CantaloupeAlone

New life goals, order the 40 kg shaved ice that is served in Taiwan-shaped bowl. I'm thinking birthday, next year, for myself and 50 of my closest. It's only $5999 NTD,  or less than $200 USD The South East Asia Ice Shop東南亞冰店 in Gongguan isn't the most famous shaved ice shop in Taipei, but it is reliable and generous. They offer unflavored shave ice, topped with condensed milk and the fruits (strawberry, mango, kiwi) of your choice, and a selection of fruit sorbets if that isn't enough. It's light, sweet, and more refreshing than a chilly dip in a waterfall on a hot and humid Taiwan day. Advertisement for 40 kg of shaved ice in a Taiwan-shaped bowl Photo menu I like this place not only because it has good desserts, and even some savory snacks too, but mostly because it is yellow. The yellow tables, walls and chairs just make mango taste a little more mango-y, mango-ish, mango-riffic. They also offer a photo menu of each version of shaved ice.  ...

From left to right, top to bottom: yams, cauliflower, vegetarian sushi, tofu and century egg, braised Chinesee greens, carrot cabbage kimchi, bamboo shoots, veggie fish patty and steamed lotus root. I remember now why I don't eat a "new food" every day now. There is a lot of greasy, deliciousness on the streets of Taipei that I simply can't stomach too often. I took a day off my 2 week-long adventure in testing my stomach's limits and visited an old staple, the National Vegetarian Buffet. It is a large Buddhist vegetarian buffet chain found all around Northern Taiwan. Taiwan Buddhist vegetarian is different from the concept I knew of vegetarianism in America. Buddhist vegetarians do not consume meat, fish, garlic or onions, but do eat eggs and dairy. They also open delicious buffets in every neighborhood which are excellent places to go and enjoy a huge variety foods. This buffet chain in particular is my favorite. They offer at least 12 in...

Eat healthy on $200 NTD a day  Finding healthy food in Taiwan isn't much different than in America. Just like in America the healthiest food isn't the one jumping off the shelf in a bright colored box or advertised on the side of a bus. You have to seek it. Moving to an Asian country, especially Taiwan, creates a large language barrier. It take some time and I'm here to give a little guidance and inspiration. What am I calling healthy? We could bounce ideas around for ages on that very subject. I am going to say a mostly "clean" diet of vegetables, fruit, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates is healthy. The foods here are mostly gluten-free, in case you are so disabled. I'm pointing out vegan and vegetarian options. Taiwan loves its pork and seafood, but due to a high buddhist population there are tons of options for vegetarians and vegans. Without even trying most of these foods are found locally. Living on a small island encourages that! Food is r...

Tofu seems like a bland character-less chunk to those unfamiliar with its true virtues. But those qualities are what make it strong. "Bland" tofu can be flavored in any thousands of combinations you can make up. Pressing water out makes room to let marinades and spices in. Usually I pan fry my tofu, but I can give all the credit to Corinne for telling me about baked tofu. Its less hands on then frying, but a takes a little longer. The results can range from steak-like to jerky- esque . I really enjoy jerky style. Allowing the tofu to cook longer makes it a little chewy. After most of the water is baked out the spices practically stand on their own two legs and walk. They are alive! Plus its pretty nearly dry which means you can put it in your pocket and do something. A great snack, or a meal out of the oven. Nifty. I like to spice my tofu with cumin. The earthiness enhances the umami side of flavors. Baked Tofu Jerky 1 large block of extra firm tofu, sliced 1/2 inch...