Living for 16 months in the Arab world allowed me to delve deeply into Middle Eastern food and enjoy dishes that many tourists have never even heard about. For this reason, today we’re traveling through Arab cuisine, sampling my favorites from the plethora of dishes found when wandering through the region. Indeed, there’s more to Middle Eastern food than hummus and falafel!

Makdous (المكدوس)

Makdous is a dish you probably won’t find unless you visit the Levant region (Syria in particular). It consists of eggplants bathed in oil, stuffed with chopped red peppers, walnuts, garlic, then sprinkled with olive oil, salt and chili powder to taste. The eggplants are tangy and bite-size — a perfect first course!

Syrian makdous (Photo: Paul Joseph, Flikr Commons)

Kibbeh (كبة)

To my surprise, there are many types of kibbeh: Middle Eastern, Kurdish, and even Brazilian. Before I visited the Middle East, though, I did not even know what the word meant. But when my Lebanese friend introduced me to this croquette, it quickly became my favorite Middle Eastern snack! The Arab kind, which is actually pronounced koubba,  is a torpedo-shaped appetizer made of bulgur, stuffed with minced beef and then deep fried until brown. It is an essential part of mezze in the Levant (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine/West Bank, Israel), Egypt (koubeiba), Iraq, Iran, Cyprus (koupes), and Arabia.

Opened kibbeh (Photo: Ernesto Andrade, VirtualErn on Flikr)

Baba ghanoush (بابا غنوج)

I did not like eggplant until I tried this garlic-infused side dish at the hole-in-the-wall restaurant Taza in Dokki, Cairo. The recipe is simple: Roast, peel and mash some eggplants; then blend them with tahini, garlic, salt, vinegar, lemon juice, finely-chopped onions, tomatoes, and top it all off with an extra dash of cumin and chili powder. This flavorful mezze may be eaten cold as a salad or slightly warm as a pita dip. An insider’s tip? Spread baba ghanoush on your lamb kebab (my personal favorite)!

delicous baba ghanoush, garnished with nuts and olive oil

Kushari (كشرى)

Kushari is one of Egypt’s signature dishes. At first sight, it looks like several leftovers mixed together in one plate. Don’t let its looks fool you, though: Once you take a bite, you are in heaven. This flavorful dish consists of macaroni, rice, lentils, fried onions, garbanzo beans, vinegar, garlic and hot sauce. The best part? Kushari stands can be found all over Cairo and it is one of the cheapest meals you can buy in the country. The most infamous locations to try this staple Egyptian dish, though, are Koshary Abou Tarek (16 Maarouf St., Champollion, Cairo) and Koshary El Tahrir (12, Youssef El Gendy St. , off of Bab El Louk St.). Backpackers galore!

Never judge a book by its cover! (Photo: SirJman, Wiki Commons)

Kabsa (كبسة)

I’m not a big fan of rice, but the aromatic, flavorful Middle Eastern spices changed all that. Kabsa is the dish that best exemplifies this fact! Typically known as Saudi Arabia’s national dish, its origins may actually trace back to Yemen. However, it is eaten in most Gulf countries. My favorite thing about kabsa, though? Its endless possibilities! Bay leaves, black lime, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, raisins, pine nuts…you name the spice and garnish to top it all off. As long as it is made with basmati rice, mixed vegetables, Middle Eastern spices, meats and/or seafood, it is fair game. Thus, recipes and spice mixes may vary greatly from country to country, household to household. Chances are, two kabsas will never be the same.

sumptuous kabsa!

In addition to impressive desert landscapes and extensive history, you have yet another reason to visit the Middle East: It’s delicious food!

Traveling Through Middle Eastern Food is a post from Art of Backpacking

Directly in the middle of the ecuador, water goes straight down when poured into a bowl with a hole at the bottom. Step a few away and the water starts to spin clockwise or counterclockwise depending which side you’re on. Go on the opposite side of the ecuador and it spins in the other direction. The GSP tells us all zero’s. This is the exact middle of the earth.

The museum has several other experiments. I’m not a scientist so I don’t know how this all technically works. On the red line with my eyes closed, I could not walk in a straight line. It was surprisingly difficult without tipping over. Outside of the redline, it was easy.

For our next experiment, we had to balance an egg on a nail. Usually, I don’t balance eggs on nails but I’m going to assume it’s usually difficult. Well at the middle of the earth, it’s a breeze. I balanced it in under a minute. How is that happening?!

Real middle of the earth

A few minutes away by car is a huge monument declared as the middle of the earth. It’s enormous. Built between 1979 and 1982, they thought they had figured out the exact middle. It was as center as they could figure out. The french first figured out this location in 1743. Now the monument and its surrounding area is filled with tourists, restaurants, and souvenirs. Almost like an entire small neighborhood. Reminded me of a theme park but the only attraction was really the monument and the museum inside which I didn’t go in. Apparently the museum holds history of the tribes that were in that area.

Balancing an egg on a nail

Crater of the extinct volcano Pululahua

How To Get There and The Entire Journey:

1. If you have 4 people to go with, definitely take taxi. It’s a HUGE bargain for what you get. We were initially quoted $40USD. We bargained to $30 since it was three of us. Seems to be rare to get this price though. The taxi’s know exactly where to bring you. It’s always the same route.
2. It takes about 45 minutes from Quito to get there by taxi.  We were gone for about 4 hours in total.
3. The taxi first goes to the crater of the extinct volcano Pululahua. A small village lives inside the crater. You get a nice full view from the top. Cost $1 to go to the top. Taxi is worth paying for this alone. Takes about 30 minutes in total for this part of the trip.
4. Next the taxi brings you to the REAL museum. This place is not easy to find if you had taken the bus. It’s actually a far walk. Also really far from Pululahua. Many people seem to skip but the real museum and the crated because they take the bus.
5. Next is the big monument at the fake location. It’s neat for the pictures but there isn’t much you can do there. Just nice to walk around.

If you take the bus, you won’t be saving much. You’ll spend quite a lot of time trying to figure out how to get to the real middle of the earth and you’ll miss out on the crater. The real attraction to me was the museum than the monument. The monument area just felt like a tiny Disneyland which is kind of cool in a way but I would have been disappointed if that’s all I saw.

Middle of the earth monument. Fake location.

Visiting the Middle of the Earth in Ecuador is a post from Art of Backpacking

There is no doubt that Japan is the king when it comes to intriguing and often oddball themed restaurants.  Taiwan also has its share of themed restaurants as well – the most popular, and perhaps most disturbing to many, is Modern Toilet.

You may recognize Modern Toilet from a Travel Channel feature several years ago and, if you didn’t see it, well, the name of the restaurant pretty much gives it away.

What started as a basic Taiwanese dessert shop selling ice creamed shaped like ‘poo’ has turned into an entire themed menu with multiple locations across the island.

The chain is extremely popular with teenagers and college kids, and of course – tourists.  Whenever we have friends in town, they usually want to try it at least once.  The food is solid and as far as themed restaurants go, Modern Toilet knocks it ‘out of the bowl.’

Welcome to the Modern Toilet restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan

The two Modern Toilets in Taipei that we visit are both located in popular areas of town – the Shilin Night Market and Ximen, a spot often compared to Shibuya in Tokyo.

You don’t even have to enter a Modern Toilet restaurant to get a feel for the theme.  From the giant stuffed smiling doo doo to the themed merchandise in the window, it’s all about the poop.

A giant pink pile of poop greets you at the Ximen Modern Toilet

Diners sit on crazy colored western toilets and eat off giant sinks.  Need a napkin? Snag some toilet paper off the roll on the wall.  On at least one wall, you will find some bathroom necessities — Chinese language magazines.

Interior of the Modern Toilet near Shilin Night Market in Taipei

Grab some toilet paper off the roll if you need a napkin

The servers will bring you an English menu and sharpie, and you mark off the items you want.  Take it to the counter and pay first, otherwise you will find yourself sitting there indefinitely, or until you realize everyone else is going up to pay.

The menu is pretty basic, with dishes served either out of a miniature toilet bowl, bathtub, or even a sink.  My personal favorite is the drink.  Depending on what you order, most arrive in a pretty urinal with the longest curly straw I’ve ever seen.  Be sure to try the cranberry green tea with chunks of fresh cranberries at the bottom.

Pasta served in a sink and your drink in a urinal

For main courses, choose from different curries or hot pots, and even a few western offerings line the menu.  And if you like spice, they do know how to turn up the heat.  Granted, you may pay for it in your own bathroom the next day!

For dessert, the standard included option is what put Modern Toilet on the map.  It’s ice cream, but more like an ice milk dessert.  The soft serve treat looks like a pile of poo and comes served in one of my top five most hated things about Asia – the horrific squat toilet.

If you have a few people with you, splurge and go for the near lifelike size squat toilet dessert that almost has the entire kitchen sink in it.  It’s a Taiwanese shaved ice dessert with everything imaginable on it – marshmallows resembling Lucky Charms cereal, fresh fruit, cookies, gummies, scoops of ice cream and more.  This can easily be shared among a few friends, or a tour group of 50.

Giant shaved ice dessert served in a squat toilet

And for another touch of irony – stop by the real bathroom in Modern Toilet.  While you may sit on a western style toilet to eat, you will only find traditional squat toilets, with western toilets as sinks, in a couple of the Modern Toilet locations!

Just in case you’re wondering, you are not eating out of real toilets or sinks. Everything is foodsafe and made especially for the Modern Toilet restaurant.  I only say this because I’ve had several people comment they would never go there and eat out of a real toilet.  Really…? Can’t you just see a server carrying an actual toilet to a table with food in it? Imagine the size dishwashers needed to clean those!

Before you leave Modern Toilet, check out their interesting selection of customized goods.  From poo shaped keychains and Christmas tree ornaments, to your own Modern Toilet squat toilet or urinal, they have everything poop related imaginable.  And, for those people who always say, “bring me back a souvenir,” you may have finally found something that will keep them from ever asking again.

Any bathroom related souvenirs to go?

Theme Restaurants: Modern Toilet in Taipei, Taiwan is a post from Art of Backpacking

Achingly beautiful, otherworldly landscape, dreamlike karst view…

These are all the words that describe Guangxi Province. Like you can see from the expressions, Guangxi is famous for its karst landscape. Not surprisingly it is one of the most beloved travel destination for Chinese people as well as foreigners.

Yangshuo, just an hour south from Guilin along the Li River, is surrounded by towering, leafy, limestone peaks. It is smaller and a much more pleasant town to enjoy the view. Low rooftop houses with dramatic peaks in the background and the Li River in front; all together they create this hard-to-forget view.

There are two main rivers around Yangshuo: the Yulong River (Dragon River) on the west and the Li River on the east. To enjoy the landscape, it’s the best to go out hiking, biking or walking around the nearby countryside, or by cruising down either of the rivers. During my 8 days in Yangshuo, I explored the corners of the town, hiked up to Moon Hill, biked along the Yulong River, and bamboo rafted on the Li River.

View of Yangshuo, on the top of the hostel.

Street of Yangshuo. Limestone peaks can be seen every corner of this little town.

600-year-old Dragon Bridge on Yulong River.

View of the countryside of Yangshuo, near Jima town. On the way to Yulong River.

The view that inspires 20yuan bill.

The view of Li River on the bamboo raft.

Nine Horses Mural Hill on Li River

A truck full of Shatian Grapefruit. It is one of the specialties in Guangxi Province.

Moon Hill, from afar.

Moon Hill, Closer view. It’s about 30mins away from the center of Yangshuo.

Mandarins and Kumquats in Yangshuo.

Pick your own chicken home – at Gaotian Market near Yangshuo.

The view of Li River

Lying Tiger hill near Moon Hill.

Guilin Rice Noodle is all over Guangxi Province.

Beer Fish

Photo Essay: Yangshuo, Guangxi, China is a post from Art of Backpacking

I’d hate to be in history class in England. It sounds like there’s much to learn. It’s so interesting though. If I ever get the chance to, a road trip around England and going to as many castles as possible would awesome. I can’t imagine ever getting castle fatigue.

What are your favorite castles in Northumberland?

Bamburgh Castle

Easily one of Northumberland’s most popular castles to visit and my favorite one. The first written reference of the castle was in 547. Since then, it was taken, damaged, bought, and restored many times.

Bamburgh Castle by www.matthewhartphotography.com, on Flickr

Bamburgh Castle by westy48, on Flickr

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

A 14th century medieval castle constructed about 1370. Today it’s open to the public and easily accessible. There’s beautiful gardens surrounding the area as well.

Belsay Castle by Jax60, on Flickr

Belsay Castle by Gail Johnson, on Flickr
Stay in northumbria cottages nearby.

Norham Castle

The castle was build in 1121. The Norham castle has been through a lot with the war between England and Scotland. It was once called ‘the most dangerous and adventurous place in the country’. The castle is now cared for by English Heritage and is open to visitors.

Norham Castle by Gail Johnson, on Flickr

Lindisfarne Priory

Lindisfarne or Holy Island is on a tiny island off the coast of Northemberland. Records indicate activity on the island since AD793. Lindisfarne took a big role in early Christianity as it became the base for Christian evangelising in the North of England. The church is still in use today and organized tourism is available on Lindisfarne.

Lindisfarne Priory ruins by Lawrence OP, on Flickr

Ruin of Lindisfarne Priory by kirandulo, on Flickr
Stay in a the northumbria coast and country and visit the Lindisfarne.

Chillingham Castle

Chillingham Castle is a medieval castle built in the late 12th century. As with Norham, Chillingham played a big role in the war with England and Scotland.

Chillingham castle by Gail Johnson, on Flickr

by Gail Johnson, on Flickr

Etal Castle

Etal castle was built in the mid 14th century used as a defense against Scots raiders.

Etal Castle by James.Stringer, on Flickr

Etal Castle by marcus_and_sue, on Flickr

Alnwick Castle

My second favorite castle in Northumberland. It’s usually crowded with tourist and for a good reason. Built in 1096 and still occupied today by the current duke and his family. The Alnwick Garden is worth a visit as well. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you should be able to recognize this castle since it was featured many times.

Alnwick Castle by Dark Dwarf, on Flickr

Alnwick Castle by Aminimanda, on Flickr

Castles in Northumberland, England is a post from Art of Backpacking

As I currently sit here in Los Angeles, where the temperatures are more reminiscent of summer rather than the middle of January, I find myself missing the gloomy weather of Taipei right now — but only to satiate my craving for a Taiwanese shaved ice.

Growing out of the Ben & Jerry’s phase where I thought a pint of Cherry Garcia could fix the world’s problems, I now turn to delights like Taiwanese mango shaved ice for moments of sadness, joy, refreshment, and well, any other excuse that pops into mind.

If you have ever looked at any given guide book on Taiwan, nine times out of ten you will find a recommendation or notation about Ice Monster in Taipei and its legendary Mango Shaved Ice.

Ice Monster's Mango Shaved Ice

It’s even more legendary now, because well, like all good things that must come to an end, so did Ice Monster.  After a bitter alimony dispute, Ice Monster closed up shop in January 2010, leaving scores of travelers and locals heartbroken.

Since then, a new store (Yong Kang 15) reopened in its place, but it has not yet achieved the same international notoriety yet, despite “rumors” that the previous Ice Monster owner signed on as a technical advisor.  However, opening in the exact location Ice Monster once stood pretty much guarantees Yong Kang 15 business from travelers toting their 2010 edition guidebooks.

Over the past two years, I’ve received emails and pleas from other travelers looking to find other shaved ice in Taipei.  Surprisingly, it’s not that hard to find.  From night markets to dedicated shops like Yong Kang 15, Taiwanese shaved ice is a staple in Taipei.

Bào Bīng (剉冰)

Often called bào bīng (剉冰), shaved ice is a popular dessert in Taipei, especially during the scorching summer months we get.  If you happen to be visiting during a cold month, just ignore the funny stares and giggles you may get from locals ordering hot desserts, and proudly dig into the frozen sweet goodness.  I certainly do.

Taiwan style shaved ice is available with a variety of toppings, but most prefer fresh mango when in season.  Mangos in Taiwan are said to be among some of the best in the world, and I will personally vouch that they are certainly some of the best I’ve ever tasted to date.

What sets Taiwanese shaved ice apart from many others I’ve tried in different countries is the fine, snow-like quality of the ice.  It’s not a hard sno-cone you could lob at your worst enemy, it’s resembles fluffy snow that just beckons you to make a snow angel.  At least based on Hollywood movie versions of snow angels!  

Atop the heaping bowl of shaved ice, choose from toppings like strawberries, mango, red bean, mung beans, grass jelly, taro, etc.  And often times, they include a scoop of fresh ice cream…or two.

Bao Bing with pudding and grass jelly

If the soupy goodness of the fruit and ice cream weren’t enough, the symbolic cherry on top is a generous slathering of sweetened condensed milk.  It’s not overly sweet where your teeth ache, but provides just enough sweetness to tie the entire dessert together.  I’ve seen other variations with chocolate sauce or sugar syrup.  It really depends on the shop and what flavors or toppings you order.

Xue Hua Bing (雪花冰)

While I could devote an entire post to this, another variation is xue hua bing (雪花冰), commonly referred to as Taiwanese snow ice.  Rather than flaky bits of ice, the base of the dessert is typically layered-sheets of frozen condensed milk.  The consistency is achieved through the milky base and a special machine that shaves the ice.

While I prefer the basic condensed milk base with passion fruit syrup, other popular varieties include green tea ice with red beans, and chocolate ice with sprinkles.  I’ve seen a few places offering corn topping (you can practically find corn on anything in Taiwan), but I can honestly say that one isn’t on my short list of flavors to try.

Green Tea Xue Hua Bing or Taiwan snow ice

Where to Find Taiwanese Shaved Ice Desserts

When visiting Taiwan, look for shaved ice stalls at popular night markets like Shilin.  There are booths inside the food building and several small shops on various alleyways. Many stores have no English signage, but offer lots of pictures on the wall, so just wander around and point to whichever one you want to order.

To try the “Ice Monster replacement”, Yong Kang 15 is super easy to find – its name is the address.  Located on the famed foodie street, just around the corner from the original Din Tai Fung, Yong Kang 15 is on a corner, about two block down on the left-hand side.  If it’s a hot Saturday night, just look for the line as your turn on to Yong Kang.

Line at Yong Kang 15 on Grand Opening night

If you have no plans to visit Taiwan soon, you may still be in luck as the addiction of Taiwanese shaved ice is spreading.  Chains like Charmy have branches in other countries, selling the “snow ice”.  Cities that have a larger Taiwanese presence typically have a few shops as well.  Bigger cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles definitely have stores that sell Taiwanese shaved ice, and while some may not be as good as what you get in Taiwan, it certainly beats not trying it at all!

Taiwanese Shaved Ice Desserts: Bào Bīng (剉冰) and Xue Hua Bing (雪花冰) is a post from Art of Backpacking

I don’t know why but I get slightly annoyed at those who judge destinations they’ve never been to or based on its exoticness. So England isn’t as vastly culturally different from the United States, Australia, or Canada but should that count England as any less of a destination to travel to? It’s still got things that none of those three countries have. I don’t care whether you’re going six hours by car to another state, flying to Thailand, or going to another english speaking country — the important part is that you’re traveling.

I think it’s not really the destination that annoys people but what others are doing at the destination. If you were to decide to travel to England and eat only at fast-food chains, be drunk the entire time, and never talk to a single person in the country — then you would be missing out what England has to offer. That can be done in any part of the world including the more exotic destinations. However, if you rented lake districted cottages, grasmere cottages, or ambleside cottages and lived there while exploring the country — you’ll discover a country that can’t be compared to.

Before I traveled, I use to question people why they would ever want to visit New York City when they have the rest of the world to go to. Now I understand why. It’s not just the language that makes destinations different but also the food, buildings, culture, nature, history, and thousands of other things. As long as the person is seeking out something different from what they do and see at home, then that’s all that matters.

Am I wrong to think that there’s no wrong way to travel?

Just look how beautiful the Lake District is:

Buttermere, Cumbria by Michael Allen: Photographer, on Flickr

Derwentwater at Dawn by ice962, on Flickr

Looking across the Newlands Valley from Skelgill Bank (Catbells), near Keswick, Lake District National Park, Cumbria, UK by Ministry, on Flickr

Coniston by John Ormerod, on Flickr

Reflections by Timster1973, on Flickr

Derwent Water Winter Evenings by wilkie,j , on Flickr

What You’re Missing By Not Visiting Northern England is a post from Art of Backpacking

As Michael mentioned in his post, “Staying on the Road by Working,” Australia is a great place for students, backpackers and working holiday-makers to find jobs, especially in bars. I lucked out with a job at the bar of a five-star hotel, so it came with lots of perks, but you could have just as much fun at a simple country pub. If you’re interested in bartending in Australia, here are a few things you should know before you go.

Getting Certified

In order to work in hospitality in Australia, whether in a bar, restaurant or café, you need to get your Responsible Service of Alcohol certification. Classes are offered in most major cities for between $40-80 AUD. It’s a one-day course where you go over the alcohol laws in your state, in particular when to stop serving. It’s common sense and did I mention the test is open book? If your pub has “pokies,” or poker machines, you will also need your RSG certificate, which you can get on the same day as your RSA. It covers gambling addictions.

Finding a Job

Start by looking online at websites like Gumtree (www.gumtree.com.au) and Seek (www.seek.com.au). If you don’t find anything there, go to bars in the afternoon to hand in your CV and talk to management. And if that doesn’t work, you can join an agency, which offers temporary work at sporting events and functions.

Job Expectations

Most bars are fairly casual and the basic uniform is black pants and a black shirt. The minimum wage in Australia is $15.51 per hour (link: http://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/national-minimum-wage/pages/default.aspx), so most jobs will pay from $16-20 per hour, plus tips. Remember that tipping isn’t expected in Australia, but some people still do. The drinking culture in Australia is different than in the United States and most other countries. The drinking age is 18 and young drinkers tend to like the Technicolor drinks like Vodka Cruisers and Smirnoff Ice. In terms of liquor, one standard drink is one 30-milliliter shot, so you are charged per shot. Most beer and wine glasses have lines on them indicating the fill line. You are legally obligated to stop serving anyone who appears to be intoxicated, or you and your employer face hefty fines. Once cut off, the customer must immediately leave.

Popular Drinks

I had never worked in a bar before moving to Australia, so I had never heard of most of these drinks. Also note that there are two beer sizes, which range in names depending on what state you are in. In general, the smaller size is 425 mL and the larger size is 568 mL.

Nonalcoholic Drinks:

• Lemon lime and bitters: lemonade (which is more like Sprite than what we call lemonade), mixed with lime cordial and angostura bitters
• Lemon squash or pub squash: lemon soda
• Ginger beer: like a cross between ginger ale and root beer, but can also be used in cocktails

Beers:

• VB: Victoria Bitter, a common beer from Victoria, it’s usually cheap and found in more working-class pubs.
• Resch’s: Found in small batches in New South Wales, this beer is popular with the older crowds.
• Carlton: The most common beer throughout the country, a pale lager that is relatively cheap.
• Boag’s: Could refer to Boag’s Draught, James Boag’s Lager or Light, comes from Tasmania.
• XXXX (pronounced “fourex”): Usually referring to XXXX Gold, this is known as “Queensland’s beer.”
• New: Toohey’s New, is a standard lager most popular in New South Wales.
• Old: Toohey’s Old, a dark top fermented ale, also known as Black.
• Crownie: Crown Lager was created for a visit from the Queen in the 1950s, most commonly found in “stubbies,” or bottles.

Shots:

• WP: cranberry juice, lime juice, vodka and peach schnapps
• QF: Midori, Kahlua and Bailey’s

Spirits:

• Bundaberg Rum is one of the only Australian spirits to be used widely throughout the country. As for the other spirits, beer, cocktails and wine, they’re the same as you might find at home.

Bartending in Australia is a post from Art of Backpacking

Unlike many of its big Asian-city counterparts, Taipei is not one of the cities where you typically find heaps of English speakers traveling around.  While Taiwan is definitely working to promote tourism in non-Asian countries, there are still times we can go weeks without ever hearing someone speak English.

Living in Taipei and interacting with the local community has been one of the most rewarding experiences, but every once in a great while – after nearly three years of living here – I’ve gotten homesick for the neighborhood joints and dive bars I left behind in California and Las Vegas.

Cheers!

As Taipei is so large, the expat community is quite spread out, so there isn’t necessarily one general area where people hang out.  Each district in the city has spots that have become favorites among the local expat community.

One of my favorite spots to hit in Taipei is “On Tap”. It’s an English pub of sorts, offering a myriad of bar food and drinks.  With its London Underground theme, On Tap is the one of the best bars in town if you are hoping to connect with other expats or English-speaking travelers, or catch a game.  And if you happen to be traveling during a major western holiday, On Tap usually hosts special events on Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

Bar at On Tap in Taipei, Taiwan

Week Night Events at On Tap

Every day of the week changes, but On Top offers a Ladies’ Night (Friday), a Lads’ Night (Wednesday), Two for One Pasta Night (Tuesday) and more.  These events are a huge hit with locals and expats alike, so it’s not uncommon to see the same people in on multiple nights a week (I admit to being there at least three days last week alone!)

Extensive Drink Menu

On Tap offers one of the better selections of beers, mixed drinks, and shots in Taipei.  They have a single malt whisky menu as well.  And if you are a Guinness purist, it’s one of the better spots to enjoy a pint.

During happy hours and certain events, like Ladies’ Night or Christmas Eve, On Tap features a number of drink specials, discounts, and more.  Each Ladies’ Night features different drinks – two of the more interesting ones just before Christmas were the Hot Chocolate Kiss (Hot Chocolate with Baileys) and Blue Christmas (Curacao, pineapple juice, tequila and more).

Blue Christmas special "Ladies Night" drink

From 11pm to midnight nightly, they have Jägermeister on special, and an all day Happy Hour on weekends.

Train Track Challenge II

For those who love a good drink challenge, take note of On Tap’s “Train Track Challenge II”.  To date, only two people have managed to complete this in one night, a rather impressive (and crazy) feat.  There is no time limit or expiration on when you need to complete the challenge. So, if you have a few days in Taipei, or may be passing through again, and want a cool beer shirt and be one of the few train masters, this drink challenge may be right up your alley.

Train Track Challenge II at On Tap

There are 26 drinks on the challenge and you must complete them in order, having your card stamped after each one.  You must finish the drink in its entirety, no passing it off to your friend!

The challenge starts off innocently enough with beers like Carlsberg, Stella, and Hoegaarden, but eventually, you move on to sweet ciders, mixed drinks, and finally a couple shots, culminating with the “Double Penetrator”.  Along the challenge, there are spots for three free drinks – you can either drink them then or pass, but no redemption at a later date.

Drinks on Train Track Challenge II

During one of our more recent conversations with Jason, one of On Tap’s owners, the number of people who had completed the Train Track Challenge (both the original and the new incarnation) was around 40 or so.

On Tap Menu

The food at On Tap is a wide range of western goodies and traditional English eats.  You can find burgers, nachos, bangers and mash, and a whole section of French fries with different sauces.  While I am typically not a big French fry person, I do rather enjoy their fries with gravy, or my new love, fries with curry sauce.

French Fries with Curry Sauce

Darts, Pool Tables, and Big Screen TVs

On Tap has its own local football (soccer) team and runs dart leagues in the bar as well.  If you are a fan of darts, looking to shoot a game of pool, or just wanting to catch a variety of sports on TV, this is the place.  During major matches and big games, you can find they typically alter their opening hours if possible to show the games live.

Location of On Tap

Since their recent move, On Tap offers a lot more space inside without losing its neighborhood charm.  It’s close to a number of great restaurants, including  a branch of Din Tai Fung. On Tap is also not too far from major tourist attractions like Taipei 101 or Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, and it’s conveniently located amidst some of the best shopping spots in the city.

On Tap

No 21, Alley 11, Lane 216, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei, Taiwan
106台北市大安區忠孝東路四段216巷11弄21號
Open daily from 5pm until late. Weekends open all day
+886 2741 5365 (from within Taiwan 02 741 5365)

Expat Bars in Taiwan: On Tap Pub in Taipei is a post from Art of Backpacking

Here’s episode two of our Travel Talk series. We decided to do something different with this one and asked other people in the hostel for tips. We were staying in Quito, Ecuador at the Secret Garden Hostel. The hostel had a beautiful view of the city. We enjoyed it so much that we stayed for a week and a half to celebrate one of Ecuador’s biggest holidays.

As I mentioned in the video, December is festive in Quito. Although the Quito festival falls on December 6th, the days prior to the main event is a big deal. Numerous parties on every street in preparation for December 6th. The street our hostel was on had street parties with people dancing, drinking, and having fun. People of all ages in all hours of the night partying for days at a time before the main event. A huge parade falls on the actual day.

December 6th is the day of the spanish foundation of Quito. It’s the beginning of a month long partying that occurs right after that. For the month of December, Quito and the rest of Ecuador turns into one giant party. Christmas is around the corner from there and the big celebration ends with new years.

My hostel tip

Take the business card of the hostel. If you get lost, you can show the card to someone on the street for directions or just tell the taxi driver to tell you there. It’s extremely handy when you don’t speak the local language. Its saved me many times. Something else I forgot to mention in the video is that you can hand it to other travelers who need your advice on where to stay. I’ve stayed in hostels other travelers gave me their cards of. As long the hostel has a good business card with directions and address, I’d stay there.

What do you think of the video series so far? Any questions you’d like to see answered?

Video Ep2 – Hostel Tips From Travelers and the Quito Festival is a post from Art of Backpacking