Taipei

Nutty Creamy White Rice

When I first sampled this, I'm not going to lie, I didn't like it at all. I was expecting to get a sweet, steamy white rice, but it smelled like I spilled too much sesame oil over my rice. However, adjusting expectations, I really feel in love for what this really is. This is indeed quite nutty, savory, and earthy but has this beautiful starchy and milky base that envelopes you like a warm blanket. Eventually, I was able to pick out the rice note and has become my favorite thing about it. Definitely a gourmand that may take some time getting used to, but once it clicks, you can't get enough of it!

Not the biggest fan of the opening but after about 15-20 minutes, it smells amazing

Savory and sweet gourmand!

Opening & First Impressions One Day Taipei immediately stood out to me for its unique balance of savory and sweet elements. The first notes that hit my nose were soy milk and taro, which gave the fragrance an almost creamy, starchy richness right from the start. The lactonic and rice notes were my favorite aspects of the scent, adding a beautifully smooth and nutty quality that made this fragrance feel both comforting and intriguing. Development & Dry Down As it dries down, One Day Taipei mellows out—shifting from its savory opening to a more sweet and woody composition. The transition is smooth, and while the initial notes lean toward a food-like experience, the woody base keeps it wearable as an everyday fragrance. Performance Longevity: Excellent, lasting over 8 hours on my skin. Projection: Strong for the first few hours (~2 feet), then settles into a more intimate skin scent over time. Versatility & Best Seasons This fragrance shines in the fall, winter, and early spring, where its cozy and starchy warmth feels perfect. However, I wouldn’t wear this in the peak summer heat, as the savory notes could feel too heavy in high temperatures. Casual settings are ideal for this fragrance—it feels inviting yet unique, perfect for personal enjoyment and relaxed days. Personal Connection & Uniqueness Although I’m not Asian, the smell of One Day Taipei reminds me of Atol from El Salvador, particularly the varieties that blend savory and sweet elements. This fragrance evokes nostalgia, making me feel both relaxed and happy while transporting me back to the flavors and scents of my homeland. Comparable Scents If you enjoy fragrances with a rice-forward, lactonic profile, White Rice by D’Annam and Chokedee by Strangers Parfumerie share some similarities in their smooth, comforting nature. Final Thoughts One Day Taipei is a unique, thought-provoking fragrance that excels at blending starchy, nutty, and creamy elements into something both wearable and artistic. While I wish it leaned slightly sweeter on my skin to balance out the savory elements, the overall experience is one-of-a-kind. Not a safe blind buy, but perfect for those who appreciate lactonic and rice-heavy compositions. ✔ Best for: Fragrance lovers who appreciate unconventional, food-adjacent, and creamy scents. ❌ Not for: Those who dislike savory elements in fragrances or prefer traditional fresh or woody scents.