I go to Kaohsiung pretty often to visit family, and every time I'm there, the food is honestly one of the highlights. Actually… it's basically the itinerary - I pretty much plan the trip around what I want to eat 😆
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I feel like Taipei gets a lot of attention, but Kaohsiung is SUCH a good food city - especially if you love seafood, night markets, and just walking around and eating everything in sight.
Over the years, I've tried a mix of local spots, popular restaurants, and random finds - and these are some of the foods and places I keep going back to (or always recommend to friends visiting).
Fresh Seafood by the Harbor
One of the BEST food experiences I had in Kaohsiung was going to the harbor and eating super fresh seafood.
I went to Keziliao Harbor Fish Market (蚵仔寮漁港) - you literally walk through the market and pick out live seafood (clams, shrimp, crabs, lobster, fish, etc.), and then take it across the street where vendors will cook it however you want.
It doesn't get fresher than that.
If you want something similar but more of a day trip vibe, you can also head to Cijin Island (旗津) - it's a short ferry ride (super cute and fun) and once you get there, there's a whole street of seafood spots, plus a beach and even a sunset bar at the end.
Local Specialties You Should Try
Kaohsiung has so many classic Taiwanese dishes you'll see everywhere and they're all worth trying.
- Beef noodle soup (牛肉麵) - I usually go to Qing Yi Se Beef Noodle Soup (清一色牛肉麵), and they even have free bubble tea lol
- Duck or goose rice
- Congee + Taiwanese breakfast foods (like dan bing!)
- Conveyor belt sushi (it's just super fresh in Taiwan)
If you're willing to go a bit outside the main city, Gangshan (岡山) is famous for goat meat. One of the most well-known spot is Old Market Mutton (舊市羊肉) super popular and very local. You can get stir fries, hot pot, and more!
If you want more of a sit-down, home-style Taiwanese meal, I also really liked Chef Teng Restaurant (鄧師傅). They have a bunch of classic dishes like braised meats, veggies, soups the kind of comforting, everyday food you'd eat at home.
If you want something a little different from the usual city eats, I also visited Luye Shanzhuang (鹿野山莊) - it's more of a scenic, countryside-style restaurant where you can enjoy a full meal in a relaxed setting. Definitely a nice change of pace from night markets and street food.
Easy & Reliable Restaurants
If you want something easy, familiar, or just consistently good:
There's a Din Tai Fung inside Hanshin Arena Mall but go early or on a weekday because it gets INSANE, and then go shopping afterwards to burn off the calorie lol
Hot pot / shabu shabu is everywhere - I like Jhu Jian Hot Pot (築間幸福鍋物) and of course Haidilao Hot Pot.
BBQ spots are also super popular - think Japanese-style or Korean-style grilling at your table. I went to Tan Zuo Ma Li (碳佐麻里) and it was SO good - lots of meats, seafood, and sides, plus fun group dining vibes
Teppanyaki spots (aka Hibachi in the U.S.) are also super fun and really common - you can go as casual (like the ones in the mall food courts) or as fancy as you'd like (Cardinal Teppanyaki 家蒂諾鐵板燒 is my fave!)
If you're looking for something a little more elevated but still relaxed, I also had a great experience at Lee's Garden Wine Bar (蘼樂餐酒). It has a cozy, slightly upscale vibe that's perfect for date night or a nicer dinner out. The service was really friendly and attentive, and everything we tried was solid such as the pesto seafood salad and the Iberico pork chop:
Night Markets in Kaohsiung
You HAVE to go to at least one night market.
The two most popular ones are:
- Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市)
- Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市)
Personally… I like Liuhe more 😅
It's easier to get to, more spacious, has public bathrooms, and isn't insanely crowded. Ruifeng is fun too but can feel a little chaotic/claustrophobic for me. BUT with that said people LOVE Ruifeng so don't let me stop you from going.
At night markets, make sure to try:
- Oyster omelets (蚵仔煎)
- Taiwanese sausage (香腸)
- Stinky tofu (臭豆腐 - if you're brave lol)
- Grilled or fried squid
- Geng (羹 - a Taiwanese thick soup), with options like squid (魷魚羹) or fish like Spanish mackerel (土魠魚羹)
- Oyster vermicelli (蚵仔麵線)
- Lu wei (滷味 - you pick random meats/veggies/tofu and they cook it for you… so good lol)
- Fried chicken cutlet (雞排)
- Sweet potato balls (地瓜球) - super popular night market snack
- Banana crepes
There's more... like so much more I can't list it all lol
If you have a sweet tooth, Kaohsiung has SO many good dessert options.
Some of my go-tos:
- Shaved ice (especially mango in the summer 🍧)
- Douhua (豆花 - silky tofu pudding with syrup and toppings)
- Fresh fruit juices (papaya milk is super popular!)
- Taro balls and other chewy desserts
- Tanghulu - sugar coated fruits (my fave is with cherry tomatoes!)
- Bubble tea or fresh fruit juices
Taiwanese Breakfast Options
If you're in to breakfast, you should definitely check out local small breakfast shops! They serve things like:
- Dan bing (蛋餅 - egg crepe/pancake)
- Fan tuan (飯糰 - rice roll)
- Soy milk (豆漿), hot or cold
- Shao bing + you tiao (燒餅 + 油條)
- Breakfast sandwiches - it sounds vague and simple but it's very tasty - you usually can choose what you want in it
It's quick, affordable, and honestly one of my favorite meals of the day there.
Convenience Stores (Seriously)
Convenience stores in Taiwan are on another level.
You'll see 7-Eleven and FamilyMart everywhere, and they're perfect when you're feeling snacky or just want something quick.
You can grab things like:
- Onigiri (rice balls)
- Bao (steamed buns)
- Oden (a simmered assortment of fish cakes, tofu, etc.)
- Drinks, tea, coffee, beer, and even full meals
Honestly… I go at least once a day when I'm there!
Tips for Eating in Kaohsiung
Short section, super helpful:
- Bring cash - a lot of night market stalls don't take cards
- Go hungry - you'll want to try everything
- Weekdays > weekends for popular spots
Got questions or comments? Drop them below!