Kao Chi is a chinese restaurant in Daan, Taipei.
Editorially verified June 1, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Why locals love it: Yongkang Street's second xiaolongbao counter, opened 1949, shorter queue than Din Tai Fung two doors down.
Tip: Walk-in; phone reservations for six plus.
Address: No. 1, Yongkang Street, Da'an District, Taipei City 106
Qing Tian 76 on Qingtian St in Da'an is the 1931 Japanese professor's house serving Showa-era tatami-floor set lunches in a quiet residential lane.
Why locals love it: A 1931 Japanese professor's house in Da'an now serves Showa-era set lunches on tatami floors, hidden in a residential lane off Qingtian Street.
Tip: Phone reservation required. Closed Mondays.
Wisteria Tea House is a 1920s japanese timber house turned into taiwan's pro-democracy gathering place and now serves aged oolong from the cellar.
Why locals love it: A 1920s Japanese timber house turned into Taiwan's pro-democracy gathering place and now serves aged oolong from the cellar.
Tip: Open 10:00-22:00, closed Mondays. Reservation by phone; two-hour minimum.
Mountain and Sea House on Ren'ai Rd is the restored Japanese-era mansion in Taipei reviving 1930s Taiwanese banquet cuisine for a quiet local crowd.
Why locals love it: A restored Japanese-era mansion on Ren'ai Road in Taipei reviving 1930s Taiwanese banquet cuisine, often missed for the louder Le Palais.
Tip: Closed Mondays. Reserve through the operator's site.
Rong Rong Yuan is a 1949-wave sichuan-hunanese counter tucked off hangzhou south road, mapo tofu and dan dan canon for locals who skip the yongkang queues.
Why locals love it: A 1949-wave Sichuan-Hunanese counter tucked off Hangzhou South Road, mapo tofu and dan dan canon for locals who skip the Yongkang queues.
Tip: Walk-ins only; turnover is fast.
Qing Tian 76 on Qingtian St in Da'an is the 1931 Japanese professor's house serving Showa-era tatami-floor set lunches in a quiet residential lane.
Why locals love it: A 1931 Japanese professor's house in Da'an now serves Showa-era set lunches on tatami floors, hidden in a residential lane off Qingtian Street.
Tip: Phone reservation required. Closed Mondays.
Wisteria Tea House is a 1920s japanese timber house turned into taiwan's pro-democracy gathering place and now serves aged oolong from the cellar.
Why locals love it: A 1920s Japanese timber house turned into Taiwan's pro-democracy gathering place and now serves aged oolong from the cellar.
Tip: Open 10:00-22:00, closed Mondays. Reservation by phone; two-hour minimum.
Liu Shan Dong Beef Noodles: 1949 Shandong-lineage beef noodle counter on Kaifeng Street near Taipei Main, tiny street-level room locals defend.
Why locals love it: 1949 Shandong-lineage beef noodle counter on Kaifeng Street near Taipei Main, tiny street-level room locals defend.
Tip: Open 08:00-19:30, closed Sundays. Cash only.
Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle on Emei St in Ximending is the 1975 standing-counter mianxian stall drawing second-bowl regulars from the pedestrian streets.
Why locals love it: A standing-counter mianxian stall in Ximending that draws second-bowl regulars from the surrounding pedestrian streets, since 1975.
Tip: Cash only. Pile on chilli and black vinegar from the condiment table.
