If you’ve never been inside of an airport lounge, here’s one to check out—Plaza Premium. Out of all the lounges that I’ve been to, this is the one that I enjoy the most. Taoyuan International Airport (臺灣桃園國際機場 / tai wan tao yuan guo ji ji chang) has a couple of these lounges open under the same name, Plaza Premium Lounge. This is my photo review of the one located in Zone A, International Departures, Terminal 2.
Right as you enter, there are chefs making porridge and beef noodle soup to your right. On the left is a bunch of seating, and against the walls are various hold and cold foods.
At the time I went, they were beginning to transition into lunch. The had chicken nuggets and popcorn chicken under a heat lamp.
They also had two different types of soup: corn soup and hot and sour soup.
For all of these items, you basically pick up a plate or bowl nearby and self serve, much like you would at a buffet. The area with the chefs is the only place where you need to directly give your order.
Here is the salad section with a smaller section on the side for pickled vegetables (泡菜 / pao cai) and sauces.
Here are large heating containers keeping main dishes warm including fried rice (炒飯 / chao fan), this tomato egg dish, and tea eggs (茶叶蛋 / cha ye dan).
Plaza Premium Lounge has a drink dispenser, but they also have a variety of canned and bottle drinks available.
After perusing the offerings, here’s what we ended up eating for lunch. Though it wasn’t quite Fuhang Soy Milk, fresh soy milk never goes out of style.
Similarly, how could I say no to beef noodle soup (牛肉麵 / niu rou mian) made in Taiwan? Even the most average beef noodle soup in Taiwan is still better than many of those that I’ve had in the United States.
The beef is almost bigger than the portion of noodles here!
Hard to tell if this is legit turkey, but you also can’t go wrong with a bowl of chicken rice (雞肉飯 / ji rou fan).
Did I mention they also have wine? Pick up a glass and relax as you wait for your flight to roll in.
Whereas the airport can feel a little outdated, along with other airports build during the 70’s, Plaza Premium Lounge feels pretty new and modern. I love that you can get the feel of Taiwanese hospitality even in an airport lounge. The food is a mixture of Taiwanese and western cuisine, but there’s bound to be something for everyone.
The lounge has free Internet through WiFi and access to power for charging. This particular lounge also has an area to take a shower, meeting rooms, and newpapers to read.
Next to packing a lunch from one of the top places in Taiwan, like a bento (便當 / bian dang) from Addiction Aquatic Development, Plaza Premium Lounge is a delicious and relaxing way to pass the time while your flight arrives. Would highly recommend.
What’s your favorite lounge?