TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A new hot spot for foodies, Rongjin Park, is a successful example of Taipei's historic housing renewal projects.
Rongjin Park is Taipei's biggest of these renewals. The local government transformed the former prison and prison guard dormitories, built in 1905, into a Japanese-style cultural venue that has become a popular destination after opening in September.
Located in Daan District, the space hosts 15 restaurants and coffee shops, including Jin Jin Ding, Simple Kaffa, and the bagel store Good Cho’s. A visitor surnamed Shen, 32, told Taiwan News that crowds have been showing up even on weekdays.
At the historic site, Taihu Dumpling House, owned by Taihu Brewing, is one of the most popular shops. Unlike its other franchises that serve traditional Taiwanese food, the location in Rongjin Park sells handmade fried dumplings, chopped pork curry rice, and soy sauce dango, along with beer and cocktails.
Taihu Brewing Head Brewer Winnie Hsu (許若瑋) said that people arrived in droves when the store opened at 11 a.m. during its soft opening, but only an indoor standing area, as well as eight seats outside, are available for dine-in customers.
In order to cope with the crowds, the restaurant reduced its opening hours from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. on weekends, after officially opening on Nov. 17.
In the park, visitors can enjoy Japanese food and desserts while taking photos in rented kimonos.
The address is: No. 157, Jinhua St., Daan District, Taipei City.
(Instagram, Taiwan News, Lyla Liu reel)
