__thumb.jpg)
Taiwan has always been a popular travel destination for Malaysians. Shared languages, convenient transportation, warm and friendly communication, along with an abundance of attractions and endless delicious food, make it a place people can’t get enough of. There are countless ways to travel in Taiwan, and with the growing global influence of the MICHELIN Guide, many people now include MICHELIN-starred and MICHELIN Selected restaurants, as well as Bib Gourmand recommendations, as part of their Taiwan itineraries, embarking on a star-rated culinary journey.
Tainan
Huang Chia Shrimp Roll
With over 60 years of history, Huang Chia Shrimp Roll is a must-try local delicacy for visitors to Tainan. The signature shrimp roll features a golden, crispy exterior with a filling of cabbage, green onions, and shrimp. Made to order and served hot, its deliciousness is undeniable. When dipped in soy paste and yellow mustard, the flavours are instantly enhanced. The restaurant also serves pickled radish slices on the side to balance the richness. During the winter, a bowl of fish ball and pork soup is a comforting way to warm the stomach. Notably, if you take it to go, the shop wraps it in bamboo leaves, adding a nostalgic touch.
Address: No. 268, Xihe Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan
Contact: +886-6-3506209
Cheng Shi Hot Pot Noodle
Tucked away in a residential alley, this small shop specialises in hot pot noodles. The space is not large, but the owner’s friendliness makes it feel warm and inviting. The selection of noodles is limited, but diners can choose their preferred noodle texture. The clam hot pot noodle is a hearty dish, with a soup base made from kombu and topped with plump clams, shrimp, baby corn, eggs, and greens. The broth is fresh and sweet, and the handmade noodles soak up the delicious soup, making each bite flavourful. In addition to the soup-based noodles, they also offer Japanese-style dry noodles, which are mixed with mayonnaise for a creamy, chewy texture.
Address: 12, Lane 702, Section 1, Simen Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan
Contact: 0968-617-018
Dayong Street No Name Congee
This unmarked shop, which has been in business for over 60 years, is a breakfast favourite for many Tainan locals. The shop opens at 4am every day, serving a steady stream of customers. The salty congee is actually cooked rice topped with hot, flavourful broth. If you order the fish belly and oyster congee, you’ll get large pieces of milkfish, along with plump oysters, garnished with crispy garlic and celery. If you’re not in the mood for congee, you can opt for braised pork rice or fish floss rice.
Address: 85 Dayong Street, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan
Contact: +886 6 226 7028
Hsi Lo Tien Beef Soup
Xiluodian Beef Soup, which has been in business for more than 20 years, opens at 5am. This is a good place for beef lovers. They use warm-bodied beef, and the meat is absolutely tender. A must-try is their mixed beef soup, which includes beef, beef liver, beef tendon, and beef brisket—it’s a truly satisfying dish! Additionally, the stir-fried beef with kale is another popular choice. Both the soups and stir-fries come in large, medium, and small portions. For those who love spicy, be sure to try their fiery homemade chilli sauce.
Address: 98 Gongyuan South Road, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan
Contact: +886 6 229 4056
Yeh Jia Calamari Rice Noodle Soup
Passed down through three generations and with a history of 90 years, Yeh Jia is the original creator of calamari rice noodle soup, attracting many tourists eager to taste its legendary dish. The shop uses Tainan’s unique thick rice noodles made from brown rice. The broth is simmered with cuttlefish, giving it a sweet, delicate flavour. As for the calamari, they are sourced from Indonesia, and the tender, thick meat is simply seasoned with pepper, creating a dish that is both simple and delicious.
Address: 142, Section 2, Guohua Street, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan
Contact: +886-6-2226142
A Wen Rice Cake
Rice cake is a century-old traditional delicacy in Tainan. Having been in business for nearly 9 years, A Wen Rice Cake has become the top choice for many locals. The owner inherited the recipe from his grandmother; rice milk is mixed with three sweet potato starches for the right consistency before being steamed. The rice cakes are pan-fried till golden, with a crispy exterior with a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains soft and fragrant with rice. Coated with egg, it enhances the flavour even more. The signature rice cake with bamboo shoot pork sauce is highly recommended.
Address: 74 Bao-an Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan
Contact: +886 906 884 704