On page 26 we have mentioned some Night Markets and in general, you can have an inexpensive yet tasty meal at these places. The surroundings might not be what you are used to, but that's part of the charm of trying something new.

If you would like a more traditional type of restaurant serving Chinese food, we have listed a few. Note : There are many different varieties of Chinese cuisine, so be sure you pick your favorite style before heading out to the restaurants.

Fang's Restaurant
Tienmou East Rd. #7 Tel: 2872-8402
This Shanghai restaurant is located in the middle of the expat-friendly Tienmou with friendly waiters speaking English. How easy can it get? Even the menu is in English, if you ask for it. Dumpling: NT$ 220 for 10 pcs or NT$ 160 for 6 pcs. The bok choy, or Chinese cabbage with Chinese ham was a bit too salty.

China Pa
An-Ho Rd. Sec 1, #155 2702 - 7011
A trendy restaurant with good food, nice cocktails, good selection of wine and live music starting at 10.00 pm. What more do you want ? Well, the service is friendly but a bit slow. You might want to let the waiter know how you want your dinner to be served: first the cocktail and when that is finished, then your dinner. The drunken chicken as an appetizer is refined and delicious. Salted shrimps with lettuce is another tasty dish. If you don't know how to eat these, just ask and they will show you. The Taiwanese omelet with vegetables is scrumptious. Overall, this restaurant is worthwhile visiting and your vegetarian friends will also be well accommodated.

Shanghai Shanghai
Minsheng E. Rd. Sec 3, #129, B1 (Minsheng Shop) 8770-6969 (5 More Branches)
Over all a very positive experience. The menu is in Chinese as well as in English together with pictures to make it easy for you to make your order. English speaking staff are available to this very authentic Shanghai restaurant, yet not touristy. The décor is akin to that of a five-star hotel. The dumplings are, of course, a must together with the small green peas with Chinese ham. Prices reasonable, about NT$ 600 per person.

Shanghai Dumpling
Shifu Rd. #45, B1 (Taipei 101 Shop) 8101-7898 (4 More Branches)
A relatively calm place for lunch or dinner at the food court in Taipei 101. This is one of the few outlets in the food court you will be served at the table. Shanghai dishes with nice dumplings. The menu is in Chinese and English along with pictures of the dishes. Friendly and helpful personnel who speak some English. Good dumplings, NT$ 180 for 6 pcs. Be prepared to line up if you arrive after 12.00 noon. Suitable even if you are alone still would like to eat Chinese food.

Celestial Kitchen
Nan Jing W. Rd. #1, 3F 2563-2380
The Celestial Kitchen has stood the test of time. Long popular with tour groups (and that can be annoying), the duck is usually spot on. Occasionally, rarely really, a less-than-fresh specimen can lead to unpleasant liverish flavors. Another plus: Celestial Kitchen does a wide range of yummy Beijing dishes.

Shang Palace
Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Dun Hua S. Rd. Sec. 2, #201, 6F 2378-8888 ext. 5888
The best duck in town is served in a Cantonese restaurant. The chef and key staff all went to the famed Quanjude restaurant in Beijing to learn their trade. The use of cucumber rather than the harsh scallion (it can hit you right in the esophagus) has made this the most refined choice. The management recommends pairing Peking duck with Hennessey XO cognac. Absolutely amazing! All of this excellence does come at a higher, but not unbearable cost.

Yiyuan
Westin Hotel Nan Jing E. Rd. Sec. 3, #133, B2 8770-6565
The duck meat and skin tend to be a bit fattier than most Westerners would prefer. The reason to come here? The best sauce in town. Made of more than 20 ingredients, including tantalizing tangerine rind, Yiyuan serves up a top-notch duck that never fails to impress. Prices are moderate to expensive.