Today, let’s share with everyone a super charming hidden gem in Taipei—Dadaocheng! Many people’s impression of Dadaocheng still stops at the Lunar New Year goods street, or they only know Dihua Street or the Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market, but let me tell you, Dadaocheng has already evolved into a cultural hotspot blending historic sites, riverside scenery, specialty cuisine, and tons of IG check-in spots. Today we’re recommending a few restaurants and attractions unique to Dadaocheng, so keep reading with us!
This time I’ve put together this 「Taipei Dadaocheng In-Depth Travel Lazy Pack」, taking us from the most beautiful sunset night views to super photogenic vintage alleys, and finally to local snacks and popular desserts that will explode your taste buds. It even includes transportation, parking, and itinerary planning all laid out for you.
Walking through Dadaocheng Dihua Street really makes you feel like time has slowed down. Taipei’s rare red-brick Western-style buildings or Baroque facades each seem to have their own story. What fascinates me most is the atmosphere that changes with the seasons and festivals.
Like the crowded Lunar New Year goods street before the Spring Festival, or the lanterns hanging high during the Lantern Festival, or the scent of tea leaves drifting before the Mid-Autumn Festival—every moment has a different flavor, and every visit brings a different feeling.
台北大稻埕遊客中心 is basically a hidden net-beauty gathering spot. It not only provides rich travel information but has also been turned into a super attraction combining cultural experiences and photo check-ins.
Countless orange-red and white lanterns hang high—every casual shot is a masterpiece full of literary vibes. You can rent early-period clothing for photos here and get a feel of the early Republic of China era. Elders will really love it! By the way, renting the ancient costumes is free of charge. (Click the image or click here for more info)
If you want to experience the most atmospheric local cuisine, then 同安樂老宅餐廳 is definitely your top choice! Hidden inside an old house on Dihua Street, it turns traditional home-style banquet dishes into refined and flavorful meals. You can taste history and feel the full nostalgic flavors.
Look at this bowl of chicken soup, warm and jade-like with a milky white color. The chicken leg meat is stewed until tender and flavorful, falling off the bone as soon as it enters your mouth—delicious! A few bright red goji berries float in the soup, making your appetite soar just by looking at it. (Click the image or click here for more info)
Dadaocheng has many cafes, but the ancient architecture paired with tea leaves at 有記名茶, sipping tea aroma with desserts in a tea cafe renovated from an old tea house, is truly full of character! Ever since eating at the old-house-renovated restaurant 同安樂 in Dadaocheng, I’ve fallen in love with the unique flavor of old houses! Taipei Cafe recommendation: 有記名茶 (Click the image or click here for more info)
Walking on Dihua Street, you’ll find many snack stalls with lines, and 路力鴨片粉圓’s three-round ice is one of the must-try desserts!
Plenty of orange Q-bouncy tapioca pearls paired with yellow taro balls or sweet potato balls— just the colors make you want to eat it! Especially those crystal-clear tapioca pearls, making you want to suck them all in one go. (Click the image or click here for more info)
If you have time after browsing the fabric section of Yongle Market, don’t rush to leave—many century-old food stalls are hidden beside the market. Among them, 金仙魚丸 is a taste that many old Taipei residents have grown up with. DONG dad often came here when he was young~ Even now it’s still packed with long lines. (Click the image or click here for more info)
When people think of warm beef soup, they usually think of Tainan’s version, right? Actually, Taipei also has warm beef soup, it’s just not as famous as Tainan’s. 延三溫體牛 near Dihua Street is really worth recommending, especially their warm beef soup. Look at those tender, pink warm beef slices gently cooked to perfect doneness in the hot broth. The soup is clear yet rich—simply a double enjoyment for eyes and taste buds. (Click the image or click here for more info)
Tired from walking on Dihua Street and want something sweet? Then 永樂車輪餅 is definitely your best choice.
This wheel cake isn’t ordinary—it comes in many flavors with overflowing fillings that look ready to burst. This wheel cake has always been an IG check-in dessert, especially the dreamy “purple sweet potato” flavor—you have to try it! (Click the image or click here for more info)
Now Dadaocheng is full of red bean daifuku shops—I think this one started it all~ It seems after this shop began and long lines formed, several places along Dihua Street started selling strawberry daifuku. When I bought from here during the Lunar New Year goods street, seeing those huge strawberries in the basket made me want to join the line. The red bean paste is dense but not overly sweet, and pairs surprisingly well with the slightly tart strawberries. (Click the image or click here for more info)
聯通漢芳 has developed herbal prescriptions for different body types or customer groups, such as medicinal food supplements and tendon-bone medicinal meals. If needed, you can also come here for prescriptions. Now the Chinese medicine shop also offers innovative ready-to-eat dishes, like Eucommia cordyceps chicken soup. Busy moms can simply heat it in a water bath for 15 minutes to enjoy a bowl of chicken soup—there’s actually a whole chicken leg inside! (Click the image or click here for more info)
MRT:
Songshan-Xindian Line (Green Line) Beimen Station: Exit from Exit 3 and walk along Tacheng Street for about 5-7 minutes to reach the southern section of Dihua Street. Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (Orange Line) Daqiaotou Station: Exit from Exit 1 and walk along Yanping North Road Section 2 for about 8-10 minutes to reach the northern section of Dihua Street.
Bus: There are many bus routes near Dihua Street. Search for keywords like “Dihua Street,” “Yongle Market,” or “Dadaocheng Wharf” to find the most suitable route. Buses such as 9, 206, 255, 274, 518, 539, 641, 669, 704 all pass through the area.