Yongkang Street

The Yongkang Street shopping area is between Xinsheng South Street and Jinshan South Road, and includes Jinhua, Yongkang and Lishui streets, all of which are named after those in the capital city of Zhejiang Province in China. Although you might assume this place to be very “Chinese” before you come here, it is actually very “Japanese”! This is because Yongkang Street used to be the accommodation district for high ranking public officials in the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan, such that it still retains many Japanese architectural features today.

Following the departure of the Japanese after World War Two, this collection of Japanese inspired buildings became National Taiwan University, National Taiwan Normal University and government facilities. During the Japanese era, the front section of Yongkang Street was called Fukuzumi-cho (福住町) and the end section was called Showa-cho (昭和町). Today, the Showa-cho Antique Market is still located here. Because there are many Japanese buildings which have been preserved at Yongkang, many Japanese people like to come here. Indeed, many of the vendors in this area sell soap, tea and souvenirs that are slightly different from those found in other places around Taiwan, and have more of a Japanese-style about them. In addition, many restaurants specifically cater to a Japanese palate, such as the famous xiaolongbao from Din Tai Fung and Kao Chi and the authentic Japanese ramen noodle restaurant (樂麵屋). But if you are after a Taiwanese choice, then Yongkang sliced noodles (永康刀削麵) is a good option.

Taipei’s famous Yong Kang Shaved Ice (永康冰館) shaved ice mango shop also originates from here. However, following overly successful business and the husband-wife partnership breaking down, the two owners went their separate ways, opening up Zhongxiao East Road’s Ice Monster and another shop called Yong Kang 15 (永康15號). Today, Ice Monster has a higher price and more stylish décor, whereas Yong Kang 15 stays true to it original vision, offering cheap ice-cream from the same source as of old.

Before the opening of the Xinyi MRT line, Yongkang Street was not a very convenient place to get to. But since the opening of Dongmen MRT Station, there have been more and more people visiting here. Many new brunch and coffee shops have been opening up here, of which Eating Time is most popular among young people. Even though Yongkang Street is not as lively as Ximending or Zhongxiao Dunhua, it is a great place to come for those who are after great food.