Prawns, anyone?

Prawn fishing at Yangmig Mountain satisfies both hunter instinct and hunter pangs. Paul Cheyne / For China Daily

This is by far the most entertaining and local method of eating prawns in Taiwan.

At the foot of the Yangming Mountain range located northeast of Taipei, you'll find a strip of prawn fishing establishments (diao xia chang) that is a local treasure rarely visited by foreigners.

I was lucky enough to be shown this experience by a local friend.

Here you rent a line and bait for NT$375 ($13) per hour and cook whatever you catch on the BBQ deck provided. You also have the option of purchasing prawns if lady luck doesn't happen to pay you a visit when you fish.

The prawns are extremely fresh (caught right before your very own eyes) and will definitely satisfy the palate of the most discerning connoisseur.

You have the option of cleaning and cooking your catch yourself or alternatively, you can ask one of the staff for help.

Also, right outside you can purchase pork sausages with a clove of garlic, which makes the perfect treat while you wait for the big catch.

Its location at the foot of the mountains provides a magnificent backdrop and peaceful atmosphere, and is a great complement to a visit to Yangming Mountain.