Taiwan offers ample opportunities for retail therapy. On this page we'll detail some of the essentials regarding where and how to get the basics you need.
This gets its own section because by and large the Taiwanese like their bread fluffy, tasteless, and vaguely sweet. If that's not to your liking we recommend you go to Oma's German Bakery near Taipower Building MRT station (Green line) where they serve up European-style pastries, cakes, wholemeal, white, and rye breads. Conveniently, it's also on the way into the office, and therefore ideal for grabbing breakfast on the go.
When in Taipei, do as the locals do and head down to the traditional market on a weekend morning. Each neighbourhood generally has its own market, usually somewhere obvious. You can buy a great selection of fruit and vegetables there, including many local varieties of green leafy things and the distinctive purple finger-like aubergines, for next to nothing and in the quantities you want. There's also eggs, and meat (if you're feeling adventurous). The produce is fresh, local and seasonal, making it a good alternative to supermarket shopping. Do remember to bring your own bags, though.
Related to the traditional markets are fruit and vegetable shops; usually brightly lit, antiseptic-looking places stacked with tables full of various produce. They're a common sight and likewise provide fresh fruit for substantially cheaper than supermarkets. However, don't expect anything you buy to have a long shelf life.
There are variety of good quality supermarket chains in Taiwan offering a range of produce. Two of the more widely spread local chains are Wellcome (basic) and PX Mart (more upmarket). You should be able to find all the essentials there including a limited range of Western foodstuffs (pasta, sauces, condiments, biscuits, etc.). If you're feeling fancy, Jasons, with branches in Guting and Taipei 101, is even more upmarket. Jasons' has some niche items (such as Waitrose essentials foodstuffs, and vast swathes of cheese) to address your cravings for home, but the prices are eyewatering.
If you're craving a larger variety of imported food (or something very specific, like Australian breakfast cereal) at more reasonable prices, then your stop should be Carrefour, which has a few branches around Taipei, and stocks a substantial range of imported Western and Asian foodstuffs. You can very easily join the rewards card system in store and receive a small amount of money back with every purchase. Also notable is the Carrefour wine festival, held every November, where you can try out many of their wines which are sold at a discount for the duration of the festival (wine is expensive in Taiwan).
If buying in bulk is your thing then there are several branches of Costco around Taipei. You will need to have a Costco membership card to shop there, or access to a friend with one.