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Today, let’s head back to “Jia” (Chiayi)! In recent years, Chiayi has gradually become one of Taiwan’s popular travel destinations. Not only does it boast numerous attractions, but it’s also a paradise for food lovers. This time, we’re focusing on the must-eat spots around Chiayi Train Station, including low-key turkey rice, a hipster-style tofu pudding shop, a corn stand hailed by netizens as the best in Taiwan, and a highly popular grass carp soup night snack. Make sure to jot down these spots and add them to your Chiayi food bucket list!

Local Favorites! 7 Must-Try Eats Around Chiayi Train Station

Sancaitian Delicious Kitchen 三采田美味廚坊

Located near the Nice Plaza Shopping Center, “Sancaitian Delicious Kitchen” offers countryside-style dishes made from carefully selected seasonal ingredients, such as Huadiao wine three-cup chicken, Thai coconut chicken, house special braised pork shoulder, Korean BBQ, Burgundy red wine beef, pan-seared mackerel, and steamed milkfish with scallions. The chef’s dedication is evident in the rich layers of flavor, making it a hit with both adults and children! Additionally, dine-in customers are treated to complimentary cookies, creating a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious meals.

• Address: No. 217, Taidou St, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan
• Phone: +886-5-276-3785
• Hours: 11:00-14:00; 17:00-20:00 (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
• FB: Sancaitian Delicious Kitchen

Shunyu Turkey Rice 順裕火雞肉飯

When in Chiayi, you must try turkey rice! Every Chiayi local has their favorite turkey rice spot, and “Shunyu Turkey Rice,” located near the Chiayi Train Station’s back entrance, might look unassuming, but it’s a top choice for many! The menu is simple, offering turkey rice, braised pork rice, soups, and side dishes. Their turkey rice is fragrant with scallion oil, and the tender turkey meat practically melts in your mouth. Simple yet incredibly tasty.

• Address: No. 2, Longjiang St, West District, Chiayi City, Taiwan
• Phone: +886-5-231-9363
• Hours: 10:30-14:00; 16:30-20:00 (Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
• FB: Chiayi Shunyu Turkey Rice

Taocheng Tofu Pudding 桃城豆花

“Taocheng Tofu Pudding,” converted from an old hospital, still retains traces of the old building from the exterior to the interior. In this beautiful space, they mainly serve tofu pudding, beverages, and salads. You can choose between sugar syrup or soy milk as the tofu pudding base, with toppings like red beans, green beans, barley, peanuts, pearls, and winter-exclusive tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). The tofu pudding is delicate and smooth, with a nostalgic traditional tofu pudding aroma. The spacious and elegant dining area makes it a comfortable spot to enjoy a meal, and it’s a popular local favorite.

• Address: No. 65, Guanghua Rd, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan
• Phone: +886-5-228-7789
• Hours: 09:00-22:00 (Closed on Wednesday)
• FB: Taocheng Tofu Pudding

Chiayi Old School Grass Carp Soup 嘉義正老牌草魚湯

Serving from dinner until the next morning! Besides turkey rice, “Chiayi Old School Grass Carp Soup” is another must-eat local delicacy for food lovers! The restaurant offers soups and porridge made from grass carp head, meat, and tail. Though each part is different, you’ll always get a large piece of fish in your bowl, making it look quite generous. Overall, the soup is fresh and sweet, with no muddy taste. The fish is tender but still retains a firm texture. However, be mindful of the small bones when eating.

• Address: No. 13, Sec. 2, Bo’ai Rd, West District, Chiayi City, Taiwan
• Phone: +886-5-233-8910
• Hours: 05:00-11:00; 17:00-23:30
• FB: Chiayi Old School Grass Carp Soup

Xingjia Stinky Tofu 興加臭豆腐

Chiayi’s budget-friendly snack “Xingjia Stinky Tofu” is known for its crispy exterior while maintaining a soft tofu texture inside. The kimchi is refreshing, and the sauce is slightly sweet. Besides stinky tofu, many customers come for the red yeast braised pork trotters. The restaurant uses skin-on pork trotters with soft bones, braised to a chewy texture. If dining in, you can enjoy unlimited refills of iced tea, which explains why the place is always bustling. It’s said that many Chiayi locals have this as their go-to late-night snack spot!

• Address: No. 191, Xingye East Rd, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan
• Phone: +886-5-225-3890
• Hours: 14:30-00:00

Mountain foot Sweets 山腳甜食

Located at the foot of Alishan, Chiayi City, the shop is aptly named “Mountainfoot Sweets,” giving off a warm and friendly vibe. It’s a six-minute walk from Chiayi Train Station’s front entrance. The shop is small and charming, tucked away in an alley where you might easily pass by without noticing. They offer dine-in seating, with drinks like coffee, tea, and sparkling beverages, and desserts based on what’s made fresh that day. Their signature item is the purple sweet potato taro cheesecake, along with cream puffs, brown sugar pudding, and Earl Grey milk tea panna cotta—all incredibly delicious.

• Address: No. 431, Lanjing St, West District, Chiayi City, Taiwan
• Phone: +886-903007186
• Hours: 11:00-18:00 (Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
• FB: Mountainfoot Sweets

A-Po Grilled Corn 阿婆烤玉米

“A-Po Grilled Corn” is praised by many netizens as the best-grilled corn in Taiwan. It’s so popular that even on weekdays, you might have to wait several hours. There’s no phone reservation, so as soon as they open, they start handing out number tickets. It’s recommended to get your number ticket early to avoid missing out. The process involves getting a ticket, waiting for your number to be called, selecting your corn, paying, and then waiting for it to be grilled. The wait may be long due to the made-to-order grilling process, but the rich charcoal aroma paired with the homemade satay seasoning makes it worth the wait. It’s so delicious that people are happy to wait for it!

• Address: No. 312, Minzu Rd, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan
• Hours: 09:30-21:00 (Closed on Tuesday)

Read More:

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• Food In Tainan | Follow the Locals to Explore Xin Hua’s Street Foods and Seasonal Delicacies