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Tainan, one of Taiwan’s oldest cities, is rich in history and culture. Its cuisine is crucial to its cultural development, offering countless traditional flavors. Today, we’re steering away from the well-known Anping and West Central Districts and taking you to Xin Hua, where you can enjoy authentic local snacks and classic dishes. Explore the Baroque-style Xin Hua Old Street, stroll to Damucang Plaza and Wude Hall, and savor the traditional flavors from long-established eateries.

Tainan Food: Xin Hua Street Foods and Delicacies

東發號 Dong Fa Hao

In Xin Hua Market, Dong Fa Hao is a beloved old shop selling meat cakes, rice cakes, four-herb soup, and meat stew. From February to May, they also sell spring rolls, a seasonal delicacy that many people come specifically to buy. These spring rolls are generously sized, and filled with bean sprouts, pickled vegetables, celery, carrots, minced meat, tofu skin, and oil noodles, offering a unique texture. If you’re visiting Xin Hua, try Dong Fa Hao’s specialties!

• Address: No. 239, Xinyi Road, Xin Hua District, Tainan City (inside Xin Hua Market)
• Phone: +886 6-590-0300
• Business Hours: 06:00–12:00 (Closed on Mondays)

金水冷飲部 Jin Shui Cold Drink Shop

This century-old shop, now run by the fifth generation, has been in business since 1921. In the summer, they sell ice products, in the winter, they offer fried sweet cakes and other snacks. Locals have enjoyed these treats since childhood. The stall offers various traditional cakes like savory rice cakes, sweet rice cakes, fa gao, taro cakes, and grass cakes. The winter-special fried sweet cakes have a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, chewy texture, similar to mochi, and are delicious with a coating of peanut sugar.

• Address: No. 227, Xinyi Road, Xin Hua District, Tainan City
• Phone: +886 6-590-7966
• Business Hours: 06:00–12:30

市場口阿婆雞蛋糕 Market Granny’s Egg Cakes

Market Granny’s Egg Cakes, located at the entrance of the Xin Hua Old Street Market, has been a local favorite for over 40 years. These fragrant and fluffy cakes come in plain and red bean-filled varieties. Though they may not look perfect, their soft, sweet flavor is irresistible. Priced at just 20 NTD for five plain cakes, they’re a bargain and often sell out quickly.

• Address: No. 371-393, Zhongzheng Road, Xin Hua District, Tainan City
• Business Hours: 06:30–10:00, 13:30–17:00 (Closed on Wednesdays)

阿鳳肉粿 A Feng’s Meat Cakes

A Feng’s Meat Cakes are a Tainan specialty, with a twist—they only open in the afternoon. The owner is also a wholesaler for many other meat cake shops, ensuring top-notch quality. The menu is simple, offering meat cakes and five types of soup. Instead of the traditional milkfish flavor, these cakes are filled with minced meat. The best way to enjoy them is with egg, paired with fried dough sticks in soup. The freshly pan-fried meat cakes, topped with special sauce, cilantro, chili sauce, and garlic, are a local favorite.

• Address: No. 605, Zhongzheng Road, Xin Hua District, Tainan City
• Phone: +886 989-595-128
• Business Hours: 12:00–18:00 (Closed on Sundays)

老張麵店 Old Zhang’s Noodle Shop

Located across from the Xin Hua Performing Arts Center, Old Zhang’s Noodle Shop has been a hidden gem for over 30 years. Though unassuming in appearance, their simple dry noodles, enhanced with homemade satay sauce, are a local delight. The noodles evoke memories of childhood in military villages. The freshly made wontons and affordable braised dishes are also must-tries.

• Address: No. 67, Minsheng Road, Xin Hua District, Tainan City
• Phone: +886 6-590-6462
• Business Hours: 07:00–19:00 (Closed on Thursdays)

姑姑的茶葉蛋 Auntie’s Tea Eggs

Auntie’s Tea Eggs are a must-try in Xin Hua. People often line up before they even open. The famous tea eggs are incredibly flavorful, with a rich tea aroma, chewy egg white, and moist yolk. They also sell tofu, quail eggs, iron eggs, and century eggs. The tofu is thoroughly braised, soaking up all the flavorful juices. Both original and spicy versions are available, but arrive early, as they often sell out quickly.

• Address: No. 18, Lane 1, Fuxing Road, Xin Hua District, Tainan City
• Phone: +886 6-590-9971
• Business Hours: 08:30–Sold Out

葉麥克中藥炸雞 Mike Ye’s Herbal Fried Chicken

Mike Ye’s Herbal Fried Chicken is a Xin Hua staple, selling out quickly despite only being open four hours per day. The chicken is marinated with Chinese herbs but doesn’t taste medicinal. The crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior are enhanced with a special herbal pepper seasoning. The chicken fillets often sell out early, so arrive early to avoid missing out.

• Address: No. 116-1, Zhongxiao Road, Xin Hua District, Tainan City
• Phone: +886 953-477-901
• Business Hours: 14:30–18:30 (Check Facebook for holiday hours)
• Related Link: Mike Ye’s Fried Chicken

阿蓮黑輪攤 A Lian’s Oden Stall

A Lian’s Oden Stall, a local favorite for over 20 years, offers a clean environment and a covered dining area. The stall features both oden and charcoal-grilled sections. Popular items include oden, rice blood cakes, pork skin, and intestines, all delicious and reasonably priced. The charcoal-grilled section offers handmade sausages, rice sausages, and fried items, with the signature tempura topped with crushed peanuts—a must-try when hot.

• Address: Intersection of Minzhi Road and Changqing Street, Xin Hua District, Tainan City
• Phone: +886 953-113-833
• Business Hours: 12:00–17:00
• Related Link: A Lian’s Oden Stall

新化年貨大街 Xin Hua New Year’s Market

The 2024 Xin Hua New Year’s Market will open on Friday, February 2, in Xin Hua Old Street. This six-day event features over 150 vendors selling New Year’s goods, daily necessities, and local snacks, creating a lively festive atmosphere. While you’re there, visit nearby attractions like Damucang Cultural Park, Wude Hall, and Xin Hua Japanese Dormitories.

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