Tasting Taipei, Splurge Section

As evidenced by the bulk of my expenses, the number one priority of our Taiwan trip was FOOD! Here are two of the restaurants we went to where meals were beyond our budget of NT$200 (about Php300) per meal.

Somebody told us that the food at Modern Toilet was crap. We weren't discouraged...what can you expect, it's a toilet! What she didn't tell us though was that it was going to be expensive (meals from NT$230 up to NT$380, or Php345~570; and steaks up to NT$580, about Php870).

Each of us ordered a meal because we were very hungry. And because we had no choice. The menu clearly stated "Each customer is obliged to order a minimum of NT$90 or more once seated" and our butts were already on the toilet seats (aka chairs).

The meals were okay: the quantity can really stuff you, the taste was alright (not wow, but not bad either). The poo–shaped ice cream did not taste like crap but it was nothing fancy either. The kiwi fruit juice (add NT$130 to the meal; NT$180 if bought separately) though was awesome (and awesomely expensive too)!

The restaurant itself was colorful and unique. Bathtubs were used as tables, toilet bowls as chairs. Plates, bowls, and drinking glasses were shaped liked squat toilets, bathtubs, and urinals. The food cover was shaped like poo. But—and this is a big BUT—Modern Toilet's toilet wasn't modern...they had the squat type toilets while the typical toilet bowls were used as chairs and as a sink! Oh, the irony.

Should you eat at Modern Toilet? The food isn't worth its price, in my opinion. But if you just want to experience having a meal at a theme restaurant, then go ahead. Just be sure to make a reservation as Modern Toilet is often full.

If eating an expensive meal while sitting on a toilet bowl isn't worth your time or your money, here's a place that will be worth your time and money (and you get to sit on a proper chair). I warn you, at this place, you might be tempted to order a lot and will spend your budget for two meals for just one big meal.

B2 Fuxing SOGO Department Store,

No. 300, Section 3 Zhongxiao E. Rd., Taipei City

Sunday to Thursday 10AM to 930PM

Friday and Saturday 10AM to 10PM

 Din Tai Fung has nine branches in Taiwan and several branches around the world.

Any branch of Din Tai Fung in Taipei is always full during peak meal hours. Either book a table, or line up and wait for your turn, or be like us—eat dinner at 530PM.

Here are the lovely and delicious things we gorged upon:

Shrimp and pork wonton with house special spicy sauce, 8 pcs NT$160

Shrimp and pork dumplings, 10 pcs NT$230

Veg and pork dumplings, 5 pcs NT$90

Pork xiao long bao, 10 pcs NT$200

The total bill was a whopping NT$1800 (including 10% service charge) for the four of us (I think we ordered enough to feed six); that's NT$450 (Php675) each. But, boy, it was all worth spending next day's breakfast and lunch money!