Renowned as Asia's Coolest Street — Yongkang Street and Rongjin Time

A Food Lover's Paradise Affordable Shanghai Delicacies

Yongkang Street is also known as a famous food street, and visitors are often drawn here even if they're in a hurry. Speaking of food, many people immediately think of Din Tai Fung , the internationally renowned restaurant famous for its soup dumplings, which originated here. However, to manage the crowds, the original location now only offers takeout, while dine-in customers are directed to the branch across the street on Xinyi Road.

Affordable Shanghai dim sum restaurant Hao Gong Dao Jin Ji Yuan , recommended by Michelin Bib Gourmand. The always busy Tianjin Scallion Pancakes .

If you're looking to try soup dumplings, another must-visit establishment on Yongkang Street is Hao Gong Dao Jin Ji Yuan, a longstanding restaurant that has been in operation for over half a century and has received Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendations multiple times. The decor is simple, and a variety of Shanghai dim sum and dishes are made fresh by hand, offering delicious yet affordable options that are highly favoured by locals. The old favourite Yongkang Beef Noodles has also been repeatedly recommended by Michelin's Bib Gourmand, with its signature braised beef noodles featuring a rich broth and tender yet chewy beef. The popular Tianjin Scallion Pancakes are often found with long lines of customers as well.

Desserts Worth Stopping For

The must-try signature "burnt ice" from Jin Ji Mu .

After a hearty meal, it's time for dessert. The most famous sweet treat on Yongkang Street is undoubtedly mango ice. Smoothie , known for its mango snowflake ice, features a bright yellow storefront and serves fresh mango combined with delicate, fluffy snow ice, earning a spot on CNN's list of must-try foods in Taiwan. Another trendy dessert shop, Jin Ji Mu , has a Japanese aesthetic and features a must-try "burnt ice" series, where the staff uses a blowtorch to caramelize pudding on top of Japanese-style shaved ice right in front of the customers, providing a unique visual and taste experience.

Yongkang Street features many unique tea houses where you can enjoy tea, tea leaves, and teaware.

Unique Shops and Cultural Stores

Boston Barbershop is a landmark of Yongkang Street, and I happened to catch a photo shoot during my visit.

As you stroll through the Yongkang business district, you'll discover many distinctive shops that showcase various styles and eras, creating an intriguing blend. These include retro barbershops, boutiques, art galleries, and tea houses, as well as numerous cultural shops selling products infused with local Taiwanese elements, perfect as souvenirs or personal keepsakes. Yongkang Street also features the Showa Town Cultural Market , which primarily sells nostalgic items, making it a great place to hunt for treasures.

A Creative Hub from a Former Prison

Rongjin Time is a new attraction in the Yongkang business district. A row of Japanese wooden buildings that are very eye-catching.

Nearby Yongkang Street is a new attraction worth mentioning: the Rongjin Time Living Park located on Jinhua Street. Previously the officers' quarters of the Taipei Prison during the Japanese colonial period, this area has been transformed from old Japanese-style houses into a creative leisure space. The row of wooden Japanese architecture combined with garden landscaping makes you feel like you've stepped into Kyoto, making it perfect for photos.

The buildings have been transformed into unique restaurants and shops.

The park now hosts over ten brands, including Hsing Bo Coffee , founded by a world barista champion, the popular bagel shop Hao Qiu , and Japan's first overseas Kyushu Waffle . There are also shops selling pet and family products. Among them, Hua Fa Ting Cultural Aesthetic Studio offers kimono rentals and photography services, allowing visitors to wear beautiful kimonos and capture memories in a setting filled with Japanese charm. Additionally, weekend markets often take place at the park, featuring stalls selling handmade and cultural products, making it a delightful place to explore.

Rongjin Time often hosts market events on weekends.

Yongkang Street

Transportation: Take the Taiwan Metro Tamsui-Xinyi Line to Dongmen MRT Station (Exit 5)

Rongjin Time Living Park

Address: No. 167, Jinhua Street, Daan District, Taipei City

Transportation: Take the Taipei MRT Red Line or Yellow Line to Dongmen Station, exit 3, and walk 10 minutes to the park.

Website: https://www.rongjinchoice.com/en?srsltid=AfmBOoryYnh6AbOlCP3lnm3e9nUZSXdX7Bgx_aJy0loF-r5ZxiCt86Ot