See the True Taiwan: an insiders guide

This is a re-updated post of clubs in Taipei. If you're looking to go out in Taipei for a good time, its worth it to know that things have changed significantly since the last time this blog posted about going out. Clubs: To date, if you're a well dressed, foreign man without the company of women of any race, expect to be given SOME trouble at the top clubs. Still true in 2023. Not going to name names, but party life seems to have separated into places that cater to foreigners, and places that prefer a more local vibe. Straight up refusing entry isn't something to worry about, but you might find things feel a bit off in the wrong spot. Remember They're A Business: Clubs want to make money, and if its a good idea to make money off of you they will. Some prices are specific for men / women, foreign / not foreign, etc. Although the practice is fading away bit by bit. Don't be surprised if you can't get a deal on entry for some reason, even if it was posted o...

A lot of people who visit and relocate to Taiwan are curious about getting out on two wheel in what has been described as a cycling paradise. The idea this island is paradise is a misnomer and puts way too much pressure on this island to perform. Taiwan is most correctly called a good place to cycle. All of Taiwan's cities are easily biked because the infrastructure is set up for scooters. You'll be moving slower than scooters and you won't be treated the same way, but there is definitely more respect than you'd get in most western cities. Drivers in Taiwan rarely have issues with bikes, and they're not driving badly to piss you off or to make a statement about the place bikes have in society. If they're driving poorly it's just because they're bad drivers, plus the driving culture here is based on perceived privilege and the idea that might makes right. There are also some rather glaring flaws in the legal system for punishing drivers who hit ped...

Fall brings a heavy load of new arrivals to Taiwan's universities and buxibans, so it's a good time to brush up on the fundamentals of clubbing. What are the true things about Taipei's club scene? Where are the good clubs in Taipei? What are the basics for making sure you have a good night out? First of all, forget everything you have read on the internet which makes Taiwan seem like a clubbing paradise. While what you have read may once have been true, things have changed a lot in the last year after an incident involving a death outside of one of the city's nightclubs. Don't be surprised if the police show up during your night out - it's far more common with the public safety concerns raised by the incident last fall. While it is a mood kill, be nice to them - they're just doing their job and it makes everything go far smoother. The Harsh Truth: Men, Taiwanese girls are not easy and just because they're dressed well, doesn't mean th...

Gaoliang (高粱酒) is a local sorghum based liquor that is a must try in Taiwan. With a small bottle (2 shots) costing just 50NT the only reason not to at least try a taste is that you don't drink anything with booze in it. Don't be confused though, Gaoliang comes in a range of qualities and prices and the more expensive stuff comes with dated bottles and carry heftier price tags. In Taiwan it is traditionally served into shot glasses where drinkers cheers each other and then drain it off in one go. The less time it spends in your mouth the better, at least for the majority of the world's drinkers. If you've got an iron pallet or you're used to drinking anything sorghum, you're going to LOVE this drink. The rest of you...well, just don't be surprised when you start coughing and grimacing. A gaoliang cup next to a standard shot glass. They hold roughly the same volume. If you've never had it before, Gaoliang packs a wicked punch both in ter...

The following is designed to be an open letter to the producers of Taiwan beer and its affiliated products. If you'd like your name on this letter too, send an email and let us know! To Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Company, makers of Taiwan beer, distilled spirits, and far less importantly, controllers of the booze and (to me not importantly) cigarettes; 親愛的臺灣菸酒公司人員您好， This letter is from one of your millions of customers in Taiwan who enjoys your alcohol  containing products and has had a generally positive experience. I am specifically impressed with your response to the increase in (arguably) higher quality imported beers which use far greater range of (expensive) ingredients. To this end I am sorry that the Taiwan dark beer failed to make it as a product. I miss this beer which I consumed (in high volume) circa 2010 and strongly believe with a bit more tweaking it could be brought back. I'm willing to concede that the palate of the local beer drinker is not accustomed t...