Away from the rush of buses and cars, Keelung’s side streets are bursting with unique character, specialist stores, and spots in-keeping with an urban bohemia. Lane 98, Ai 3rd Road is no exception. Lined with specialist vintage clothing stores, hidden cafes and colourful wall-art, Squid Bar sits comfortably among the popular spots on this quirky street.
Inside Squid Bar you’ll find chalk-board signs sporting the names of unique and specialist beers, ales, and IPAs from across the globe, an international leaderboard boasting competitors from countries as far as Switzerland, England, and the U.S. who have engaged in beer-guzzling competitions, and fridges stocked with everything from alcohol free beers and kombuchas to Belgian ales and local brews.
You’ll also find Kevin, Squid Bar’s owner, who has some key Keelung insights from his many years living in the city.
Name: Kevin
Job: Owner of Squid Bar
"The speed at which people here put on their raincoats is probably the fastest in Taiwan."
What makes Keelung unique?
I think the reason Keelung is special is that it has a harbour. The rhythm and feeling of a port city is something other places simply can’t experience.
What is something people might not know about Keelung?
It may rain a lot here, but the people in Keelung really like scooters and will go out even if the weather is bad. Because we get so much rain all year round, I think the speed at which people here put on their raincoats is probably the fastest in Taiwan. For me, rain has already become a part of everyday life.
What place in Keelung holds special memories for you?
For me, it’s Zhongzheng Park. As a child we often went there to play and look at the sea view. It feels like that place grew up with us. And that is the part of Keelung to which I feel the strongest emotional connection to.
If you were to leave Keelung, what food would you miss the most?
If I were to leave Keelung, the food I would miss is definitely gan mian (Taiwanese-style dry noodles). You can’t find that texture in any other city, so that’s what I’d recommend.
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