Kaohsiung’s vibrant culinary landscape mirrors the city’s captivating blend of diverse and rich ethnic cultures. It’s also where WildTaiwan co-founder, Wendy Kung resides. Here are her local insider tips on the must-visit dining spots in the city.
Best Gourmet Restaurant in Kaohsiung
Nanbei Lou Chinese Restaurant 南北樓中餐廳
Nestled away in a quaint lane since 1985, Nanbei Lou exudes an oriental palace charm that’s impossible to overlook. This culinary gem seamlessly weaves together the flavors of salty-sweet Zhejiang and spicy Sichuan with the cherished traditions of Taiwanese cuisine. For locals, it’s a treasure trove of memories, from wedding feasts to the cherished One-Year-Old Catch celebrations. With such an iconic symbol of nostalgia, you can trust that the flavors and service here are nothing short of exceptional. It’s worth noting that on holidays and special occasions like Mother’s Day, Nanbei Lou opts for fixed menus tailored to specific group sizes. They are open daily for lunch and dinner, and reservations are recommended.
Wendy’s favorite dishes: Prawn Roll富貴蝦球，Pork Ribs with Pickled Plums 梅醬嫩子排，Mapo Tofu麻婆豆腐煲，General Tso’s Chicken左宗棠雞柳，
Price: $$
Location: No. 18, Linsen 3rd Rd, Qianzhen District 前鎮區林森三路18號
Phone: +886 73366089
The Local’s Favorite Restaurant in Kaohsiung
Liu’s Traditional Juancun Food 劉家酸菜白肉鍋
A step inside Liu’s Traditional Juancun Food is a step into the heart of a Military dependents’ village. The founder Liu is a living relic of the sharing and supporting ethos that defines this type of cuisine. Here, pickled cabbage is a star, naturally marinated using age-old methods, resulting in those distinctive sour notes that tantalize the taste buds. The charcoal-cooked hotpot itself is a special experience served with dumplings on the side that evoke the warm, communal feeling of a family gathering. The restaurant provides lunch and dinner daily, but rests (is closed) on Mondays.
Wendy’s favorite dishes: Sour Cabbage and Pork Hot Pot 酸白菜火鍋，Beef Noodle Soup 冠軍牛肉麵，Dumpling 水餃
Price: $$
Location: No. 507, Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Qianjin District 前鎮區中山二路507號
Phone: +886 72157676
Best Hole in the Wall in Kaohsiung
Siang Fu Yuan 饗福園
Siang Fu Yuan is a modest community restaurant that needs no flashy decor or TV interviews to shine, earning its reputation for deliciousness amidst the bustling Wenhenger Road Night Market. Here, pancakes and dumplings are freshly prepared upon ordering. A charming mix of patrons, from parents with school-going children to grandparents seeking a comforting meal, infuse this humble eatery with a sense of home. Siang Fu Yuan’s bottomless cups of black tea and soy milk add to this homely atmosphere. Opens daily for lunch and dinner, reservations are not necessary—simply walk in and savor the experience.
Wendy’s favorite dishes: Steamed Veggie Dumplings 花素蒸餃, Xiaolongbao招牌湯包, Dense milk Pancake 乳香烙餅, Beef Potsticker 牛肉鍋貼
Price: $
Location: No. 294, Xingzhong 1st Rd, Lingya District 苓雅區興中一路294號
Phone: +886 73389339
The Trendy Restaurant in Kaohsiung
Old New Taiwanese Cuisine 老新台菜
Old New Taiwanese Cuisine, a culinary gem endorsed by both CNN Travel and Michelin, promises an extraordinary gastronomic journey to visitors. Here, every dish is an artful blend of tradition and innovation. Their kitchen, run by the same team since its inception in 2008, presents meticulously crafted 7- to 8-course omakase menus in diverse price ranges. While locals savor robust flavors, don’t hesitate to request a more delicate touch. The restaurant’s relocation in 2011 brought forth a captivating transformation, seamlessly marrying retro East-meets-West aesthetics.
Wendy’s favorite dishes: Squid ink fried rice 小卷墨魚炒飯, Clam chicken soup 刈菜雞湯, Taro sago soup 芋頭西米露
Price: $$
Location: No. 227, Jiuru 2nd Rd, Sanmin District 三民區九如二路227號
Phone: +886 73133077
WOW-Factor Dining Experience in Kaohsiung
Sanhe Chi-Feng 三禾清豐
Sanhe Chi-Feng is a haven for authentic Taiwanese flavors. Chef Robin Lin, previously chef de cuisine at Eight Tables, brings an academic’s wisdom to the modern Hakka culinary world. With a passion that borders on poetic, he delves into the subtleties of ingredients, whether it is the distinct nuances of Szechuan peppercorns or the art of pickling bitter melon. Nestled in a serene community, the restaurant’s unassuming grey-blue door opens to a space that captures the essence of a traditional Taiwanese home. As seats are limited, reservations are a must. Mark your calendar for the 15th of each month at 11 am to ensure your spot for the following month’s culinary journey.
Wendy’s favorite dishes: Steamed giant grouper 龍膽石斑尾, Captain’s squid beak船長的魷魚嘴，Three colors chicken 三色土鷄
Price: $$$
Location: No. 63, Jiangdu St, Lingya District 苓雅區江都街63號
Phone: +886 966063568
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