Taiwan 2012 - Jiufen

Interesting eats at Jiufen.
Jiufen's downtown winding streets was used as the model for the Japanese anime Spirited Away.

賴阿婆芋圓 Grandma Lai’s Yuyuan (Taro Balls)
This is a unique dessert found in Jiufen, taro/yam balls in sweet soup. You can choose to have it hot or cold. There are several shops selling this dessert but Grandma Lai’s is said to be the original and best one.
地址: 新北市瑞芳區基山街143號
Address: 143 Jishan St, Rueifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

Chewy bits

Quaint shop space, with assorted tables made of stone and wood

Li Yi Pineapple Tarts and SunCakes

李儀餅店 http://www.lecake.com.tw/index2.asp
You pay for your order, and they get it delivered to your hotel. Saved us the hassle of luggingthe boxes back

Almond Powder

We got this from oneof the first few stalls as we entered from where 7-11 is. They sell Gingko Nut powder too. We’re told that if you are having a cough, the almond powder drink should be drunk straight, without sugar added.

Dried Pi-pa

Not cheap, but this is really good for coughs and throats. You can eat it straight or boil the dried fruits with water and some salt.

Friendly seller

You can order by phone, without making a trip to Jiufen we were told

Fishballs

There's a very popular restaurant that sells fishballs and is terribly crowded.

Popiah skin filled with crushedpeanuts and icecream

Looked nice but we did not try it due to the cold and wet weather.

红糟肉圆

You can find this at a number of shops.

Other sights :

No room to move! Tourists came by the busloads

A pork seller

End of the street, or beginning, depending on which way you started

The tight winding streets open up to this view