Makdous (المكدوس)

Makdous is a dish you probably won’t find unless you visit the Levant region (Syria in particular). It consists of eggplants bathed in oil, stuffed with chopped red peppers, walnuts, garlic, then sprinkled with olive oil, salt and chili powder to taste. The eggplants are tangy and bite-size — a perfect first course!

Syrian makdous (Photo: Paul Joseph, Flikr Commons)

Kibbeh (كبة)

To my surprise, there are many types of kibbeh: Middle Eastern, Kurdish, and even Brazilian. Before I visited the Middle East, though, I did not even know what the word meant. But when my Lebanese friend introduced me to this croquette, it quickly became my favorite Middle Eastern snack! The Arab kind, which is actually pronounced koubba,  is a torpedo-shaped appetizer made of bulgur, stuffed with minced beef and then deep fried until brown. It is an essential part of mezze in the Levant (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine/West Bank, Israel), Egypt (koubeiba), Iraq, Iran, Cyprus (koupes), and Arabia.

Opened kibbeh (Photo: Ernesto Andrade, VirtualErn on Flikr)

Baba ghanoush (بابا غنوج)

I did not like eggplant until I tried this garlic-infused side dish at the hole-in-the-wall restaurant Taza in Dokki, Cairo. The recipe is simple: Roast, peel and mash some eggplants; then blend them with tahini, garlic, salt, vinegar, lemon juice, finely-chopped onions, tomatoes, and top it all off with an extra dash of cumin and chili powder. This flavorful mezze may be eaten cold as a salad or slightly warm as a pita dip. An insider’s tip? Spread baba ghanoush on your lamb kebab (my personal favorite)!

delicous baba ghanoush, garnished with nuts and olive oil

Kushari (كشرى)

Kushari is one of Egypt’s signature dishes. At first sight, it looks like several leftovers mixed together in one plate. Don’t let its looks fool you, though: Once you take a bite, you are in heaven. This flavorful dish consists of macaroni, rice, lentils, fried onions, garbanzo beans, vinegar, garlic and hot sauce. The best part? Kushari stands can be found all over Cairo and it is one of the cheapest meals you can buy in the country. The most infamous locations to try this staple Egyptian dish, though, are Koshary Abou Tarek (16 Maarouf St., Champollion, Cairo) and Koshary El Tahrir (12, Youssef El Gendy St. , off of Bab El Louk St.). Backpackers galore!

Never judge a book by its cover! (Photo: SirJman, Wiki Commons)

Kabsa (كبسة)

I’m not a big fan of rice, but the aromatic, flavorful Middle Eastern spices changed all that. Kabsa is the dish that best exemplifies this fact! Typically known as Saudi Arabia’s national dish, its origins may actually trace back to Yemen. However, it is eaten in most Gulf countries. My favorite thing about kabsa, though? Its endless possibilities! Bay leaves, black lime, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, raisins, pine nuts…you name the spice and garnish to top it all off. As long as it is made with basmati rice, mixed vegetables, Middle Eastern spices, meats and/or seafood, it is fair game. Thus, recipes and spice mixes may vary greatly from country to country, household to household. Chances are, two kabsas will never be the same.

sumptuous kabsa!

In addition to impressive desert landscapes and extensive history, you have yet another reason to visit the Middle East: It’s delicious food!

Traveling Through Middle Eastern Food is a post from Art of Backpacking

Directly in the middle of the ecuador, water goes straight down when poured into a bowl with a hole at the bottom. Step a few away and the water starts to spin clockwise or counterclockwise depending which side you’re on. Go on the opposite side of the ecuador and it spins in the other direction. The GSP tells us all zero’s. This is the exact middle of the earth.

The museum has several other experiments. I’m not a scientist so I don’t know how this all technically works. On the red line with my eyes closed, I could not walk in a straight line. It was surprisingly difficult without tipping over. Outside of the redline, it was easy.

For our next experiment, we had to balance an egg on a nail. Usually, I don’t balance eggs on nails but I’m going to assume it’s usually difficult. Well at the middle of the earth, it’s a breeze. I balanced it in under a minute. How is that happening?!

Real middle of the earth

A few minutes away by car is a huge monument declared as the middle of the earth. It’s enormous. Built between 1979 and 1982, they thought they had figured out the exact middle. It was as center as they could figure out. The french first figured out this location in 1743. Now the monument and its surrounding area is filled with tourists, restaurants, and souvenirs. Almost like an entire small neighborhood. Reminded me of a theme park but the only attraction was really the monument and the museum inside which I didn’t go in. Apparently the museum holds history of the tribes that were in that area.

Balancing an egg on a nail

Crater of the extinct volcano Pululahua

How To Get There and The Entire Journey:

1. If you have 4 people to go with, definitely take taxi. It’s a HUGE bargain for what you get. We were initially quoted $40USD. We bargained to $30 since it was three of us. Seems to be rare to get this price though. The taxi’s know exactly where to bring you. It’s always the same route.
2. It takes about 45 minutes from Quito to get there by taxi.  We were gone for about 4 hours in total.
3. The taxi first goes to the crater of the extinct volcano Pululahua. A small village lives inside the crater. You get a nice full view from the top. Cost $1 to go to the top. Taxi is worth paying for this alone. Takes about 30 minutes in total for this part of the trip.
4. Next the taxi brings you to the REAL museum. This place is not easy to find if you had taken the bus. It’s actually a far walk. Also really far from Pululahua. Many people seem to skip but the real museum and the crated because they take the bus.
5. Next is the big monument at the fake location. It’s neat for the pictures but there isn’t much you can do there. Just nice to walk around.

If you take the bus, you won’t be saving much. You’ll spend quite a lot of time trying to figure out how to get to the real middle of the earth and you’ll miss out on the crater. The real attraction to me was the museum than the monument. The monument area just felt like a tiny Disneyland which is kind of cool in a way but I would have been disappointed if that’s all I saw.

Middle of the earth monument. Fake location.

Visiting the Middle of the Earth in Ecuador is a post from Art of Backpacking

There is no doubt that Japan is the king when it comes to intriguing and often oddball themed restaurants.  Taiwan also has its share of themed restaurants as well – the most popular, and perhaps most disturbing to many, is Modern Toilet.

You may recognize Modern Toilet from a Travel Channel feature several years ago and, if you didn’t see it, well, the name of the restaurant pretty much gives it away.

What started as a basic Taiwanese dessert shop selling ice creamed shaped like ‘poo’ has turned into an entire themed menu with multiple locations across the island.

The chain is extremely popular with teenagers and college kids, and of course – tourists.  Whenever we have friends in town, they usually want to try it at least once.  The food is solid and as far as themed restaurants go, Modern Toilet knocks it ‘out of the bowl.’

Welcome to the Modern Toilet restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan

The two Modern Toilets in Taipei that we visit are both located in popular areas of town – the Shilin Night Market and Ximen, a spot often compared to Shibuya in Tokyo.

You don’t even have to enter a Modern Toilet restaurant to get a feel for the theme.  From the giant stuffed smiling doo doo to the themed merchandise in the window, it’s all about the poop.

A giant pink pile of poop greets you at the Ximen Modern Toilet

Diners sit on crazy colored western toilets and eat off giant sinks.  Need a napkin? Snag some toilet paper off the roll on the wall.  On at least one wall, you will find some bathroom necessities — Chinese language magazines.

Interior of the Modern Toilet near Shilin Night Market in Taipei

Grab some toilet paper off the roll if you need a napkin

The servers will bring you an English menu and sharpie, and you mark off the items you want.  Take it to the counter and pay first, otherwise you will find yourself sitting there indefinitely, or until you realize everyone else is going up to pay.

The menu is pretty basic, with dishes served either out of a miniature toilet bowl, bathtub, or even a sink.  My personal favorite is the drink.  Depending on what you order, most arrive in a pretty urinal with the longest curly straw I’ve ever seen.  Be sure to try the cranberry green tea with chunks of fresh cranberries at the bottom.

Pasta served in a sink and your drink in a urinal

For main courses, choose from different curries or hot pots, and even a few western offerings line the menu.  And if you like spice, they do know how to turn up the heat.  Granted, you may pay for it in your own bathroom the next day!

For dessert, the standard included option is what put Modern Toilet on the map.  It’s ice cream, but more like an ice milk dessert.  The soft serve treat looks like a pile of poo and comes served in one of my top five most hated things about Asia – the horrific squat toilet.

If you have a few people with you, splurge and go for the near lifelike size squat toilet dessert that almost has the entire kitchen sink in it.  It’s a Taiwanese shaved ice dessert with everything imaginable on it – marshmallows resembling Lucky Charms cereal, fresh fruit, cookies, gummies, scoops of ice cream and more.  This can easily be shared among a few friends, or a tour group of 50.

Giant shaved ice dessert served in a squat toilet

And for another touch of irony – stop by the real bathroom in Modern Toilet.  While you may sit on a western style toilet to eat, you will only find traditional squat toilets, with western toilets as sinks, in a couple of the Modern Toilet locations!

Just in case you’re wondering, you are not eating out of real toilets or sinks. Everything is foodsafe and made especially for the Modern Toilet restaurant.  I only say this because I’ve had several people comment they would never go there and eat out of a real toilet.  Really…? Can’t you just see a server carrying an actual toilet to a table with food in it? Imagine the size dishwashers needed to clean those!

Before you leave Modern Toilet, check out their interesting selection of customized goods.  From poo shaped keychains and Christmas tree ornaments, to your own Modern Toilet squat toilet or urinal, they have everything poop related imaginable.  And, for those people who always say, “bring me back a souvenir,” you may have finally found something that will keep them from ever asking again.

Any bathroom related souvenirs to go?

Theme Restaurants: Modern Toilet in Taipei, Taiwan is a post from Art of Backpacking

A new indie-film set to be released on February 14th. The trailer doesn’t tell you much but you definitely get the idea. It’s got love, lust, and travel. The colors and sceneries shown in the trailer are beautiful. I’m looking forward to checking this out.

An American returns to his European homeland in search of his identity which is lost as a result of growing up in two clashing cultures. To make things more complicated, his heart is split between two women pulling him in opposite directions.

• Written and Directed by Tom Sokalski
• Starring: Marek Birner, Marika Tomczyk, Anna Karczmarczyk, Maciej Nawrocki, Stefano Terrazzino, Joanna Turkowska and Ela Pawlak
• Music (for the trailer): “Varning” by Tystnad
• Shot on location in Paris, Procida, Ischia, Amalfi Coast, Positano, Roma, Venezia, Warszawa and Chicago

This is the teaser-trailer for the film “Turysta” (2011) inspired by the short film, Turysta (2009) – no association to “The Tourist” (2010).

Film Feature: Turysta is a post from Art of Backpacking

Being part of the AOB team is truly an honor and I can’t wait to share my love for travel, particularly the Middle East and Caribbean, with you. But wait…who exactly am I again? How and why did I start writing?

enjoying a cold coconut at home (Puerto Rico)

I’m a twenty-something Puerto Rican girl. You know, the straight-from-the-island Puerto Rican kind. I grew up in the Caribbean and spoke only Spanish until I was 18. True, we are taught English since kindergarten, but it is just like Americans who say they took 6 years of Spanish but can only say “hola,” “casa,” and “cerveza.” Howbeit, my hobbies made me become fluent in written English.

My favorite hobbies growing up included watching closed-caption cable TV, roller-blading, mountain biking and blogging all about it in English since I was 13. Needless to say, I had no one to practice my spoken English with, but at least my supportive readers would correct my blog’s grammar horrors and I would figure out the “obscure words” on some comments through a dictionary and thesaurus.

By the time I hit high school, I was somewhat fluent in written English. Still though, I had not had a real conversation in English with an American. Nor a history or math class in English. Ever. But somehow, I still passed the SAT’s. Somehow, my scores got me many academic scholarships. Somehow, I could go to college in America.

So I took my bags, left my family behind, and went after “the American Dream.” I moved to the USA to go to college in August 2005.

And as my “American Dream” morphed throughout the years, a world traveler was born.

Between 2005-2010, I traveled around the world extensively, visiting almost 20 countries throughout 4 continents. My most memorable experiences, however, happened while I studying abroad in Egypt (2008-2009) & Morocco (Fall 2009) — I can’t wait to share them with you!

No, this wasn't photoshopped. Yes, I will tell you all about that trip

Now here I am, 7 years later, working as a marketing & translation manager in the United States, after graduating with 2 degrees in Criminology and World Affairs (in my second language!) from the University of Tampa last fall. My passion for languages, travel, and blogging made all of this possible. Ironically, they will also help me become a digital nomad.

My name is Maria Alexandra Laborde and I’m about to embark on yet another journey: Become a nomadic translator and freelance travel writer, sprinkling Latin spice all over the world. Blogging on LatinAbroad, TravelTheMiddleEast & writing for awesome sites such as AOB are slowly making my dream career come true.

Introducing AOB’s Newest Writer: Maria Laborde is a post from Art of Backpacking

Achingly beautiful, otherworldly landscape, dreamlike karst view…

These are all the words that describe Guangxi Province. Like you can see from the expressions, Guangxi is famous for its karst landscape. Not surprisingly it is one of the most beloved travel destination for Chinese people as well as foreigners.

Yangshuo, just an hour south from Guilin along the Li River, is surrounded by towering, leafy, limestone peaks. It is smaller and a much more pleasant town to enjoy the view. Low rooftop houses with dramatic peaks in the background and the Li River in front; all together they create this hard-to-forget view.

There are two main rivers around Yangshuo: the Yulong River (Dragon River) on the west and the Li River on the east. To enjoy the landscape, it’s the best to go out hiking, biking or walking around the nearby countryside, or by cruising down either of the rivers. During my 8 days in Yangshuo, I explored the corners of the town, hiked up to Moon Hill, biked along the Yulong River, and bamboo rafted on the Li River.

View of Yangshuo, on the top of the hostel.

Street of Yangshuo. Limestone peaks can be seen every corner of this little town.

600-year-old Dragon Bridge on Yulong River.

View of the countryside of Yangshuo, near Jima town. On the way to Yulong River.

The view that inspires 20yuan bill.

The view of Li River on the bamboo raft.

Nine Horses Mural Hill on Li River

A truck full of Shatian Grapefruit. It is one of the specialties in Guangxi Province.

Moon Hill, from afar.

Moon Hill, Closer view. It’s about 30mins away from the center of Yangshuo.

Mandarins and Kumquats in Yangshuo.

Pick your own chicken home – at Gaotian Market near Yangshuo.

The view of Li River

Lying Tiger hill near Moon Hill.

Guilin Rice Noodle is all over Guangxi Province.

Beer Fish

Photo Essay: Yangshuo, Guangxi, China is a post from Art of Backpacking

I’d hate to be in history class in England. It sounds like there’s much to learn. It’s so interesting though. If I ever get the chance to, a road trip around England and going to as many castles as possible would awesome. I can’t imagine ever getting castle fatigue.

What are your favorite castles in Northumberland?

Bamburgh Castle

Easily one of Northumberland’s most popular castles to visit and my favorite one. The first written reference of the castle was in 547. Since then, it was taken, damaged, bought, and restored many times.

Bamburgh Castle by www.matthewhartphotography.com, on Flickr

Bamburgh Castle by westy48, on Flickr

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

A 14th century medieval castle constructed about 1370. Today it’s open to the public and easily accessible. There’s beautiful gardens surrounding the area as well.

Belsay Castle by Jax60, on Flickr

Belsay Castle by Gail Johnson, on Flickr
Stay in northumbria cottages nearby.

Norham Castle

The castle was build in 1121. The Norham castle has been through a lot with the war between England and Scotland. It was once called ‘the most dangerous and adventurous place in the country’. The castle is now cared for by English Heritage and is open to visitors.

Norham Castle by Gail Johnson, on Flickr

Lindisfarne Priory

Lindisfarne or Holy Island is on a tiny island off the coast of Northemberland. Records indicate activity on the island since AD793. Lindisfarne took a big role in early Christianity as it became the base for Christian evangelising in the North of England. The church is still in use today and organized tourism is available on Lindisfarne.

Lindisfarne Priory ruins by Lawrence OP, on Flickr

Ruin of Lindisfarne Priory by kirandulo, on Flickr
Stay in a the northumbria coast and country and visit the Lindisfarne.

Chillingham Castle

Chillingham Castle is a medieval castle built in the late 12th century. As with Norham, Chillingham played a big role in the war with England and Scotland.

Chillingham castle by Gail Johnson, on Flickr

by Gail Johnson, on Flickr

Etal Castle

Etal castle was built in the mid 14th century used as a defense against Scots raiders.

Etal Castle by James.Stringer, on Flickr

Etal Castle by marcus_and_sue, on Flickr

Alnwick Castle

My second favorite castle in Northumberland. It’s usually crowded with tourist and for a good reason. Built in 1096 and still occupied today by the current duke and his family. The Alnwick Garden is worth a visit as well. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you should be able to recognize this castle since it was featured many times.

Alnwick Castle by Dark Dwarf, on Flickr

Alnwick Castle by Aminimanda, on Flickr

Castles in Northumberland, England is a post from Art of Backpacking

We have a special article for you today. Today’s article comes yo you by my own mother. For the past two years, she has hosted foreign students in her house through a cultural exchange program. She had such a great experience with the program that I asked her if she would like to share it with everyone on Art of Backpacking.

Another thing I wanted to add as an advantage that she didn’t mention is how educational his stay was for everyone in the house. My younger brother learned quite a bit about someone else’s culture and became more internationally aware because of it. Hosting a foreign student can be very beneficial for your kids. Plus, they’ll always have someone to play with.

————-

A few years ago I was presented with an opportunity of a lifetime; well at least for me it was and still is. I wanted to sponsor an adolescent from abroad. There are life experiences that not only cannot be replicated but that money just can’t buy and this experience is one of them.

After being employed in the corporate world for 30 years I was finally laid off, sounds funny but I was looking forward it. I wanted to do something my heart always wanted me to do and that is go back to school and do some volunteering. I couldn’t believe how confusing searching for volunteering can be until one job posting caught my eye.

“Through The Culture Exchange Program, you can choose your sponsor child from many different countries”. – USA Immersion

I can’t travel abroad to volunteer, but I can bring a child here from abroad and volunteer. I needed to do my homework and research it more. I was skeptical and wasn’t sure if it was a legitimate company. After going through the website I was more excited than ever. I called Belen, the director of the program with many questions, for example; how much time do I need to commit? What would I be responsible for? What if something would happen to the adolescent? Would the adolescent be disrespectful, rebellious, and rude? Do I get any stipend money for his/her stay? I figure 30 days is a lot of time to be living together with a stranger in my house and paying for it.

Here are some excellent reasons why this program is absolutely great:

• You choose boy or girl and age range (from 12 to 17 years old)
• The child’s family and child is thoroughly screened by the company
• The adolescent knows how to speak pretty good English (broken English)
• You can be paired with same religious background
• The adolescent signs a contract agreement that he/she will be respectful and follow the rules of the household like any other member of the household
• You will receive a complete report, pictures of the family and adolescent and email from the child and his family before the adolescent travels.
• The sponsor family receives $75 a week for stipend and $200 for your time to pick him and bring him/her to the airport
• You learn from the adolescent his/her culture in exchange that he/she will learn from your culture
• You are not obligated to entertain the adolescent or spend any money. The adolescent will have money to pay for themselves, however, it’s your discretion to pay for any extra expense
• Your commitment is that he/she will be included in every family function or activity, totally integrated as part of the family
• Of course, you and your family must past a background check and fill out an application, the application is very simple and easy to understand, everything is online and you can always call them for help, and if you decide not to keep the adolescent at your home for whatever reason, the company takes full responsibility and will pick up the adolescent at your home.

This past summer I had the pleasure of having Victor (16) from Spain into our home, he is a wonderful boy and fun to have around, we all loved learning from him as he has learned from us. His family was so thoughtful that they bought us lovely gifts from Spain. Last year we had Luis (15), also from Spain; again I was blessed to have such a great boy in our house it was so much fun having late night s’mores outside with a bonfire, watching Spain win the world cup soccer, fishing, Camelback Waterpark, movies, skating, swimming and how can we forget Luis’s face when we went to Medieval Times.

How to Host a Foreign Student is a post from Art of Backpacking

 Did you know:

• The Peak District became Britain’s first National Park on April 17, 1951.
• The park covers an area of 1,438 square kilometres / 555 square miles.
• The area’s name comes from ‘peac’, an Old English word for hill.
• The symbol of the Peak District National Park is a millstone. These can be seen by the roadside on main roads as you enter the Park.
• I wouldn’t mind living near the Peak District National Park. More than 16 million people live within an hour’s drive.
• Or in! Around 38,000 people live in the Peak District National Park.
• The rocks of the Peak District are more than 300 million years old.
• More than 90% of the Peak District National Park is privately owned. Misleading since it’s called a national park.
• With over 2,000 farms, 86% is classed as farmed land.
• 10.1 million visitors a year.
• You can bike or walk 1,867 miles / 3,005kilometres for public use. That’s a long walk.
  To learn more, go to the Peak District official website.

Photos

Ladybower Reservoir & Peak District – by al_green on Flickr

Peak District Cottages by Leshaines123

The Peak District National Park – By CameliaTWU- Perfect for Peak District holidays

Autumnal walk – By tricky on Flickr

A hiker on top of the Catbells peak along the edge of derwent water in the UK Lake District, with bassenthwaite lake in the distance. – By Tricky on Flickr

‘Odd Formations’, England, The Peak District, Kinder Scout Hilltop by WanderingtheWorld (www.LostManProject.com)

It’s Never Dark above Ladybower by Vaidas M

Marsden Moor. Part way up the National Trust owned Pule Hill in the Peak District, with Marsden just around the corner of the valley to the right. – By tricky ™ on Flickr

Evening light on abandoned grindstones at Stanage Edge in the Peak District National Park. – By Earthwatcher on Flickr

Photo Essay: Peak District National Park, England is a post from Art of Backpacking

As I currently sit here in Los Angeles, where the temperatures are more reminiscent of summer rather than the middle of January, I find myself missing the gloomy weather of Taipei right now — but only to satiate my craving for a Taiwanese shaved ice.

Growing out of the Ben & Jerry’s phase where I thought a pint of Cherry Garcia could fix the world’s problems, I now turn to delights like Taiwanese mango shaved ice for moments of sadness, joy, refreshment, and well, any other excuse that pops into mind.

If you have ever looked at any given guide book on Taiwan, nine times out of ten you will find a recommendation or notation about Ice Monster in Taipei and its legendary Mango Shaved Ice.

Ice Monster's Mango Shaved Ice

It’s even more legendary now, because well, like all good things that must come to an end, so did Ice Monster.  After a bitter alimony dispute, Ice Monster closed up shop in January 2010, leaving scores of travelers and locals heartbroken.

Since then, a new store (Yong Kang 15) reopened in its place, but it has not yet achieved the same international notoriety yet, despite “rumors” that the previous Ice Monster owner signed on as a technical advisor.  However, opening in the exact location Ice Monster once stood pretty much guarantees Yong Kang 15 business from travelers toting their 2010 edition guidebooks.

Over the past two years, I’ve received emails and pleas from other travelers looking to find other shaved ice in Taipei.  Surprisingly, it’s not that hard to find.  From night markets to dedicated shops like Yong Kang 15, Taiwanese shaved ice is a staple in Taipei.

Bào Bīng (剉冰)

Often called bào bīng (剉冰), shaved ice is a popular dessert in Taipei, especially during the scorching summer months we get.  If you happen to be visiting during a cold month, just ignore the funny stares and giggles you may get from locals ordering hot desserts, and proudly dig into the frozen sweet goodness.  I certainly do.

Taiwan style shaved ice is available with a variety of toppings, but most prefer fresh mango when in season.  Mangos in Taiwan are said to be among some of the best in the world, and I will personally vouch that they are certainly some of the best I’ve ever tasted to date.

What sets Taiwanese shaved ice apart from many others I’ve tried in different countries is the fine, snow-like quality of the ice.  It’s not a hard sno-cone you could lob at your worst enemy, it’s resembles fluffy snow that just beckons you to make a snow angel.  At least based on Hollywood movie versions of snow angels!  

Atop the heaping bowl of shaved ice, choose from toppings like strawberries, mango, red bean, mung beans, grass jelly, taro, etc.  And often times, they include a scoop of fresh ice cream…or two.

Bao Bing with pudding and grass jelly

If the soupy goodness of the fruit and ice cream weren’t enough, the symbolic cherry on top is a generous slathering of sweetened condensed milk.  It’s not overly sweet where your teeth ache, but provides just enough sweetness to tie the entire dessert together.  I’ve seen other variations with chocolate sauce or sugar syrup.  It really depends on the shop and what flavors or toppings you order.

Xue Hua Bing (雪花冰)

While I could devote an entire post to this, another variation is xue hua bing (雪花冰), commonly referred to as Taiwanese snow ice.  Rather than flaky bits of ice, the base of the dessert is typically layered-sheets of frozen condensed milk.  The consistency is achieved through the milky base and a special machine that shaves the ice.

While I prefer the basic condensed milk base with passion fruit syrup, other popular varieties include green tea ice with red beans, and chocolate ice with sprinkles.  I’ve seen a few places offering corn topping (you can practically find corn on anything in Taiwan), but I can honestly say that one isn’t on my short list of flavors to try.

Green Tea Xue Hua Bing or Taiwan snow ice

Where to Find Taiwanese Shaved Ice Desserts

When visiting Taiwan, look for shaved ice stalls at popular night markets like Shilin.  There are booths inside the food building and several small shops on various alleyways. Many stores have no English signage, but offer lots of pictures on the wall, so just wander around and point to whichever one you want to order.

To try the “Ice Monster replacement”, Yong Kang 15 is super easy to find – its name is the address.  Located on the famed foodie street, just around the corner from the original Din Tai Fung, Yong Kang 15 is on a corner, about two block down on the left-hand side.  If it’s a hot Saturday night, just look for the line as your turn on to Yong Kang.

Line at Yong Kang 15 on Grand Opening night

If you have no plans to visit Taiwan soon, you may still be in luck as the addiction of Taiwanese shaved ice is spreading.  Chains like Charmy have branches in other countries, selling the “snow ice”.  Cities that have a larger Taiwanese presence typically have a few shops as well.  Bigger cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles definitely have stores that sell Taiwanese shaved ice, and while some may not be as good as what you get in Taiwan, it certainly beats not trying it at all!

Taiwanese Shaved Ice Desserts: Bào Bīng (剉冰) and Xue Hua Bing (雪花冰) is a post from Art of Backpacking