Half-Day Journey × Michelin Three-Star Feast｜An Exquisite Taipei Experience

Embracing Taipei’s Essence in Just One Day

Taipei is a city where, within 24 hours, you can savor the pulse of urban life, breathe in the freshness of mountain air, sip fragrant teas, and indulge in world-class cuisine. If your time is limited, try this golden itinerary: a half-day cultural journey followed by a Michelin three-star dinner. From historic old streets to tranquil mountain views, and finally a seat at one of Asia’s finest dining tables—this is a full-sensory panorama of Taiwan in a single day.

Morning Itinerary: A Slow-Paced Half-Day Stroll

9:00 AM｜Romantic Morning Walk in Dadaocheng

Begin the day on Dihua Street, where wooden walkways glimmer under the morning light. Here, the fragrance of tea mingles with the river breeze, while century-old buildings whisper stories of the past. Fabric shops and tea merchants quietly prepare their day, and the aroma of hand-brewed tea dances in the air—an intimate portrait of Old Taipei’s everyday charm.

10:30 AM｜Maokong Gondola: Rising Above the City

From Dadaocheng, take the MRT to Muzha, then transfer to the Maokong Gondola. Surrounded by lush forest, the cable car gradually ascends, revealing sweeping views of the Taipei Basin. At the mountaintop tea houses, a pot of freshly brewed tea paired with delicate snacks provides the perfect reset for your morning fatigue.

12:00 PM｜A Pause at Wistaria Tea House

Return to the city and rest at Wistaria, a serene Japanese-style heritage house in Da’an District. The wooden windows open to a tranquil garden, where soft breezes stir the greenery. With no pretension or excess decoration, the space invites you to slow down. A single cup of afternoon tea gently awakens your senses.

📌 Travel Tip: For a seamless journey, use the High-Speed Rail + TRA/MRT joint ticket, which links city and mountain routes without the hassle of transfers or ticket lines—perfect for a carefree half-day trip.

Evening Highlight: Taïrroir – Culinary Art with Taiwanese Soul

Taïrroir, the world’s first Michelin three-star restaurant specializing in “modern Taiwanese cuisine,” is the passion project of Chef Kai Ho. Awarded its third star in 2023, the restaurant blends French culinary techniques with local ingredients, redefining the possibilities of Taiwanese dining.

Flavor Spotlight: A Poetic Fusion of Land and Memory

One of the restaurant’s signature dishes—“Foie Gras, Smoked Milkfish, Red Plum Pear, and Galangal”—smokes traditional milkfish with black tea and brown sugar, then pairs it with foie gras. This inventive plate embodies both Taiwan’s culinary memory and the sophistication of French artistry, a poetic dialogue between heritage and innovation.

Chef’s Philosophy: From Soil to Soul

“I’m Taiwanese. I just cook what I love… we put our heart here, so guests can feel it,” says Chef Ho. His words reveal the essence of Taïrroir: food as an expression of love, sincerity, and the nourishment of land and people.

Dinner Logistics & Reservation Tips

Getting There: After descending from Maokong, take the gondola and transfer to the MRT Xinyi Line. Get off at Zhongshan Station, then walk 10 minutes to Taïrroir. The journey flows naturally from day to night, seamlessly carrying you into the dinner experience.

Reservations: Dinner service begins at 5:30 PM. Book for 6:00 or 6:30 PM to allow time afterward for exploring Taipei’s nightlife or enjoying its skyline views.

Time is Limited, Experiences are Infinite

Travel is not about how many places you tick off, but how deeply you feel them. This slow-paced Taipei journey, flowing from heritage streets to a world-class dining table, offers a rare glimpse into the city’s cultural and culinary soul. With the High-Speed Rail + TRA/MRT pass, you’ll not only travel smoothly and dine superbly, but also savor the sincerity and beauty of Taiwan at every stop and every bite.

Next time, start with a new dish or a different route—because Taipei always has more surprises waiting.