Bite-sized Rice Dumplings (or Zongzi, 粽子)

“Zongzi” (粽子) are pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. Some are just rice. Others have savoury fillings such as pork, salted egg, mushrooms and boiled peanuts. Some have sweet dips. These zongzi are special because they’re called 一口粽子, or literally, One Bite Dumpling.



By the time we got to the store, which was just before noon, there was little selection left. The family makes a certain amount each day, and if they’re gone, they’re gone! They’re not cheap though – they range from 5 – 7 NT per dumpling, depending on the filling.

Parking: Moderate (depends on time of day – it is a small alley, but because it is, you can do whatever you want!)

Price: Moderate

Directions: From MAK, Take Hwy 1 south and exit at Zhong Zheng Rd. (中正路). As you come off the ramp, go straight past the big intersection of Zhong Zheng Rd. Follow the signs leading you to the next big street south of there, called San Duo Rd. (三多路). Take a left, and drive about 5-10 minutes until Fude Rd. (福德路). You should see a special school on your right called 三信家商. Right across from the front entrance of the school is a small alley. Turn left into this alley and you’ll see the store on your left-hand side, almost at the end of the alley.

Hours of operation: Unknown, but probably early morning (by 11am) is best.

Best Cold Noodles or Liang Mien (涼麵)

Tucked away on a small street in downtown Kaohsiung is this unassuming little restaurant. I would never have even set foot in this place, but because a Taiwanese friend took me there, I am now dying to go back. I’m not sure who claimed it to have the best Liang Mien in town, but it was really good (and they don’t use MSG!)


Liang Mien is literally translated as “cold noodles.” Traditionally, it has Chinese egg noodles (sort of spaghetti-like pasta), mixed with a garlic, sesame, vinegar & chili sauce, cucumbers and chicken.
The menu is simple (read from right to left):

• Vegetarian Liang Mien (S – 35, L – 45)
• Regular Liang Mien (S – 35, L – 45)
• Shredded Chicken Liang Mien (S – 50, L – 60)
• Shredded Beef Liang Mien (S – 60, L – 70)
• Miso Soup (10 NT)

Directions: From MAK, Take Hwy 1 south and exit at Zhong Zheng Rd. (中正路). As you come off the ramp, go straight past the big intersection of Zhong Zheng Rd. Follow the signs leading you to the next big street south of there, called San Duo Rd. (三多路). Take a left, and drive about 5-10 minutes until Fude Rd. (福德路). You should see a Blue, Red & White Grocery Store on the corner. Turn right onto Fude and the shop will be on your left hand side, a little ways down. (And on your way to this restaurant, stop off at the Bite-Sized Zongzi Store!)

Price: Economical
Parking: Moderate (depending on the time of day)
Hours of Operation: Mon – Sat., 7:30am – 2:30pm

Fried bread at the Dashe morning market

Among the multitude of delicious foods at Dashe's morning market is one little stand selling fried bread with a variety of toppings, such as an egg, ham, cheese, etc., with each topping being an extra 5-10 NT or so on top of the initial 15 NT. Everything tastes best fresh.

Look for the little stand that looks like this:

You'll see someone cooking up the fried bread like this:

And here's their menu:

Directions from MAK: Go into Dashe on the main road (Jhong Shan Rd. 中山路). At the first major intersection (where there is a Hi-Life Convenience Store), turn left. You'll now be on the morning market road (Jin Long Rd. 金龍路). Follow this road for a bit through the morning market. This stand is located on the left-hand side of the road as you head away from Jhong Shan Rd. It's near a store that sells bedding and is not far after an alley that leads to the left into the morning market. Sometimes, there's someone selling colorful rice/bean milk and sandwhiches next door.


Parking: Moderate. Park as you would for the morning market.

Costs: Economical.