"Though Taipei may be known more for its soup-filled xiao long bao, thick-skinned steamed dumplings remain a staple of Taiwanese cuisine. Quick-serve canteens spread across the city dole out platters of hot dumplings filled with juicy, scallion-flecked meat to busy commuters and students. If it’s a question of atmosphere, nothing comes close to Dragon Inn, a Shandong restaurant frequented by denizens of the Linsen South Road area as well as political and business heavyweights. The ramshackle storefront and aged-wood interior could double as a setting for a kung fu flick. While Dragon Inn is famous for its generously stuffed dumplings (don’t forget a splash of dark vinegar and sesame oil in the soy dipping sauce), there’s also an unmissable spread of soy-braised seaweed, tofu, and a variety of meats at the chaotic front counter. [$]" - Clarissa Wei
