Things to Do in Yong Kang Street Taipei

A Local’s Guide to Yongkang Street Food and Shopping

Taiwan is one of the world’s best food destinations known for its vibrant night markets and diverse food scenes. It will take months or even years to enjoy all the mouthwatering foods the country has to offer. If you visit the country for a few days, Yongkang Street Taipei is your best bet to taste “sample flights” of the country’s colorful food scene.

I have been lucky to live close by and have explored the nooks and crannies of this fabulous area. This article includes many of my favorite Yongkang Street food, desserts, cafes, and teahouses, as well as bars. Also, add Yongkang Street shopping spots to your itinerary as you will need to digest everything you eat. 

How to get to Yong Kang Street (永康街): Yong Kang is a pocket of a neighborhood in Taipei’s Da’an District, best known for its food scene. This bumping area can be easily accessed by Taipei MRT Dongmen Station, Exit 5, either on Tamsui (Red) Line or Zhonghe (Yellow) Line.

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>> Pssst! Heading to Taipei? Read my Taiwan Travel Tips with everything you need to know plan your perfect Taiwan trip. Also, see how you can add six historical places into your Taipei Itinerary, check how Taipei Old Town (Dadaocheng) became the city’s new hot place, and steal my Taipei day trip ideas.

#2. Yong Kang Beef Noodle

Michelin Bib Gourmand 2020: good quality, good value cooking

Yong Kang Beef Noodle is another staple of Yong Kang Street since 1963. This famous beef noodle joint has made to the Taipei Michelin Bib Gourmand list since 2018. Its signature dishes include the Braised Beef with Noodles in Spicy Broth (NT$200 for small, NT$230 for large) and steamed rice served in a small bamboo steamer.

I do like their rightly firm noodles and “hong shao” spicy broth. There is a clear broth option if you prefer. Note that this joint also has a long line at peak hours. You will be most likely share a table with other strangers from all over the world, like Hong Kong style.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 11 am – 8:50 pm

#3. Lao Tzang Beef Noodles

There is no shortage of beef noodle joints in Taiwan, featuring diverse styles and flavors. Yong Kang Street is not an exception.

If you ask me, I prefer Lao Tzang Beef Noodles (in operation since 1958) to Yong Kang Beef Noodle. Lao Tzang offers al dente noodles and tender beef chunks in a less greasy soup. Soups are offered in three versions: hong shao (spicy), tomato-based, and clean broth.

The dining experience is much more pleasant than Yong Kang Beef Noodle. The overall environment is clean and comfortable. Most importantly, it attracts fewer tourists with suitcases, hence no waiting line.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 11 am – 9 pm (closed between 3-5 pm)

#4. The Master Spicy Noodle

The Master Spicy Noodle is the latest addition to the beef noodle competition on Yong Kang Street. This new kid on the block took it by storm with its stylish decor and a modern twist to the traditional staple food.

Unlike other traditional beef noodle joints, the noodles with a half-boiled egg are flavored and offered in a separate bowl. You can enjoy yummy noodles by themselves or dip in a soup. You also have a choice of Sichuan spicy (always my choice!) or clean broth. Instead of beef chunks, beef slices are served in the soup.

Location: It’s so new that it’s not even on the Google Map. Click here for the exact location.

Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm (closed between 2:30 – 5:30 pm)

>> Do you like their noodles? You can reserve instant noodle packages here to pick up at the restaurant.

#5. James Kitchen

James Kitchen is a cozy Taiwanese restaurant. Hidden in the quiet side of Yong Kang, you can easily miss it. But anyone interested in tasting classic Taiwanese cuisine should not miss this place!

The inviting place serves Taiwanese home meals like how Taiwanese moms would cook for you. Although they are not bar foods, all dishes go down well with Taiwan Beer.

I noticed that some Taiwanese restaurants (or even moms) use pork lard to cook meals for flavoring, which I do not like. The chef can accommodate vegetarians/vegans to the extent to avoid using non-vegan oils. And they have plenty of yummy vegetable dishes.

Like other traditional Taiwanese establishments, James Kitchen only accepts cash. So don’t forget to bring some money. (There are 7 Eleven and HiLife nearby with ATM.)

Location: Open Google Maps

Opening Hours: 5 pm – 11:45 pm (Open 11:30 am – 2 pm on Sat. & Sun.)

#6. Tian Jin Danbing

If you see a long line of people at a food stall in the middle of Yongkang Street, get in line. That line is for the famous danbing (Taiwanese egg pancake).

The danbing looks similar to rotti. You can choose many different combinations of ingredients like cheese, corn, ham, etc. to go inside the fluffy egg pancake. I recommend you take the first bite before adding any sauce. (I like it better without their sauces.) Each danbing costs only 25-55NT (less than USD 2)!

By the way, Thanh Ky is a Vietnamese restaurant behind the danbing stall. I have had much better pho and other Vietnamese food around the town. And Yongkang has many better food options, so I suggest you swiftly picking up danbing and move on.

Location: Open Google Maps

Opening Hours: 11 am – 10:30 pm

#7. Ma Zui Fang

Ma Zui Fang is one of my frequent restaurants on Yong Kang Street. The Sichuan-style noodle shop serves affordable yet deliciously spicy dishes. All of their noodles are tasty, but my favorite is kimchi pork fried noodles. (It is a big deal for me, Korean, to call any Korean fusion at a non-Korean restaurant my favorite.) I also love their tofu and fried calamari.

Location: Open Google Maps

Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm (Break between 2:30 – 5:30 pm) Closed on Mondays.

#8. Yóu Sushi

Yóu Sushi (Yo-woo) is a fancy Japanese omakase restaurant. With serving 2 groups (mostly 4 people) during a 2-hour dining time, each chef offers impeccable service and creates amazing course meals catering to individuals’ dietary preferences and budget. 

The chefs put a full show to prepare your meal right in front of your eyes. Their ultrasonic-fast, precision knife skills are quite impressive. Still, the best part is the anticipation of what’s coming next on your plate. Their tasty menus are creative and well-thought-out.  

This tiny restaurant only has about 10 bar seats, so a reservation is a must. The dining experience is most suitable for two.

Location: Open Google Maps

Opening Hours: 12-2 pm; 5:30-7:30 pm; 7:30-9:30 pm

#9. Wu Yakiniku

Wu Yakiniku is a Japanese izakaya. Japan has a vibrant izakaya culture, where co-workers grab a beer over grilled skewers after work. This place with the laid-back, retro vibes is an excellent place to do just that. No wonder why it is always full and happening!

Whether it is grilled, fried, stir-fried, or fresh, try all of them because I haven’t had any meh moment here yet. Besides Taiwan Beer, Wu Yakiniku has a wide range of Japanese beer brands from Asahi, Sapporo, and Kirin to hard-to-find Tokyo Beer and Hitachino Nest Beer.

Location: Open Google Maps

Opening Hours: 6 pm – 1 am (Reservation recommended)

#10. Toasteria Cafe Yong Kang

Miss Mediterranean food? Toasteria Cafe has the hands-down best falafels in Taipei! The crispy deep-fried chickpea ball is terrific here. The four-story restaurant with an airy atmosphere also serves delicious hummus, Shakshuka, panini, pita, and other Mediterranean favorites. This place is popular among ex-pats.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 9 am – 12 am

#11. Town by Bryan Nagao Taipei

If you fancy a fine-dining experience for a date night, check out Town by Bryan Nagao Taipei, just across the Xinyi Road from the main Yong Kang area. The chic restaurant brings modern American cuisine with a Japanese twist to Taiwan. Menus also brilliantly incorporate local produce.

A critic-acclaimed Japanese-American chef Bryan Nagao meticulously plates each dish, turning it into a delicious art. Expect the beautiful presentation in the way a Japanese artisan would finish his/her masterpiece!

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 6 – 10 pm (Closed on Mondays)

#12. Gusto Pizza

Gusto Pizza is my favorite pizzeria in Taipei. It is one of a few places you can get a reasonably priced, authentic Italian pizza. This casual and friendly pizzeria serves a variety of pizza menus with plenty of vegetarian options. The British Indian owner also makes many Indian-inspired menus, like tandoori chicken pizza. You may order sodas here or bring your own beer (or alcoholic beverages) from nearby 7-Eleven.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 9 pm; Break between 2-4 pm (Closed on Mondays)

>> Would you prefer a local to take you on a food tour? Join this highly recommended Yong Kang Food Tour!

Yongkang Street Desserts

#1. Ice Monster

Mango shaved ice is the most famous of all Taiwanese desserts around the world. It is hard to say no to Ice Monster’s shaved ice topped with fresh seasonal mango chucks in scorching Taiwan summer.

Mango is the king of summer fruits in Taiwan. Ice Monster only uses fresh mango and not frozen or preserved kinds. That means you will have to opt for other fruit toppings for your snowflake mountain in the off-season. The good news is that Ice Monster has plenty of different delicious, refreshing flavors such as kiwi, strawberry, and pineapples.

Ice Monster serves finely shaved milky ice. You may select other flavored ice, like mango, melon, strawberry, matcha, peanut, black sesame, etc. 

Note: Ice Monster reinforces a minimum spend of NT 110 per person. It is quite annoying but a common practice in Taiwan.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm (Sat. & Sun. Opens early at 10:30 am)

#2. Smoothie House

Smoothie House occupies a prime location in Yongkang Street, where the original Ice Monster used to be. Its bright yellow storefront cannot be missed. The store expands to the second floor with more seatings.

Ice Monster vs. Smoothie House discussion can be quickly elevated to a heated debate. I would say Ice Monster’s ice is more refined and closer to milky snowflake (雪花). It is also fancier and pricier, whereas Smoothie House is more classic Taiwanese style shaved ice.

In my opinion, it is a personal preference. You cannot go wrong with either. Before the brand-spanking new Ice Monster re-opened on Xinyi Rd., Smoothie House was my only go-to for mango shaved ice in this area. I cannot forget the first bite I had more than 10 years ago. I became a mango shaved Ice snob ever since, and could not settle with any other alternative back home in the States.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 11 am – 9 pm

>> If there is a waiting line at the first store location, check out their second location, which is not far away in the area.

#3. Taro King

Taro shaved ice is Taiwan’s classic summer treat. Taro King started as a tiny taro dessert stall 30+ years ago. The second generation took over and expand it to a modern dessert shop.

As the name suggests, Taro King serves the best taro desserts in Taiwan! I never liked taro until I had a life-changing bowl of taro shaved ice here. Taro is cooked just right, which takes lots of skills and training. The texture and flavor are perfectly balanced.

If you are like me and did not grow up eating taro, making desserts out of root vegetables like taro may sound strange. But when in Yongkang, give Taro King a try. It may change how you look at this strange vegetable forever. (Hint: Pick #9 from their menu.)

>> Get 10% off the menu here.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 11 am – 11 pm

#4. SOMA Tea & Mocktail

Just like any other street in Taipei, Yong Kang Street is filled with milk tea shops. But the best of the best, in my opinion, is SOMA. I gave a big nod when I realized this tiny teashop was voted the Best Milk Tea during the Taiwan Milk Tea Festival.

The modern, stylish store with only two seats offer a wide range of milk tea selections made by mixologists. Pick your drink from the colorful menu wall. Then, their “milktea bartenders” skillfully mix your tea “mocktails.”

My favorite here is Nespresso Yuanyang, a mixture of Nespresso capsule coffee and milk tea. It is SOMA’s version of Hong Kong’s popular Yuanyang drink, just much tastier!

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 11 am – 9 pm; open until 10 pm on weekends. (Closed Mondays)

#5. Ciao Ciao Scones

Ciao Ciao Scones is the new dessert shop in Yongkang, specialized in a variety of flavored scones. It is almost impossible to resist the aroma of freshly baked scones when walking by!

Finding a good scone in Taiwan is not an easy feat. Ciao Ciao possibly has the tastiest scone I ever had in town. No matter which one you choose, the flavors are well-balanced, crunchy outside, moist and dense inside. 

The airy cafe features an inviting atmosphere, but seatings are limited. If you are lucky to grab a seat, they will serve warmly heated scones with heavy cream. But you can also take scones to go and eat on a bench at a nearby park.

Tip: It is one of a few places in the area that opens early in the morning. Scones and coffee for breakfast, maybe?

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 9:30 am – 8:30 pm

#6. Boîte de Bijou

While Boîte de Bijou is a little further away from Yongkang street’s central area, I want to include this authentic French Patisserie.

The bakery sells a mix of French and Taiwanese baked goods. They have the best croissant in Taipei, including the original fluffy and buttery croissant, pain aux chocolat, and croissant aux amandes. 

The bakery’s left side is a little confectionary shop, where you can have a seat, drink coffee, and enjoy a variety of the prettiest French cakes. They also have macarons, canelé, pâte de fruit, and chocolates.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 10 am – 9 pm

Yong Kang Street Bars

#1. Zhang Men Brewing

Zhang Men Brewing is a friendly bar serving 16 house craft beers on tap. It is one of the best craft beer bars in Taipei with other locations. Ask knowledgeable bartenders for recommendations if you are unsure which one to get. Or, try their beer flight.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 3 pm – 12 am

#2. Great! Pig Bar! 

If you are feeling for wines or cocktails, head down south to Great! Pig Bar! It is a relaxed Spanish bar with excellent bar food to nibble on, such as Iberico Jamon, chorizo, cheese plates, steak, and fries. Enjoy the outdoor terrace in the cool evening.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 3 pm – 12 am

Yongkang Street Cafes

#1. Caffe Italiano Cavaralli

Caffe Italiano Cavaralli is a classic Italian coffee house with sit-down service. It is an excellent place to chill on comfortable lounge chairs or read art books from its bookshelves. It serves various hot and iced coffees, which are excellent, especially my favorite Vienna coffee. Stay away from tiramisu, though.

Note that the cafe is not the best for working with a laptop. The tables are tiny, and the place does not have a power outlet.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 9:30 am – 11 pm (Fri. & Sat. Open until 11:30 pm)

#2. Angel Cafe

Angel Cafe attracts onlookers in the middle of bustling Yongkang Street with its large glass greenhouse exterior. The cafe is always busy. But if you don’t mind the crowd, it is a pretty cafe with decent coffee, a nice ambiance, and a clean bathroom (a big plus!).

>> For a dine-in, get your 10% off the set menu here.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 11 am – 10 pm

#3. Yaboo II

If you wander around the alleyways of Yongkang, you may discover many stores and cafes converted from an old residence. Yaboo II is one of those homey cafes awaiting to be discovered. The specialty here is original, non-traditional coffees created by their baristas. These specialty coffees are pricey even for the Yongkang standard; however, they are creative and yummy. This cafe is good for hangouts and work.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 12-11 pm. Sat. & Sun.: 11 am – 12 am

#4. Elephant Machine Coffee

Elephant Machine Coffee is a cozy coffee house hidden in the back alley of the Yong Kang maze. It is a roastery that does some serious roasting – for three days of the week- hence only open Thursday through Sunday.

As you can expect from a roastery, the coffee served here is on point. The knowledgeable barista serves 4 different cold brews and 4 different hot coffees. Bring your book to read or laptop to work. 

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: Thurs – Sun 1-7 pm (Closed Mon – Wed)

Yongkang Street Teahouse

#1. Stop by Tea 

Stop by Tea is a cozy teahouse in the alley. A friendly elderly couple welcomes to serve you a selection of Taiwanese teas. The inviting place might look like any other traditional teahouse. However, you may be pleasantly surprised to find cold brew teas in a lab cylinder and Taiwan Tea Ale beer on the menu. Tea desserts are so beautiful and yummy. If you are invited to the basement, be sure to visit the magical tea room/exhibit where tea floats along the river.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 1-9 pm

#2. Mata Teahouse

Although MATA Teahouse stands in the center of bustling Yongkang Street, it stays low key; its bushy facade blends perfectly with a nearby urban park. You may feel as if you are entering into a secret garden.

Imbibe in a zen environment here. MATA is a perfect place for a light lunch with a vegetarian meal set (320NT without tea, 450NT with tea). Or, sip Taiwanese tea paired with light desserts. 

The tofu pudding stall in front of the teahouse is very popular. There is always a line of people patiently waiting to get classic Taiwanese desserts. For a to-go order, you have to bring your own container.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 10 am – 10 pm

#3. Qingtian Teahouse

Qingtian Street locates in the south of Yongkang main street. This quieter area is a cluster of Japanese-style historic houses, many of which are converted into a restaurant or teahouse.

Qingtian Teahouse is one of them. This beautifully antique treehouse serves as a tea room as well as an art gallery. After selecting from a wide range of Asian tea menu, a tea master comes to the table to show how tea is brewed for the first round. Admittedly pricey; nonetheless, it is an excellent teahouse for tea beginners to learn and enjoy different Asian teas.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 10 am – 6 pm

#4. Zenique

Zenique is a tea shop that sells loose-leaf teas and tea bags in a bio-degradable corn starch package. While their bestseller is the gardenia oolong tea, what makes this shop stand out is tea-infused desserts.

Try their daily flavor of tea-infused soft ice cream. Too bad, you can’t buy it to bring home. But the store carries tea and desserts set, which makes a great souvenir or gift. Taiwan’s famous nougat candy sandwiched by colorful macarons? I’ll take it in a heartbeat!

FYI, the shop’s teahouse Le Salon is closed and no longer serves tea and desserts. Zenique has a long comfortable bench inside the shop to sit and finish your desserts.

>> Claim your 10% off offer for tea-infused ice cream or gift set.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 1-9 pm

Yongkang Street Shopping

You can use a break from endless devouring? Good news. Yong Kang Street is not only about food. Let’s get some shopping done. Too full to eat all? Let’s buy edible souvenirs to take home so you can save your stomach space for something else.

#1. Lai Hao Taiwan 

Lai Hao Taiwan features a unique selection of Made in Taiwan (M.I.T.) products. The modernly designed goods give the nod to Taiwanese traditions and culture. Whether you buy a pouch or Taiwanese snacks, this is an excellent shop to stop by for high-quality souvenirs or gifts that you can reminisce of your time in Taiwan.

Location: Open Google Map (Disregard the “permanently closed” notice on Google map. This is the new location.)

Opening Hours: 12 – 9 pm

#2. June 1st (Liu Yue Chu)

After taking a look at Lai Hao Taiwan, pop in next door for edible souvenirs. Liu Yue Chu is famous for its 8-shaped egg rolls, a popular souvenir originally from Taichung. It is a multi-layer crispy milky roll shaped like the number 8 so that it is easier to bite, hence leaves no crumbs. The number 8 also symbolizes fortune in Taiwanese culture. Try the diverse flavors, including chocolate, which won the Monde Selection Silver Award 2020.

Get these popular egg roll cookies delivered to your home.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 10 am – 8 pm

#3. MaMa Handmade

An umbrella is one of the most essential everyday items in Taipei. Unfortunately, the weather forecast is never accurate. So all locals know to bring an umbrella no matter what the forecast says. If you forgot, you’ve made yourself a great excuse to swing by MaMa Handmade and buy a cute design umbrella that you may not find overseas. From an ultralight UV-protected pocket umbrella to a sturdy typhoon-ready one, you will find a variety of umbrellas at MaMa Handmade.   

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 12 – 10 pm

>> Sugar & Spice is my favorite nougat candy brand. If you are looking for Taiwan’s famous edible souvenirs, reserve here to pick up from the airport.

#4. Eilong Yongkang Shop

It is no surprise that Taiwan makes high-quality tea sets, given its deep roots in tea culture. Yingge is a little town I highly recommend taking a day trip from Taipei if you like pottery and ceramics. But if you don’t have the time, swing by Eilong YongKang to adore and buy high-quality yet affordable pottery.

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 11 am – 7 pm

#5. Cha Tzu Tang 

Cha Tzu Tang is a well-regarded Taiwanese natural skincare brand. The company uses local ingredients – such as camellia oil – grown by Taiwanese farmers through sustainable farming. Its natural skincare products include liquid hand soap, body wash, shampoo, lip balm, hand and body lotions, etc.

Many Taiwanese department stores and hotels provide Cha Tzu Tang products in their bathroom, including Eslite and this hotel I stayed and loved. I use Cha Tzu Tang’s hand and body washes at home. It smells great and doesn’t dry my skin. Give them a try!

Location: Open Google Map

Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 10 pm

#6. POYA

No matter what you are looking for, POYA has it all. If you want to buy Asian beauty products, POYA has it, whether Korean, Japanese, or Taiwanese. This store also has snacks and beverages from all over Asia. Don’t find something in your suitcase? Head over to POYA. Seriously, this store has them all. You will see what I mean when you get there.

Location: Open Google Map (Locations throughout Taiwan)

Opening Hours: 10 am – 10:30 pm

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