating (just wear sweaters!) or air-conditioning (open the windows!). It wasn't that long ago that China/HK was quite poor. Some habits persist, particularly the ones that aren't seen and don't contribute to one's status.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2012, 09:08:45 PM
I recommend these two. Both are very traditional old school Japanese kaiseki places in Kyoto. I had a 17000 yen per person 8 course lunch in kikunoi, and a 5000 yen lunch box in hyotei. I've posted a pic of the lunch box in my thread before, and you've probably seen it (it is gone now, I think). Both are Michelin 3 star (max) restaurants. I think they have branches, but it is said that their main branches are the best. Notice that I dare not have dinner in these places. One because it is a lot more expensive. Two because they serve pretty much the same stuff, except that during dinner, they use this 400 year old bowl made by that master who served Hideyoshi or something :ph34r:
http://kikunoi.jp/english/
http://hyotei.co.jp/
Thanks for the recommendations. Will I need reservations?
Quote from: Jacob on January 17, 2012, 02:20:04 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on January 16, 2012, 09:08:45 PM
I recommend these two. Both are very traditional old school Japanese kaiseki places in Kyoto. I had a 17000 yen per person 8 course lunch in kikunoi, and a 5000 yen lunch box in hyotei. I've posted a pic of the lunch box in my thread before, and you've probably seen it (it is gone now, I think). Both are Michelin 3 star (max) restaurants. I think they have branches, but it is said that their main branches are the best. Notice that I dare not have dinner in these places. One because it is a lot more expensive. Two because they serve pretty much the same stuff, except that during dinner, they use this 400 year old bowl made by that master who served Hideyoshi or something :ph34r:
http://kikunoi.jp/english/
http://hyotei.co.jp/
Thanks for the recommendations. Will I need reservations?
Definitely. In fact, I made reservations 2-3 months in advance. I had a kaiseki lunch at kikunoi, in a private room with a waitress who could speak fluent English.
But if you only plan to have a lunch box, you can probably get away with a reservation not that far in advance. I had a lunch box at the annex of hyotei. That was done in normal restaurant setting. The second time we went there, the receptionist kept talking to us in Japanese. The only word we heard was "10000" - she was trying to tell us that this place is really expensive and cost 10000 for two. Until we managed to explain that we actually had a reservation. The way she talks, maybe I can just walk in with no reservation.
QuoteThat was done in normal restaurant setting. The second time we went there, the receptionist kept talking to us in Japanese. The only word we heard was "10000" - she was trying to tell us that this place is really expensive and cost 10000 for two. Until we managed to explain that we actually had a reservation. The way she talks, maybe I can just walk in with no reservation.
:lol:
Need to dress better?
Jacob, another thing that I highly recommend is 割烹 (can't find the English translation for this Japanese term). It is a big set meal but is not kaiseki. Tradition with a twist. Like kaiseki with many innovations and western elements thrown in. Particularly popular in the Osaka area. The customer is usually seated in a bar. The chef/owner prepars the meal before the customer's eyes. It is amazing how one person can do so much in such a small place. Compared with kaiseki, it is less healthy, with more red meat, more use of grilling and pan-frying. The best idea we have seen is a place in Osaka that served abalone soaked in chestnut soup for weeks.
http://www.marunouchi.com/common/JP/shop/detail.cgi?SH_MSH_code=1119
This is the best sushi place we went to in Japan. We bumped into it by accident. It is so popular among HK tourists that the place has opened a branch in HK.
Just got back, it was awesome! :cool:
Best pizza in Asia: http://www.alleycatspizza.com/
And most of the US, too.
Also, I've found that Taiwan Chinese are far superior to mainland Chinese. They're polite, don't spit everywhere, can stand in orderly lines without cutting, shoving or pushing, and don't immediately run into the subway car when it opens and race for open seats, or run for the escalator as soon as they exit the subway car. I can't wait until they retake the mainland and restore some order to China. :)
There's also far less blatant immorality than Korea.
You don't see drunks passed out everywhere, trash in the streets and brothels everywhere.
I can't find any picture of that painting with Io as a cow, writing her name in the dirt in front of her parents.
I really want to use Cafepress and make it a mousepad.
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on January 30, 2012, 02:13:29 PM
I can't find any picture of that painting with Io as a cow, writing her name in the dirt in front of her parents.
I really want to use Cafepress and make it a mousepad.
Ask about it in the history question thread, someone here will know.
Any luck on getting that weird pamphlet we found at the zoo translated?
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 30, 2012, 09:41:13 PM
Any luck on getting that weird pamphlet we found at the zoo translated?
Not yet, but I've only been back one day and yesterday and today are my days off.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 30, 2012, 09:41:13 PM
Any luck on getting that weird pamphlet we found at the zoo translated?
Is it in Chinese? If so, you can scan it, post it and let me have a look.
Quote from: Monoriu on January 30, 2012, 11:12:58 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 30, 2012, 09:41:13 PM
Any luck on getting that weird pamphlet we found at the zoo translated?
Is it in Chinese? If so, you can scan it, post it and let me have a look.
Yes, definitely in Chinese.
Probably a denunciation of Buddhism (or an ad for a really kinky sect of Buddhism)
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 30, 2012, 09:41:13 PM
Any luck on getting that weird pamphlet we found at the zoo translated?
probably a menu :P
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 30, 2012, 10:14:47 AM
There's also far less blatant immorality than Korea.
You don't see ... brothels everywhere.
How is that a point in Taiwan's favor? :huh:
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on January 31, 2012, 12:13:34 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on January 30, 2012, 10:14:47 AM
There's also far less blatant immorality than Korea.
You don't see ... brothels everywhere.
How is that a point in Taiwan's favor? :huh:
Some people still believe in modesty and clean living.
By the way Tim, what's the blog about human evolution that you mentioned?
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on January 31, 2012, 10:55:47 AM
By the way Tim, what's the blog about human evolution that you mentioned?
http://johnhawks.net/weblog
Thanks :)