As the capital city of Taiwan, Taipei is unmistakably the center of the nation and the hub for politics, finance, history and culture. With plenty of attractions, fascinating architecture, vibrant night markets and more, it should come as no surprise the Taipei is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. Thanks to affordable accommodations and reasonable Taipei flights departing from across the globe, more and more visitors are able to make their dream of visiting Taipei a reality. Find Taipei flights and while visiting, be sure to try these 5 authentic foods that can’t be found elsewhere on Earth.

1. Oyster Omelet: Just like the name implies, this dish is made from eggs and oysters. The egg mixtures is mixed and placed on the griddle in order to create a thin round disk that looks similar to a pancake. While the omelet itself features green onions and is certainly savory, it is topped with a thick and very sweet brown sauce that dominates the palate. This is a typical breakfast or mid-morning food for locals, although it is also enjoyed as a snack at any time of day.

2. Taiwanese Sausages: These sausages are served on a stick and are ubiquitous around the night markets in Taipei and indeed among any busy street. Although they might at first glance look like an ordinary sausage, the taste is decidedly different from what you may be expecting. They come in a variety of flavors unique to the area, including wasabi, chocolate or butter. The sausages are grilled out in the open so you can pick out the one which appeals the most.

3. Mango Ice: For a sweet and refreshing treat, nothing can beat the delicious taste of mango ice, a common dish found in Taipei. The dish starts with a base of ice shavings over which fresh mango cubes are placed. From there, additions include things like milk, mango syrup, mango ice cream and even dried mango pieces. The vibrant flavors and differing textures are a real delight, making this easily the most popular authentic dessert in Taipei.

4. Mee Sua: This noodle dish is served by the bowl by street vendors, meaning you must stand on the street slurping them up until you are finished and can hand back the bowl. This unique experience is certainly worth it thanks to the delicious taste of the dish. In the broth base are think vermicelli rice noodles, oysters and intestines. The flavor is rich and developed thanks to a lengthy cooking time.

5. Pork Buns: Unlike pork dumplings, popular both in China and in Taiwan, the pork buns commonly found in the streets of Taipei are baked to give them a crispy outer shell. The filling inside is a delicious combination of pork, green onions and a peppery sauce. The buns are baked in a large stone oven right on the street and plucked out when the bottoms just begin to char. The exterior is warm and covered in sesame seeds for a wonderful snack on the go.

The island of Bali is located in Indonesia and is one of the most spectacular holidays you will ever experience. You can stay in a bungalow on the beach, or wander into Kuta for some inexpensive shopping, but one of the best things about this tropical paradise is the food, and if you want to try authentic cuisine, book Bali Holiday Packages so you can taste everything. Try and steer clear of the resort restaurants, and sample the night markets, mobile carts and warungs. It is here that you will find truly authentic Balinese cuisine.

Satay

Whether you prefer pork or chicken, satay is one of the most authentic dishes in Bali. It consists of thin slices of spicy marinated meat that are threaded on a skewer and barbecued. Traditionally it is served over a bed of rice with spicy peanut sauce. The Balinese cook satay over charcoal that is made from coconut shells, giving the meat a rich flavour.

Rice and Noodles

Most restaurants, carts, cafes and snack bars serve Nasi Goreng which is Indonesian style fried that is topped with a fried egg. Nasi Goreng is usually served with vegetables, meat and fish. Mie Goreng is the noodle version which is also served with eggs. Most travellers and tourists enjoy these Balinese staple dishes which you can literally find everywhere.

Martabak

This Indonesian style sandwich is a local favourite, and consists of fried bread, usually roti, which is made from stone ground wholemeal flour. After the bread is fried it is stuffed with egg, onion, vegetables and garlic. Sometimes you can find them with meat like lamb, or chicken. In Bali you can find sweet or savoury versions of martabak.

Babi Guling

This roasted pork dish is delicious, especially if you pick it up at a street stall in Bali. Traditionally it is made with a whole pig that is stuffed with a spicy paste which the locals call bumbu. Spit roasted on the barbecue it is spiced with galangal, coriander, lemongrass and turmeric. Often served over rice it is a dish that you have to put on your list when you are planning Bali holiday packages.

Bebek Betutu

This chicken or duck dish is stuffed with turmeric, ginger, kencur, garlic, salaam leaf, onions and chillies, and is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked very slowly over a charcoal grill. Because it takes hours to prepare, it may be difficult to find on a local menu, but if you do, you will remember it as one of the best dishes that you have ever tasted.

Of course this is just a sampling of the delicious foods that you will find in Bali. While you are there, eat as much seafood as you possibly can. The island is known for big and tasty lobster, crab, shrimp and tuna. If you are lucky enough to be on holidays during an Indonesian festival, you may get to try Lawar which is completely different to any local food. It consists of a blend of meat, vegetables and spices that are mixed together and blended with raw pig’s blood.