Situated in northern Taiwan, Tamsui is a coastal district in New Taipei City that used to be the centre of shipping and commerce back in the 19th century. While it no longer plays this role now, the district is still popular with visitors as it boasts many historical and cultural attractions. Needless to say, Tamsui also boasts many local specialties that draw foodies from around the world. The harbour view at this seaside district is also alluring, and a hot spot for viewing sunset. Within 40 minutes from Taipei Main Station to the northernmost Tamsui Station on the MRT Tamsui (Red) Line, this modestly-sized district promises you a day of good food and awesome harbour view!
Sample the uniquely stewed eggs that feel as hard as iron
Iron eggs – a very famous local specialty of Tamsui, are eggs that are repeatedly stewed in a mix of spices and air dried till they turn dark brown and chewy and shrink to about half the size of the normal eggs. As its name implies, the texture of the egg is as tough as iron and feels rubbery. Time to let your mouth do the work as you sample this unique cuisine.
This specialty is probably an acquired taste that not everyone will love but do buy some to try since it is not too expensive. A packet of 25 iron eggs from the highly-rated Ah Po’s Iron Eggs (135 Zhongzheng Road) costs 100 TWD (about 3.10 USD). Located near the start of Tamsui Old Street as you commence your tour from Tamsui Station, the shop is easy to spot with a prominent black signboard next to an OK Mart like you see in the picture above.
Fresh and chewy fish balls that evokes feelings of nostalgia
Do not miss the yummy fish balls at the over-40-year-old Danshui Ke Ko Fishball Restaurant (232 Zhongzheng Road), which is just 3 minutes down the road on the right from Ah Po’s. Tamsui fish balls are cylinder-shaped balls made from fish-paste stuffed with well-marinated cuts of pork, and served with soup stew from fish-paste, with a slight tinge of oil. This local specialty is delicious and fresh with a very chewy texture, with no greasy taste. A bite into the freshly made fish ball evokes a nostalgic feeling, as if you were back home sampling your mum’s cooking. For 30 TWD (about 0.90 USD) a bowl, you get 4 tasty big fish balls! That’s a real bargain isn’t it?
Savour a quirky mix of salted, preserved and soy sauce taste within one duck egg
Yes, it is possible to taste 3 different flavours within one duck egg, and you can get such delicacy only at Tamsui. This local specialty is literally called Three-Flavour Egg, available at Ti Hu Master local products shop. Currently, it has 2 outlets in Tamsui and 1 of them is near Ah Po’s as well at 123 Zhongzheng Road. The Three-Flavour Egg is a mixture of salted egg, preserved century egg & marinated soy sauce egg in 1 ready-to-eat duck egg, sold in a box of 20 individually vacuum-packed eggs at 200 TWD (about 6.10 USD). Feel free to sample this unique delicacy before you buy but I am confident you will enjoy its fragrant taste.
Time for some Tamsui A-Gei that is bound to excite your tastebuds
A-Gei is another exclusive specialty at Tamsui and there are numerous restaurants offering this dish as you walk along the Tamsui Old Street. However, the best is always worth your time hunting it down, isn’t it? So be patient and make your way out of Tamsui Old Street. You will need to cross an overhead bridge and walk up a steep and narrow street, passing by Zhenli University before you get to the highly-recommended Wenhua A-Gei at 6-4 Zhenli Street after 15 minutes or so.
So what exactly is A-Gei? The name originates from Japanese which means oily bean curd. It is made by stuffing deep-fried bean curd with flavoured rice noodles and ground pork before sealing with fish paste. Thereafter, it is steamed to well done and served with sweet chilli sauce or other special sauces. You can decide which level of spiciness you prefer for your delish bowl of A-Gei at 35 TWD (about 1.10 USD). Be warned that even the mild spicy version can get quite hot as you tuck into the dish, especially if you can’t really take spicy food. Nonetheless, this Tamsui specialty is definitely worth the exhausting walk up the steep slope.
Stroll along the iconic Lover’s Bridge and soak in the splendid views
After savouring so much good food, let your stomach rest and take a stroll along the iconic Lover’s Bridge at the scenic Fisherman’s Wharf, the old port of Tamsui. There are a few ways to get to the wharf, either by foot, bus or boat depending on how much time you have before the sun sets. It is a popular beautiful spot to watch the sunset so do reach the wharf before that happens.
Upon arriving at the Fisherman’s Wharf, you will be able to see The Lover’s Bridge, spanning the harbour. It is a pedestrian bridge with a single slanted tower cable modelled after a sailing ship’s mast & rig. Catch the amazing sunset on this bridge while enjoying the cool breeze. After the sun sets, the Lover’s Bridge will illuminate and display a colourful array of lights that blend well with the romantic night view of the harbour.
Enjoy a fun-filled trip with great food and scenic harbour views
Besides the Tamsui specialties recommended above, there are a lot more great food for you to check out, such as fish crisps, shrimp rolls, tornado chips and tall soft serve ice cream. While sinking your teeth into these delectable snacks, you can also take your time to explore the historical sites, artistic neighbourhoods and beautiful nature at this seaside district before ending the day with a romantic stroll at Lover’s Bridge. Trust that you will have a whale of your time in this compact town offering something for everyone!
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