Youfan is deeply connected with Taiwan’s food history. People here always cook Youfan as a gift for God’s offering, to friends, and relatives. Youfan also represents a symbol to announce to all neighborhoods that there is a baby was born. The Gongwantang is a very simple home dish. However, it is gathering with the mother’s wisdom and creations.
Taiwanese Risotto, Youfan ingredients include: Sticky rice, pork, dried mushrooms, dried shrimps, daikon radish, pork ribs, and shallots. Please confirm allergies or dietary restrictions before booking. No last-minute ingredient changes can be made on-site.
🍷 The class will be conducted in Mandarin, Taiwanese (Hokkien), English, or some Japanese.
🍷 The Dadaocheng North Street walk and traditional market exploration may be adjusted due to adverse weather conditions or the market’s operating hours.
🍷 The traditional market operates daily until 12:30 PM (closed on Mondays and occasionally on other days).
🍷 Each class requires a minimum of 2 participants. If we don’t reach the minimum, don’t worry—we’ll contact you in advance and offer a reschedule or a full refund at your convenience.
In this class, you will learn not only cooking skills, also you will know how the You Fan 油飯 has connected with Taiwanese’s daily lives. By mastering these two quintessentially Taiwanese dishes, even if you’re not in Taiwan, you’ll still immerse yourself in the warm and inviting essence of Taiwanese culture.
Experiencing Traditional Taiwanese Markets
Strolling through the Dadaocheng streets, soaking yourself in the local stories, and history.
Feeling the fantastic traditional market atmosphere of Taiwan
The most iconic Taiwanese comfort food
To learn the essential elements and flavors of Taiwan
Start from the flavors from the spices and the sticky rice
How do meatballs and the radish happen together?
Exploring the fundamental flavors of Taiwanese cuisine, this is an immersive experience where you eat as you learn.
Languages: Taiwanese, Chinese, English, and limited Japanese
About
A Journey through Dadaocheng and Traditional Markets
First, follow Alex through the alleys of Dadaocheng, listening to local stories and gossip, as you make your way to the traditional market. Besides getting to know the local ingredients, you’ll also have the opportunity to taste authentic traditional delicacies.
油飯 (Youfan, Oil Rice, Taiwanese Risotto), also called Taiwanese Risotto, as the cooking way is very similar to the Italian gourmet.
This is a traditional Taiwanese dish made from glutinous rice cooked with various ingredients like dried shrimp, mushrooms, and pork, seasoned with soy sauce and other flavors. It was traditionally given as a gift to celebrate a newborn’s full moon. Over time, its deliciousness made it popular as a hearty breakfast option among laborers and almost everyone in Taiwan.
菜頭貢丸湯” (Cai Tou Gong Wan Tang, Daikon Radish, and Meatball Soup) This soup beautifully reflects the wisdom of Taiwanese mothers, with its two perfectly paired ingredients enhancing the flavor in a way that captures the essence of a mother’s touch. Even if you’re not in Taiwan, you’ll still be immersed in Taiwanese culture’s warm and inviting spirit.
The Cooking Class
Meeting Point
The meeting point is the historic building of ShI-Lian-Dong(Ten Connected Buildings 十連棟, see the photos below), find the address of No. 356, Section 1, Dihua Street, Datong District, Taipei City. (Please see the assembly/transportation instructions below.) Alex will lead you into the community where Taipei Cooking Kitchen is located.
Exploring Dadaocheng and Traditional Market
Strolling through the streets of Dadaocheng’s northern section, you’ll have the pleasure of hearing Alex’s local stories while heading to the traditional market to get acquainted with ingredients and even try some local delicacies.
Enjoy a Cup of Pour-Over Coffee or Taiwanese tea
Holiday life should be more relax and enjoyment. Sip on a cup of pour-over coffee while listening to Alex explain today’s theme and ingredients.
Start to cook Of course you will need to make everything by your own hands. Alex will share you some cooking skills, and maybe some local gossips.
Enjoy your results of cooking When your food is ready you must take photos, and upload to your IG, X, and Facebook, let your friends’ envy and appreciate your beautiful works.
What are included – A gift apron with an exclusive logo designed by “BeMyGuest Taipei” . – Soft drinks, coffee, tea, coke, or beer. – English or Mandarin Recipes (By e-files)
Notice
In this cooking class, please clean your cooking space and return any used equipment to the staff, maintaining cleanliness at all times. Beyond sharing cooking skills, I will offer you warm hospitality. However, as this is not a restaurant service, please help yourself and kindly act as a courteous guest.
We respect all religions. During our Dadaocheng and market tour, we’ll share aspects of local culture, including Taiwanese religion, which we take pride in.
However, we understand that some may be atheists or believe in a single deity, and we also respect these views. We do not intend to preach. We simply ask for basic respect towards Taiwanese beliefs.
If you’re not interested in this part of the tour, please don’t hesitate to let us know—you’re welcome to skip this.
Taiwan’s traditional markets are an important part of our daily life here. It is very important to know the local ingredients before you cook authentic Taiwanese cuisine.
In the traditional market, some ingredients sold may be different from what you’re used to in your country, but this is Taiwan and it does not imply right or wrong. Instead, we invite you to view these differences with an open mind.
However, if you feel uncomfortable with the market, please let us know. You’re welcome to skip this part, as we always respect you.
Meeting Point & Transportation
The meeting time is 9:20 am, 10 minutes before the class time.
The meeting point is the historic building of ShI-Lian-Dong(Ten Connecting Buildings 十連棟, see the photos below), find the address of No. 356, Section 1, Dihua Street, Datong District, Taipei City.
We will escort you to the traditional market and nearby spots, and then to our cooking class after everybody has arrived.
If you might be a little late, contact us in advance. The class will start on time.
Parking: The nearest parking is located under the Taipei bridge, there are 2 parking areas,
Kids
We understand that you might be traveling with your children. Feel free to bring them along! Kids under 12 years old can join free of charge. When making your booking, simply include yourself, other family members, or friends in the count—no need to add your kids.
Please note that you are fully responsible for ensuring their safety and making sure they do not disrupt the class. To keep them entertained during quieter moments, we recommend bringing their favorite toys, books, or iPads.
We do not encourage your kids to participate in cooking with you unless they enjoy cooking. In that case, please to ensure that you book a seat for them in advance.
Reservation
It’s better to make your reservation at least 48 hours before the class.
Please book on our online shop and finish the payment. Visa/Master/ JCB Credit Cards are accepted.
After you choose a payment method, you may be asked to verify it. This step helps our third-party payment system and your bank to protect your account. Based on your bank, you can choose from the following options. Your verification code comes from your bank, not us, or the third-party payment system. To get the code, make sure that your bank has your current phone number and email address.
When you are traveling, please make sure you have set up the original sim card that you are using in your country. If you don’t activate your original sim card, your verify code will not be received.
If you have this problem, we suggest you choose PayPal. Or please try to contact Alex directly if you need help for booking.
Each class requires at least 2 participants. If we don’t reach the minimum, don’t worry—we’ll contact you in advance and offer a reschedule or a full refund at your convenience.
Terms & Conditions
LGBTQ+ Friendly Venue
Welcome to BeMyGuest Taipei Cooking Class, where we take pride in being an LGBTQ+ friendly establishment. Our space is more than just a cooking class or restaurant; it’s a welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can enjoy delicious food and develop their cooking skills in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
Environmental etiquette
BeMyGuest Taipei is located on the 2nd floor of the community building. Although we are a legal restaurant, we prioritize respecting the community residents. We strictly enforce an etiquette policy to keep noise levels low. We kindly ask for your cooperation: please avoid making loud noises in public spaces.
Be on time
Due to limited manpower, please be on time. Please let us meet you on time.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If the reservation is cancelled 7 days before the event or experience, a full refund will be given after deducting a 5% handling fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations within 7 days or no-shows.
SMOKING POLICY
Please follow the government smoking regulations and no smoking is allowed indoors or in historic buildings.
CHILDREN, INFANTS
Due to a lack of equipment and manpower, BeMyGuest Taipei does not provide facilities or seating for children and infants. Adults accompanying them are responsible for their care at all times.
PET
We love animals, especially our Nemo, a naughty Labrador Retriever. However, our space is limited, and we don’t suggest you come with your lovely pets, except the service dogs.
Staff Area
We emphasize that safety is always our top priority. The staff area, including but not limited to the kitchen and balcony area, has been clearly marked and labeled; no guest will be allowed to enter any of the staff area at any time. It will be your own responsibility when a violation.
Insurance Policy
Each of our guests will be covered by a public accident liability insurance in our restaurant area.
This is the highlight of terms and conditions, for the full information please refer to TERMS & CONDITIONS
About Alex
Alex, a former cabin chief and flight attendant trainer for an airline.
Passionate about travel, Alex has explored destinations worldwide. Notably, he volunteered as a Chinese teacher for local youth in Tibetan villages near the foothills of the Himalayas in Dharamsala, India.
Alex, chef of BeMyGuest Taipei Cooking Class
Alex is also the author of several travel books about Bali, showcasing an intimate knowledge of the island. He has published multiple travel guides about Bali.
Alex enjoys both indulging in and preparing food and drinks, reflecting his love for the exhilaration of cooking and his appreciation for fine wines and cuisine.
He relishes exploring traditional markets in various cities and studying the differences in cooking methods across cultures and countries. As a result, he has earned a professional certification in Taiwanese cuisine.
Alex believes that the inspiration comes from love.
It is how you love the various backgrounds of the ingredients and food.
This emotional bond naturally resonates with the food, enabling the creation of delicious dishes. Do you believe in this too?
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