Especially for European students, it is not easy to adapt to Taiwanese food. Even though there is a huge difference between Asian and European cuisines, you might get used to it over time. Was it not one of the reasons that we come to Taiwan to gain different experiences? So, let’s explore what you might find in NYCU campus dining halls, night markets, and local stores.
NYCU Dining Halls
Regardless of living in campus or outside, most students prefer to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at dining halls on campus. There are mainly 4 dining halls and all of them have different menus and tastes such as hotpot, noodles, dumplings, fried food, vegetarian food, and different kinds of lunch boxes involving rice, vegetable dish, tofu, and meat, etc.
Besides that, 7-11, Family Mart and some coffee&drink stores are at your service! Luckily, 7-11 stores are open 24 hours, and you can visit whenever you want. If you miss fast food, McDonald’s and Burger King could very well be another option as well. Compared to eating outside of the campus, the prices are quite reasonable. Generally speaking, if you are a thrifty person, 300 NTD would be enough for 3 meals per day.
Night Markets
Taiwan is famous for night markets, and you can also enjoy delicious food at night markets in Hsinchu. Zhubei and Nanliao seafood night markets are the main ones that you can visit and taste fresh and appetizing foods such as grilled and fried meats, local food, cakes, drinks, etc. Especially during weekends, night markets are heavily crowded, and many local people and students love to go there. Both night markets are just roughly 10-12 km far away from our campus, but transportation possibilities are restricted. Since bus transportation is not common in Hsinchu, I would recommend going there either by taxi or by scooter. If you like cycling, Youbike is also always an option.
Zhubei Night Market
Location: Section 5, Huanbei Rd, Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, 320
Nanliao Night Market
Location: Nanliao Fishing Port
Local Stores
Hsinchu is a city where wealthy people work and live. Due to having a huge science park, many engineers live here and compared to other cities salary range is quite high in Hsinchu. Therefore, eating out can be a little bit expensive and not budget-friendly for an ordinary student. So, be ready to spend around 200-300 NTD for a dinner. However, as international students, we always want to try the best food and we are eager to learn best local stores. There are some recommendations from local Taiwanese students that you can try! The location of those restaurants can be easily checked on Google Maps.
1. 火焰鳥什鍋
You can find the best hot pot at a reasonable price in this restaurant. Plus, nobody would deny a cup of free ice cream!
Typical hot pot ingredients
2. 老港陳
If you really want to try something traditional, you should take a look and taste real ‘’Taiwanese food’’ in that store.
3. 石坊小井
Seafood is really popular in Taiwan, and you can always try the freshest seafood and homemade food here. If you are a fan of seafood, come here and enjoy!
Fried shrimp
4. 東市1001
Lastly, I would like to recommend a bar which you can drink special cocktails or craft beers and eat local food together!
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