One of the masterminds behind London’s Bao shares her insider tips for where to eat and drink in the Taiwanese capital.

Ms Erchen Chang, co-owner of Bao in London, was born in Taipei and lived there until she was 12-years-old. Before setting up her restaurant with her partner Mr Shing Tat Chung and his sister Ms Wai Ting Chung, she travelled across Taiwan for months to study how to make the perfect steamed bun. Here, Ms Chang gives her insider guide to eating in Taipei.

Taipei is a melting pot of different foods – there are Japanese, Chinese and Austronesian influences from the Philippines and other Polynesian groups. Taipei has especially great seafood, and there’s places to eat on every corner so you are never too far from your favourite snack. There is a huge street food culture, and each stall chooses one speciality dish to perfect, which is how we started in Netil market with our steamed buns.

There are still very few Taiwanese restaurants in the UK. Taiwan is a small island with around half the population of the UK, so it is understandable that we aren’t so well known. But I think London is starting to learn more about different regional Asian cuisines and Taiwanese food.

Fu Hang Don Jiang

I have been going to Fu Hang since I was in school. It’s located on the first floor of a market building in the centre of Taipei. They open at 5.30am, and it usually has a queue from 6.00am all the way through the day. They serve the best freshly made soy milk ever. You can really taste the richness of the soy bean. They also do a range of classic Taiwanese breakfasts, ranging from dan bing (omelette roll), shao bing (clay oven roll), and assorted baked goods. If you are heading to Taipei, make sure you don’t miss Fu Hang off your list.

108 Zhongxiao East Road 2nd Floor Hua Shan Market

Lin Dong Fang

In Taipei, everyone has their favourite beef noodles stall. Some people prefer thin noodles, or noodles with a spicy soup base. Lin Dong Fang does bouncy, thick noodles with clear beef soup. On their tables they have concentrated spicy beef butter. I always put a scoop in, and it makes the clear soup turn red (and spicy). The aroma of the Sichuan pepper and slow-cooking beef flavour are heightened. You will probably sweat while eating (there’s strong air-con so don’t worry), but it will definitely be one of your most memorable bowl of noodles.

No. 274 Bade Rd, Section 2, Taipei 10492

Si Zhi Tang

Si Zhi Tang has a very hidden entrance on Jinan Road. It’s behind a beautiful tree and it looks like you are about to visit someone’s house. There are ferns growing all around the outer walls of the restaurant. Si Zhi Tang offers a very elegant dining experience of seasonal Taiwanese food at its best. All menus are written by hand every day – if sweet shrimps feature, make sure to order them. The atmosphere is relaxing, and the restaurant uses only the most carefully sourced ingredients.

No. 18, Section 3, Jinan Road, Taipei 106

Xiao Chang Turtle Island

This is actually a seafood and “quick fry” place. It has fish in lots of crushed ice on display and lots of neon lights at the front. I find quick fry places are the best place to get a drink in Taipei because you can nibble on the best and freshest seafood as well as having a drink and catching up with friends. I would recommend to pre-book the langoustines caught that day. Langoustine sashimi is perfect with the beer.

No. 73, Liaoning Street District, Taipei 104