Between neon streets and mountain teahouses, versatile performer Soo Wincci found not just her voice, but the city that defined her artistic journey
I went to Taipei in 2011, just as my music began gaining traction in Taiwan. Between 2012 and 2015, it went viral across the region, and I ended up being based there for nearly five years. I recorded three albums during that period – an incredibly exciting time in my career, while juggling work and studies at the same time.
Life in Taipei
My first impression of the city was how peaceful and safe it felt – even late at night. I’d often head to 24-hour cafés after work to write my PhD thesis, something I couldn’t imagine doing elsewhere. If you haven’t been to Eslite Bookstore Songyan (88 Yanchang Rd; eslitecorp.com), open all day and night, you must!
My days were structured: I’d wake up at 7am, hit the gym and be at my recording label office by 10. From there, it was a whirlwind of meetings, rehearsals and appearances.
I lived near Taipei 101 (7 Xinyi Rd; taipei-101.com.tw), which was incredibly convenient – shops, restaurants and the MRT were all within walking distance.
What I loved most were the people. Taiwanese are warm, polite and genuine – there was always kindness in every interaction. The cost of living was reasonable and everything worked so efficiently.
I’ve since moved back to Malaysia after my stint there, but these spots remain on my must-visit list whenever I return.
Incredible food scene
First-time visitors should visit Shilin Night Market (101 Jihe Rd; shilin-night-market.com). It may be touristy but it’s worth it – giant crispy chicken cutlets, juicy grilled oysters, candied sweet potatoes, stinky tofu and milk teas in every flavour. It’s the perfect introduction to Taiwan’s vibrant street food culture.
Looking for a good breakfast spot? Go to Good Cho’s (54 Songqin St; @goodchos_tw) for handmade bagels. The nasi lemak at Malaysian eatery Mr Chee Kopitiam (385 Section 2, Fuxing S Rd; @mr.cheekopitiam) will surely hit the spot.
For lunch, the hearty beef noodles at Chang’s Halal Beef Noodle Shop (21 Yanping S Rd) are simple and comforting. If you’re looking for vegetarian options, Loving Hut (247 Songde Rd; lovinghut.com) offers affordable vegan fare while Yang Shin Vegetarian Restaurant (128 Songjiang Rd; ysvege.com) serves dim sum so realistic you’d never guess it was meat-free.
Foodies should also explore Taipei’s Michelin dining scene. Book a table at Taïrroir (299 Lequn 3rd Road; tairroir.com) which offers elevated Taiwanese cuisine in a luxe setting. Make sure to book ahead.
For a soulful recharge, nothing beats Maokong in Wenshan District, near Taipei Zoo station. Ride the cable car into the misty hills to find teahouses overlooking lush valleys. Try tea-infused dishes like tea oil noodles or chicken, fried rice with tea leaves, tea-roasted eggs or tea-essence tofu – simple
and delicious.
Tucked into quiet alleyways, Taipei’s hidden cafés are perfect for unwinding or getting a bit of work done. Go to Ogawa Coffee (39 Wuxing St; @ogawa.coffee) for its relaxed outdoor seating, After5 (34 Linsen N Rd; @after5_coffeetail) for industrial charm or Mountain Kids Coffee Roasters (126 Zhongxiao W Rd; @mkcrtw) for some quiet work time.
For a quick pick-me-up in between shopping and sight-seeing, Taiwan’s fresh fruit culture means you’re never far from a juicy guava or mango cup on the go.
Avenues of discovery
Ximending Night Market (127 Hanzhong St) is Taipei’s fashion haven. It’s trendy, fast-paced and perfect for scoring affordable, stylish outfits in a heartbeat. Experience the thrill of finding pieces you love.
Beauty lovers will be captivated by Taiwanese skincare. Chains like Watsons and Cosmed stock an incredible range of sheet masks, creams and beauty gadgets.
As an artiste, I love Taipei’s creative pulse. The city’s live houses buzz with music ranging from indie rock to jazz. Riverside Live House (177 Xining Rd; @riversidelivehouse) and Blue Note (171 Roosevelt Rd; bluenotetaipei.com) are two of my go-to spots.
If you only have one day
Start with Taiwanese breakfast such as youtiao (fried dough) and soy milk at Yong He Soya Milk (102 Fuxing S Rd). Visit Taipei 101 for the city views, some light shopping and a quick lunch at its food court. Take the MRT to Maokong for a tea-infused meal with hillside views, then head to Shilin Night Market for snacks and souvenirs. End your night in Ximending, where Taipei’s youth culture truly comes alive.
