Welcome to the February 2025 Community Spotlight!
For our very first Community Spotlight, we’re proud to feature Andrea Wu! With nearly a decade of service on the Center’s Steering Committee, Andrea has been a dedicated advocate for our community, bringing her leadership from roles as General Manager of United Airlines and President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei.
Presently, she serves as a member of the Center Foundation Board, and she continues to support our mission of supporting the international and third culture community in Taiwan.
What’s one restaurant in Taipei you’d recommend that everyone should experience at least once?
Le Palais on the 17F of Palais De Chine Hotel is a must-visit restaurant. The food and service quality, as well as the elegant ambiance, are clearly the core reasons for its maintaining 3 Michelin Stars for 7 consecutive years.
Do you have a go-to comfort food spot in Taipei that you absolutely love?
I absolutely love Ding-Tai-Fung for its amazing but homey food. Never get tired of them for their consistency, which has lasted for decades.
What’s a hidden gem in Taiwan—a place or activity—that you think foreigners should know about?
Taipei has so many hidden gems like Spring & Autumn Bookstore at Chifeng Street, a tiny little coffee shop like Jack & Nana Coffee Store on Heping E. Road, or a gourmet market like Gusto Market on Lungjiang Road. It is really hard to point out only one.
However, I do like to spend time at the bike path around the city, spanning from Mucha to Danshui. The long stretch covers several municipalities that bring different charms in their own ways. On a nice day, the open air, the waterfront views, and seasonal flowerbeds make it a perfect spot for either solo bikers or for family fun.
What piece of advice would you give to someone new to living in Taiwan?
Taiwan is rich of multi-cultures and abundant natural scenery. Making friends with local residents can help one understand and embrace what Taiwan can offer. It is a very friendly, convenient, and safe place to enjoy your stay here.
🗺 Locations Mentioned:
- La Palais Restaurant: Taipei City, Datong District, Section 1, Chengde Rd, 103
- Ding-Tai-Fung: Branches throughout Taiwan
- Spring & Autumn Bookstore: Lane 41, Chifeng St, Datong District, Taipei City, 103
- Jack and NaNa Coffee Store: Lane 157, Section 1, Heping E Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, 106
- Gusto Market of Taste: Lane 370, Longjiang Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, 10491
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