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Taiwan Instagrammable Food: Ootoro Milk, Kaohsiung

Ootoro Milk at Sizihwan Kaohsiung Taiwan

Fruity collagen milk from Ootoro Milk Kaohsiung

Blueberry Marble and Tiramisu Marble from Ootoro Milk

Blueberry marble with blueberry sauce from Ootoro Milk

Blueberry and mango marble milk from Ootoro Milk

My curiosity about Ootoro Milk was acually caused by a number of factor, first: the abundant topping, second: the instagrammable sauce at the bottom and last: the shape of the glass. Ootoro Milk is actually one of the trending instagrammable food in Taiwan. The cafe used Japanese technology to come up with a way to mix collagen and special milk and ice (which somehow looks like yoghurt) and serve it with fruity toppings and sauce. That just sound like the perfect summer drink to face the merciless sun.

I usually have more spare time to spend in Kaohsiung compared to Taipei probably because Kaohsiung generates more laid-back vibe? I dunno. So it’s so interesting to know that Ootoro Milk has a store within walking distance from Sizihwan MRT station (take exit 1). To be more precise, it is located along Yanping street and I don’t think you’ll be able to miss it since Ootoro Milk has put a lot of potted flowers in front of their lovely store.

You can check their menu on the wall and some instagram users mentioned that there are hidden flavours which can be launched randomly. Oh my, this kinda keep the surprise and fun factor up. Original flavour costs 110 NTD however, if you are looking for your instagrammable drinks, you must go for the Marble range (i.e. those milk which come with a layer of sauce at the bottom of the milk) which costs ranging from 120 NTD to 150 NTD. Some of the popular choices seem to be blueberry, mango and matcha. Hmm, I would probably order blueberry too because Ootoro Milk gives a lot of blueberries yumz and blueberry is the matchmake from heaven to milk. Just like your blueberry yoghurt, right? Few reviews mention the milk is not bad but it has the thick texture and a bit of cheesy feeling. I suppose it would be like thick yoghurt kind of feeling, maybe.

Hmm, it’s probably a good idea to visit Ootoro Milk not during peak hours since the store does not seem to be big in size. If you love the cup, you can take it home after you finish drinking your drink. Isn’t that awesome? But to be honest with you, I often end up with super full luggage on my last day in Taiwan whenever I make the trip here, I end up throwing away whatever cup I manage to seize from any cafe that I visit there due to space issue. Haiz, I should just get bigger luggage I suppose.

Ootoro Milk opens from 12PM - 7PM on weekdays and 11AM to 7PM on holidays.

Credits: @alleyhuang314, @yi.lin_, @tingketing, @alice001218, @lyoulyoubi, @_yen.12.11, @yichuchuli

"And that morning, gone was any trace of you, I think I am finally clean."

While the trace of bad experiences may be gone, the trace of good journey lasts forever and the yummy trace of that one night at Rui Feng night market lingers until now. Rui Feng Night Market is one the biggest night markets in Kaohsiung. It is also one of the most popular night market with visitors from outside Kaohsiung. The night market was so crowded on a weekday night but we did not really mind the crowd because where there's a crowd, there's definitely a queue for those popular food stalls.

10D9N Taiwan Trip: Rui Feng Night Market, Kaohsiung

I realised that the food sold at night markets in Taiwan has become modernised in a way. For instance, I did not recall I had ever seen any churros in any night market in Taiwan four years ago. But now, churros seem to be a basic staple at every night markets in Taiwan including at Rui Feng Night Market. Lured by the colourful churros, I decided to try the chocolate one. Sweet and yummy, especially when eaten when it's still warm.

Churros stall in Rui Feng Night Market at Kaohsiung

One sure sign that a certain food is getting the hype is by looking at its advertisement. If the food stall display a certain type of proof that their food has been advertised on TV before, you may want to give it a try. Chances are you will not be the only person who queue up to try the food. Hahaha.

Aniki Potato from Rui Feng Night Market at Kaohsiung

So what are these long sticks that this stall is selling? They are actually long potato sticks. The stall is manned by youngsters and one of them was in training because we could see he's being mentored while garnishing the long potato sticks with mayonaisse and seaweed. The newbie's last attempt was a failure so the mentor apologised and asked us to wait for a better "creation". Haha jiayou young-un! #supportivejiejie

The potato sticks are a DOPE. Oh my gawd, they are crispy, tasty and they go well with the mayo and seaweed. Initially, I had my doubt because it seems that they put so much mayo on this food but oh boy, the mayo sauce taste nice too. This taste better than any fast food chain's fries that I have ever tried. Really. A must try when you visit Rui Feng Night Market.

Seaweed mayo potato stick from Rui Feng Night Market

The next stall that we are going to try is actually selling food inspired by Middle Eastern culture. Thankfully, there is English translation for the flavours available.

Hot dog stall from Rui Feng Night Market at Kaohsiung

They are the fillings for pita bread. We had a bit of a situation here because our hands are full with other food, we kinda had difficulty to take out our wallet and pay. Up to the point, the lady behind the counter offered to help us to carry the food...not the pita bread though, the other food from the other stall. Hahaha. She even offered to help eating the food. Full of humour, I see.

Pocket bread from Rui Feng Night Market at Kaohsiung

We took a pit stop to consume the food that we have bought so far because otherwise, a similar "tricky" situation will repeat itself at the next stall. The ideal place for a pit stop to consume your food at Rui Feng night market is to find a closed stall and just park yourselves in front of the closed stall and nobody will chase you out. Smarty us, right?

Moving on right along, I remembered my friend's advice to try the fried mushroom at any night market. So we immediately made a stop to check out the stall once we saw the first two characters on the banner which supposedly means mushroom.

Fried mushroom stall at Rui Feng Night Market in Kaohsiung

You can take a bite for testing before buying the fried mushroom. There are two flavours provided, one is original while the other is black pepper.

Fried mushroom stall at Rui Feng Night Market

We prefer the original flavour and ordered a small cup of fried mushroom. Turns out the smallest cup can contain so much mushroom pieces. Happy customers, indeed. Imagine if we have such night market in Singapore, I will end up having this kind of food everyday for dinner. Whee~~~

A cup of fried mushroom from Rui Feng Night Market

At this rate, you must have thought that my food is a bottomless pit. Well, looking back at these pictures, you may be right. But it will be such a pity to come in and come out from any night market in Taiwan with only one food in stomach. Don't worry, we are already at our last stop at Rui Feng Night Market, ZNEG's Fujian Chaomian.

Fried noodle stall at Rui Feng Night Market in Kaohsiung

Chaomian means fried noodle so there can only be one thing that we should order from this stall right. Yes, fried noodle indeed. Unfortunately the taste of this fried noodle is kinda so-so for night market standard. But anyway, we were pretty satisfied with our visit to Rui Feng Night Market. It was way better than its counterpart, Liu He Night Market. So, if you only have one night in Kaohsiung and can only choose one of these two night markets to visit, I would recommend you to visit Rui Feng Night Market instead.

Seafood fried noodle from Rui Feng Night Market at Kaohsiung

Rui Feng Night Market is located at:

高雄市鼓山區裕誠路1128號/

Yu Cheng Road #1128

How to go there:

Take the MRT to Kaohsiung Arena Station and get out at San Min Vocational School Exit.

Follow the road (or the crowd) until you reach the market.

Opening hours:

Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday - 6PM onwards

Monday and Wednesday - Closed

"This is not goodbye she said."

That day was the last day we spent in Kaohsiung. After chilling out at J Cafe for a good two hours, it was finally time for us to explore the nearby park, Central Park.

10D9N Taiwan Trip: Central Park, Kaohsiung

I think a park is a must-have thing in every big cities. A place for the locals to walk around after work, to walk their pets, to walk with their kids, to enjoy the weather or to feed the birds. Ironically, I never have the time to do that in Singapore because by the time I get out from office, I am too tired to even walk around in the park. Plus, the weather is usually so hot and humid, I lose the motivation to walk in the park. Hahaha.

If you are taking the MRT to Central Park station, once you exit the MRT station, you will see a large open area which is also a big fountain. The water will splash out from the ground for every hour.

When it's spring, there are so many flower beds across the park. Love the colorful shades of flowers, you just feel like laying on them but I don't think you should do that despite how wonderful it gonna looks on IG. Hahaha.

Oh right, talking about taking the MRT. We actually used our Taipei's MRT card (the YouYongKa) because there are some balances inside. But the thing is, although you can use the MRT card that you bought from Taipei here in Kaohsiung, you cannot top up the balance inside. Funny, eh? Since we ran out of money inside our YouYongKa, we have to buy return ticket for our last trip to the next destination, Rui Feng Night Market. The ticket for Kaohsiung MRT is a tad special because it is in the shape of a plastic coin.

It really looks like a game money but make sure not to lose the coin because this is your ticket for your journey to the next destination. Otherwise, you will have to pay again for a new ticket.

By the time we reach our next destination, it is already night time. Befitting of our last foodie journey in Kaohsiung at Rui Feng Night Market. A nom-nom-nom post coming soon!

Kaohsiung Central Park is located at the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Wufu Road in Kaohsiung city. The easiest way to reach the park is by taking MRT to Central Park MRT Station and exit from Exit 1.

The park opens 24 hours everyday.

"Staring at the moon so blue, turning all my thoughts to you."

Hello! Okay, this was actually kinda ironic but other than the snacks and sugary stuff that we ate at Dream Mall, we could not find a restaurant that we think nice enough to chill. There are so many Japanese restaurants at Dream Mall but none of them caught our attention nor enticed us strong enough to dine. Desperate for a place to sit (tired legs), at the end I suggested to go try a cafe which I know existed since four years ago, J Cafe.

J Cafe is located at the corner of the biggest public park in Kaohsiung, Central Park. While the name of the public park resembles the one at New York, it was not as massive as that park and yet, nice enough for the local to go for evening walk, walk the pets or feed the birds.

Inside J Cafe in Kaohsiung Central Park Taiwan

It seems that the cafe has been visited by so many famous people. The cafe has also been featured in some Taiwanese dramas it seems. I did not know any of the dramas though.

Photos display at J Cafe in Kaohsiung Central Park

It's quite believable that J Cafe is often used as shooting location though because the cafe is decorated in a vintage design with old style office desk.

Beautiful J Cafe in Kaohsiung Central Park Taiwan

And there is a grand piano corner and more seating areas on the other side of the cafe. This area was not opened when we visited though because there were not many customers dining in at 3PM on a weekday.

Piano corner at J Cafe at Kaohsiung Central Park

Since we were saving some space on our tummy for a trip to Rui Feng Night Market, we decided to order wisely. We shared one plate of appetiser (which comes out in a quite big portion) and dessert. The spicy fried calamari is really spicy, I'm warning you. But I love spicy so I could enjoy this appetiser without much difficulties (plus there's free iced water provided so yeah, all is good). Hahaha.

Spicy fried calamari from J Cafe at Kaohsiung

If you are looking for a cafe that sells shibuya toast like what is offered at Dazzling Cafe, you can find one at J Cafe. We ordered a plate of Chocolate Banana Toast and it tastes so wonderful, even better than the the ones sold at Dazzling Cafe in Singapore. Gah! I am so not gonna eat any shibuya toast in Singapore, really.

Chocolate banana toast from J Cafe at Kaohsiung

There is this car which looks kinda like Bat mobile but I don't know why J Cafe owns one to be honest with you. But anyway, let's just take picture of it. Hahaha.

Black car outside J Cafe at Kaohsiung Central Park

J Cafe is located at:

No. 6, Zhonghua 3rd Road

Qianjin District

Kaohsiung

Nearest MRT: Central Park

Opening hours:

Daily 10.30AM - 11PM

"And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain.

Don't carry the world upon your shoulder."

One after another, I have received disrespectful behaviour. The thing is disrespect is one of those core problems where you will not be able to solve because it kinda falls under the category "haters gonna hate". The best way to deal with this kind of behaviour is I guess to just show it to their face that well, they are being disrespectful or adopting an ignorance behaviour agains these people because after all, they don't know that they are being disrespectful. Annoying much? For sure. But life goes on.

This kind of life situation makes you ensure that you have to enjoy your life fully especially when you are travelling.

10D9N Taiwan Trip: Pier-2 Art Center, Kaohsiung

Back in Kaohsiung, we had the chance to check out Steel Play exhibition which is held at Pier-2 Art Center. The exhibition revolves around invention which helps the environment without losing the aspect of having fun in life. Totally what I need to see because a lot of people have forgotten how to have fun on daily basis.

Steel Play exhibition at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung

Starting the fun day by posing first. Peace out!

Fun day at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung

The artists involved in the exhibition are multi-nationals. Here we have one from Japan with his invention, Kehai.

Kehai by Ohsiumi Hideo at Steel Play exhibition

Do you feel healed after looking at his creation? I kinda got what he meant though despite the need of imagination and creativity.

Ohsumi Hideo's artwork at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung

Not all inventions has the information of the creator and the meaning behind the creation so sometimes you just have to use your own imagination and guess the meaning behind each invention. This one seems to have things to do with speed, I wonder if it's the blazing power of the current of life. This machine will give you a booster to race your enemies and even kick them out from the race, no? I sound like I am leading such brutal and savage life.

Art piece for Steel Play exhibition at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung

I kinda like the next invention that I am checking. This is like a scavenger machine from Mad Max world.

Posing at Steel Play exhibition at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung

Whereby my travel buddy is checking something which looks water-detection machine which can be used in planet Mars. Hahaha.

Time machine look alike at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung

Why the next invention comes with a set of chains. It kinda gives me the feeling of wanting to break away and fly far away to the blue sky. Haizz, I kinda feel emo now because people at work has been giving me an annoying time lately. Why can't we treat each other with respect, seriously?

Behind the bar at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung

In times like this, I just want to swing and forget about the pests in my current life. Actually, I should not even let them making me feel emo because they may not even think about me. Yep, mutual-ignorance is bliss. If they cannot ignore me, then it's their issue. Not my problem. Nuh uh.

Swinging at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung

If I can, I will try to produce beautiful flowers Everyday to make everybody feel happier. But then again, some bastards may just step on the flowers that I make. Oh well, they do that to the flowers that God creates so what do I expect. Hahaha oh my gawd, this post become darker and darker as it goes.

Rotating flowers at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung

Hmm, the next structure kinda reminds me of childhood. Back then, gadgets are not really in the market yet and children are still playing outside on slides and everything. We always imagine ourselves in some kind of fort, defending it from other children (who pose as the enemies who want to take over the fort). Those days are fun and simple.

Playing slides at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung

The last structure that we check out. I don't know if I am thinking about work too much but this structure looks like the body of someone round wearing tie. Hahaha do you see what I see?

Last piece of art at Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung

Pier-2 Art Center is located at:

No.1 Dayong Road, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung

How to go to Pier-2 Art Center:

You can take MRT to Yanchengpu MRT station and exit via exit 1. Walk along Dayong Road toward the south for 5 minutes and you will reach the exhibition area.

Opening hours:

Monday to Thursday 10AM - 6PM
Friday to Sunday 10AM - 8PM

After spending few hours taking pictures and having fun at Pier-2 Art Center, it is time to seek shelter from the sun while thinking what to eat for lunch. Since we were thinking of chilling inside an air-conditioned building, we decided to visit the largest shopping complex in Taiwan, Dream Mall.

10D9N Taiwan Trip: Dream Mall, Kaohsiung

If you think you have seen Dream Mall before, you may have really seen it at some Taiwanese dramas. The one that I can recall clearly is Black and White where Mark Chao is busy chasing down some bad guys across the lobby of Dream Mall. He looks so cool doing that but on the other, I kinda like Zai Zai too. I was so torn between the two hot guys. Hahaha.

Dream Mall is one heck of a very huge mall so you can really take your time to check out every levels here. If you want to have some food to eat, you can start from the basement level first where the eateries and restaurants are located. Despite the availability of many restaurants at Dream Mall, we were lured by this white cat holding waffle instead.

Kuko Waffles Mascot in Dream Mall Kaohsiung

Kuko is a waffle stall and oh my gawd, I have never seen this many type of waffles in Singapore before. Kuko offers both savoury and sweet waffles. The selection for savoury waffles include cheese, chicken and ham, etc.

Savory waffles from Kuko at Dream Mall in Kaohsiung

It also has the sweet options like matcha, chocolate glaze, strawberry, caramel, etc. I ended up trying the savoury flavour because not everyday you can eat chicken and ham waffle. It tastes so good. Yumz. I can eat this for breakfast everyday in Singapore if Kuko ever thinks of expanding internationally. Hahaha.

Sweet waffles from Kuko at Dream Mall in Kaohsiung

The next stall that I saw got me pretty excited because it's Coco bubble tea. I have made a mental note to drink as many bubble teas as possible from three bubble tea brands in Taiwan, 50lan, Ten Ren and Coco. But this is the only chance I bumped into Coco so I should really not wasted this chance. Charge!

Coco bubble tea at Dream Mall in Kaohsiung

Coco gives you English translation of its menu so you don't have to scratch your eyes and brain to figure out which drink you would like to order if you don't understand Mandarin.

Menu from Coco's Bubble Tea in Dream Mall at Kaohsiung

But I ended up ordering special flavour which is not part of Coco's fixed menu at the end. It's strawberry season because it's spring and Coco was selling Strawberry yoghurt milk with real pieces of strawberries given inside the drink. Oh my gawd, a 700cc cup full of sweet strawberry milk + jam + fruit pieces make the side of me who is strawberry lover went crazy to be honest with you. My travelling buddy chose for less funky option, Yakult Green Tea. Yeah I know she's such a bore but then again, Yakult Green Tea sold in Taiwan is really dope too.

Bubble teas from Coco at Dream Mall in Kaohsiung

If you thought we have had enough sugar intake for the day, you may be in shock because the next food stall that we visited is Mister Donut, which I think sells the best donuts in Taiwan. Why is there no Mister Donut in Singapore???? Can someone bring this brand in please?

What I like the most about Mister Donut is their QQ mochi donuts. These donuts have mochi mixed in the dough and they give you QQ chewy feeling when you bite into them. To make these donuts even more sellable, Mister Donut often has tied-in promotion with cute characters from Sanrio or whatever other cute brand available in the world (okay, mostly Japan). Wait, I think Mister Donut originates from Japan after all.

Cute donuts from Mister Donut at Dream Mall in Kaohsiung

Say Ni Hao to my cute pinky donut which has eyebrow, eyes, nose, mouth and blushed pink cheeks. Nomz!

Cute pink donut from Mister Donut in Dream Mall

Dream Mall is located at:

No. 789, Zhonghua 5th Rd, Qianzhen District

Kaohsiung

Opening hours:

Monday to Thursday 11AM - 10PM

Friday and Holiday Eves 11AM - 10.30PM

Sunday and Public Holidays 10.30AM - 10.30PM

How to go to Dream Mall:

(1) Take MRT to Kaisyuan Station

(2) You can walk for 15 minutes to Dream Mall or alternatively

(3) You can take shuttle bus right from the exit of Kaisyuan Station

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Wandering Fel

Taiwan Instagrammable Food: Ootoro Milk, Kaohsiung

10D9N Taiwan Trip: Rui Feng Night Market, Kaohsiung

10D9N Taiwan Trip: Central Park, Kaohsiung

10D9N Taiwan Trip: J Cafe, Kaohsiung

10D9N Taiwan Trip: Pier-2 Art Center, Kaohsiung Part 3

10D9N Taiwan Trip: Dream Mall, Kaohsiung