In Taiwan, lunch hour is between 12.00 noon and 1.00 pm, and don't be surprised if you are invited for lunch at 11.30am. The restaurants will normally accept last order until 2.00 pm. If you want to avoid queuing, try to be a little early or closer to 12.50 pm.

Food courts are often very busy during lunch and dinner hours, that said is very much true during the trade shows. Instead of waiting in long lines, why not take a walk in the close surroundings to find a nice smaller restaurant with fewer people? Possible even if you don't speak the language! Often there are pictures or wax "models" that one can point at, or one of the guests is more than happy to help.

And well, if the lunch hour is past, there is another option. Tea time is normally served at the bigger hotels 2.30pm – 5.00pm and is often good value for money.

Hotel Quote Taipei
Nanjing E. Rd. Sec. 3, # 333 2175-5588
333 Restaurant & Bar is known for its home-made gourmet sandwiches, refreshments, cocktails and mixed drinks. "Silver Fantasy Afternoon Tea" serves delicate French-style canapes: fresh figs with foie gras and cream cheese with salmon, home-made desserts, fresh fruits, and various kinds of tea. Special Price for Two: NT $720 (plus 10% service fee) Served from 2:00 pm to 5:00pm.

Le The' - Palais de Chine Hotel
Chengde Rd. Sec 1, # 3, 6th fl 2181-9999
European themed tea salon with a variety selection of premier tea. Served daily; 2.30pm – 5.00pm.

Hotel Eclat
Tun Hwa S. Rd. Sec 1, # 370 2784-8888
Eclat lounge serves traditional English afternoon tea daily 2.30pm – 5.00pm.

Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei
Tun Hwa S. Rd. Sec 2, # 201 2376-3156
This sophisticated all-day meeting place with a view of busy Tun Hwa South Road offers authentic English afternoon tea and sumptuous desserts, in addition to beverages. Piano entertainment from Tuesdays through Sundays makes it an ideal destination.

The Grand Hotel
Zhong Shan N. Rd. Sec 4, # 1 2886-8888
For afternoon tea, have a cup of Earl Grey Tea with fresh baked cheese cake! Tea time: 2.30pm – 5.00pm.

Grand Hyatt Taipei
Song Shou Rd. # 2 2720-1200
Cha Lounge serves a wide range of tea, coffee, and specialty beverages with a high tea buffet of delicate finger sandwiches, snacks, desserts and fresh fruit in an elegant European coffeehouse setting overlooking the atrium lobby. Live music creates a classic ambience for casual gatherings, a quiet read or simply watching the passing parade. Tea Buffet Hours: 2:00pm - 6:00pm (Mon-Fri) 1:00pm - 6:00pm (Sat, Sun and Public Holidays)