In Taiwan last year I had the good fortune of an Aussie friend to guide me who had been over there teaching engineering for a semester so he had sussed out some of the best spots. I insisted on only Taiwanese restaurants even though there are every other kind of Chinese, plus of course Japanese on account of the history, in Taipei. Also every kind of international restaurant. But here are four Taiwanese legit ones. If you have longer to spend and want Sichuan or more straight Cantonese I can get you some names. These places are not exactly secret in fact some are legendary (every really great place I visited had an English language guidebook page or article in the window, sometimes several, if you're thinking you'll find great secrets down an alleyway that may be illusory) but they are the best I tried out of about a dozen. Nin Ji Ma La Ho Guo Hot pot soups are very popular in Taiwan and this place does them the real way, with animal blood to thicken. Very spicy soups but in balance with the richness. #9, 200 Lane, Kuangfu South Road, 02-2772-1912 Shou-Lan Gourmet You have to be tough here because there is little English spoken and none printed. This is the place to go for Taiwanese fish dishes. #5-5 Hsinyi Road, Sec. 2, La. 198, 02-2394-3905 Nu Niang Very traditional Taiwanese sort of banquet style (not buffet). #97 Tienmou East Road, 02-2874-1981 Hai-Feng In Tamshui, on the water, for crab (fried). #17 Chung Cheng Road, not sure of phone Also Planet Hollywood (BIGGRIN!) ----- Linda Amos
