Bask in the neon glow of a Chinese sign behind the bar, which roughly translates to “drunken dreams”, as you enjoy Taiwanese spins on cocktail classics, such as a wintermelon mojito, sarsaparilla mai tai or a longan negroni.

R&D Cocktail Lab is closer to the skyscrapers of Xinyi District than the red-brick buildings of Dadaocheng, but it’s worth the taxi ride. It’s a “no-menu” kind of operation, requiring you to tell them the liquor and flavours that you’re in the mood for. The dark, contemporary Chinese interior is a real draw.

No, the craft beer trend didn’t miss Taipei. At Lok Hue Hng, get to know various brews from around the country that incorporate local flavours. You can also try cocktails featuring traditional Chinese herbs and indulge in Taiwanese-style bar snacks.