It's already after lunch, and I can already feel the hunger.  Since I'm already in the area, I decided to walk from Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial to the original branch of Din Tai Fung at Xinyi Rd.  I've already tried this in Singapore but, of course, I wanted to know the taste of the original.

If one would take the MRT, it would be near Exit 5 of Dongmen station. 

Oh...wow! It's already 2PM and the place is still full.  As per the staff, it would take about 45minutes to an hour to be seated. :(  Take out would just take 10-15 minutes.  Due to my grumbling stomach, I just opted for take out.

This just shows how busy their kitchen is... the supposed window where you can see how the dumplings are made is covered with moist.

A peek at the inside of the restaurant

It took me a total of 40minutes after I got my take out and be back at the hotel. :( I should have just waited for a table at the resto.

The food is not hot anymore when I started eating but it's still delicious!  If you have a chance to dine in one of its branches, don't miss out on the xiao long bao.

Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall is just a few minutes away from the hotel (by foot) so I thought I would start my tour there.

If taking the MTR, you won't get lost as you would need to get off at the station with the same name: Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall.

The Memorial Hall is white with four sides. The octagonal roof rises 76 metres (249 ft) above the ground and is covered with blue glazed tiles. The blue and white colors of the building and the red colour of the flowerbeds echo the colours in the flag of the Republic of China. The octagonal shape picks up the symbolism of the number 8, a number traditionally associated in Asia with abundance and good fortune. Two sets of white stairs, each with 89 steps to represent Chiang's age at the time of his death, lead to the main entrance. The main entrance features a pair of double doors, each standing 16 meters high and weighing 75 tons, that open into the main hall. A large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek dominates the main hall.(Source: Wikipedia)

When I got there, the memorial hall is under construction.  It's ok though as I've already went up those stairs on my first trip to Taiwan.  Instead, I just went into the garden that surrounded it.

Saual Keh Hotel: Purple and Chic

For those who love purple/violet, this hotel is for you.  The main color in the hotel is purple with bits of apple green.


They have cable tv, free wi-fi and buffet breakfast.  They also have a gym and laundry room (although I haven't been able to take a look at this since I'm out of the hotel most of the time).

It is located between Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial and Guting MRT stations.

Click here to go to the hotel's website


Getting There

From Taipei Main Station, I rode the MRT to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station and took Exit 2 (Nanmen Market).

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station

 

The 4th alley after the traffic light leads to Saual Keh hotel

Saual Keh Hotel location

The Hotel

The Lobby

If one wants to take the stairs to the room, he can do so.

Buffet Breakfast

The Room
 
The room is quite small but the size is ok. Not much space to move around for two persons but big enough for one.  I got the room (from booking.com) at TWD6,160 instead of the TWD4,400 per night.