Taiwan is no one's first choice for traveling to Asia. Most people conjure images of the "Made in Taiwan" stamp on electronics and toys, rather than striking mountain scenery and temples surrounded by wild jungle. The lack of famous sights and tourist infrastructure makes Taiwan difficult for first-timers to Asia compared to Thailand, and as a thoroughly modern city, Taipei is less exciting than nearby Tokyo.

However, Taipei is full of treasures for those who know what's truly important in life. That's right...I'm talking about food.

I was born in Taipei, and returned frequently as a youngster until school and life started getting in the way. My last visit was the summer before I left for college, while my brother studied there in a language/culture program infamously known as "Love Boat." My parents continued yearly visits, except for during the unfortunate SARS outbreak.

In 2006 my father turned 60, an important age to the Chinese: it meant he had completed 5 cycles of the zodiac. In celebration, and coinciding with a speaking engagement at a medical conference, he treated me and my brother to a homecoming trip. Four days were spent touring the east coast of the island. The other six days were spent indulging in the best foods Taipei has to offer.

From the simplest street snack to the typical 12-course banquet, Taiwanese food astounds at every turn. Taiwan's mixed population of long-time natives and more recent Chinese immigrants has blessed the cuisine with a combination of local delicacies and the best from all mainland provinces. Emphasis is given to quality and freshness of ingredients, not to mention cleanliness.

Spend some time with locals and the talk turns invariably to food. My father would strike up conversations with taxi drivers about his favorite dishes, and rather than considering him crazy, they would reciprocate his excitement. Every stranger had an opinion about where to eat what. During elegant dinners organized by the medical convention, a typical topic would be other memorable meals.

Because food is the main draw, Taipei is best experienced living there. As much as I love it and feel my roots there, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for seriously exotic Asian travel. But for those who may find themselves in Taipei for other reasons will be thrilled with the variety of mouthwatering foods available.

Prices listed in NT. In 2006, $1 = 33NT.

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