Shilin Night Market - FOODVENTURES 2

On the 15th, the day after my last day with any students (in this case, the Kindergarten-ers), I decided to treat myself, and of course, that means spending on food (yay). I made it my mission to return to Shilin and try all the food that I wanted to, but haven't had the chance. I'd say that I did pretty well.

My morning started at La Morning. I was supposed to meet Astrid and Lavie at 13:00, so I stopped in for some brunch. I got a peanut-butter-slice of toast as well as a large milk coffee, a quick and filling snack, in preparation for my journeys that day. (I do this so often, I hadn't realized that I haven't taken a photo of it yet...). It's probably my favourite thing on their menu. Though, here's a photo! It's right across the street from the school, and I've become a regular.

After that, I went met up with the two sisters, and found that they hadn't eaten yet. We went to this really nice cafe named Dante. I was impressed by how nice it looked, but not impressed with their prices 太贵了 (too expensive) Worth it? Perhaps, look at this 現芒瓜冰沙 (mango shake),

It was amazing, and funny enough, I've been thinking of getting a blender back home to make shakes, what great timing and reaffirmation!

After that, we travelled to Ximendeng, a district in Taipei, filled with stores and food! I was pretty full, from the shake and earlier brunch, but we decided to get some Japanese-style deep-fried chicken. It was pretty good, but I believe 雞排 (deep fried chicken breast) will always be #1 in my heart. Here's a pic of the two that I snuck, don't tell them!

At around 17:00, they decided to go home, and it was the perfect time to go to Shilin night market. I got there, and noticed a cart that I hadn't before. I found fried milk, something that's been on my "to try" list!

It was heaven on a stick, for less than one dollar CAD, I would have gotten a lot more, if I wasn't on a mission! The exterior had a nice crunch to it, while the inside was smooth, milky, and DELICIOUS.

I walked around the market at first, to allow my body to get ready for the second round at the night market. I got some key chains, with my last name (朱) and some for Judy too (陳) for gifts. Then it was time for round two.

I saw this when I was with Feni, at the time we thought it was a gua bao, but I found out differently. Regardless, I and thought it looked delicious, which it was. It was piping hot, and oddly shaped, almost like a ball, which made it difficult to eat. I even almost dropped a piece of meat, it's a good thing that my hand caught the piping hot pork. It was worth it though, I'd do it again, and I don't have any regrets.

After that, I walked around a bit more, and got thirsty. I decided to find something other than bubble tea, as I felt I've been having too much (even though there's no such thing). I opted to get a strawberry smoothie, and it was honestly one of the best drinks I've had here in my opinion.

I'd say my favourite is the classic [zhen zhu nai cha], followed by the strawberry smoothie, followed by the 現芒瓜冰沙 (mango shake), followed by Oreo milk tea, followed by Green Tea with Yakult, followed by all the other random drinks I've had the opportunity to try (Taro bubble tea, Papaya Milk, Ai-yu, Nut-tea? to name a few).

After resting, I traversed through the night market with an empty cup, wondering if I should get more (which, looking back, I think I should have). I even almost got lost (I spent too much time looking at candy in a candy shop, and lost my sense of direction

but I walked around, got my sense of direction back, and eventually things worked out).

I was tired and night had already fallen, so I decided to get a pig's blood skewer. I was somewhat curious about it, and ultimately decided to follow through! When will I be in Taiwan again? I made my way, and got one.

It was pretty good! It may seem weird, but I assure you, it's delicious. It's not 100% pig's blood either, the blocks are mostly composed of sticky rice, mmmm.

My time in the market was over, and I decided to leave. BUT, right before I crossed the street to get to the MRT station, I decided to give into that voice and get another deep fried ice-cream skewer.

After finishing it, I experienced the same feeling - I want more. I ultimately decided against it, and realized that I hadn't had too many veggies that day. So I quickly walked about five feet over, and got myself some watermelon at a nearby stand.

I ended up getting more than I intended, and it was quite hard to eat without making a mess. The watermelon kept getting cut by the wooden peg that they give you. Needless to say, watermelon got everywhere (90% made it into my belly, though). It was really juicy and delicious, but my white shirt received a lot of juice, haha.

All in all, it was a good day, and I'm glad I got to try a whole bunch of different foods. I know there's still a lot in Taipei, or even in Shinlin night market, that I haven't had, but I'm glad I got the chance to try everything that day.

I want more fried ice-cream,
JC(3.14)

P.S. I have since tried the other Hello Kitty burger, it has a pork patty, and was okay! I liked the first shrimp-burger slightly better, though. They were both good!