New brunch spot in Kaohsiung just opened: Japanese-style grilled salmon rice balls and handmade burgers

Text & Photos /Shadow

Another new brunch shop has opened in Kaohsiung, and its name is quite unique—not in Chinese or English, but pronounced in Japanese, sounding similar to "Maruko" from the cartoon Chibi Maruko-chan. Its transliterated Chinese name is "Ma Lu." No Chinese characters are visible on the restaurant’s exterior, and its overall style has a Nordic casual vibe that makes passersby take a second look. Flanked by tree-lined streets and located in a residential area, plus being a bit away from Hanshin Dome, it enjoys a rather tranquil atmosphere.

In Kaohsiung, the number of brunch-themed restaurants has been growing rapidly every year. Beyond the value-for-money in food, décor has also become a key attraction. Without a doubt, the shop owners put great thought into the design—simple lines and natural elements create a rustic, warm, and heartwarming style that instantly melts the hearts of diners. The vintage furniture near the entrance cleverly serves as an ideal spot for displaying the menu. The lighting casts onto an upside-down picture frame, making the entire composition harmonious with zero sense of dissonance—an impressive feat by the designer.

Like most people—and Shadow—the majority are office workers who are usually busy during weekdays and rarely have time to sit down for a proper breakfast. The only time they can truly enjoy breakfast is during weekends. As a result, the restaurant tends to be more crowded on holidays, so it's recommended to make a reservation in advance.

The restaurant mainly occupies the first and second floors. The first floor is primarily a bar area with the cashier counter for ordering and payment. High stools are placed in front of the bar, but they’re not ideal for dining and are seldom chosen. When you come to eat, seating is arranged by the staff, and most guests are guided to seats on the second floor.

Let’s take a look at the second floor. At a glance, there aren’t many seats—only enough space for about twenty people. It’s a bit of a pity we couldn’t capture empty shots on the holiday due to the crowd.

The greenery and natural light make this row of seats one of Shadow’s favorites—perfect for solo diners who don’t have to feel awkward sitting face-to-face with others.

The shop seems fond of using Edison bulbs, creating a vintage, retro ambiance that complements the window frames downstairs. As a result, the interior is relatively dim.

From the menu, it’s clear the shop is committed to quality ingredients—each source is clearly listed to reassure diners, which is a thoughtful touch.

The dishes include handmade burgers, Japanese-style breakfasts, and pancakes. Brunch prices range from NT$210 to NT$250, all served with a drink. Options include Earl Grey tea, Japanese sencha, apple juice, lemon soda, milk tea, and yuzu tea.

Those with bigger appetites can also order a farm salad separately for between NT$90 and NT$135.

Pancakes, which are only available starting at 1 PM, focus on light meals and are offered only during the afternoon tea period. Adding another drink comes with a NT$45 discount.

Drink options abound, including coffee, tea, soda, and slushies, catering to all tastes.

Ma Lu Breakfast Series – Seasonal Soup

The wooden tableware gives off a rustic charm and feels quite nice. It looks like pumpkin soup, along with a big piece of French bread inside.

The pumpkin soup is quite rich—even the texture of pumpkin fibers can be felt. Unsure if butter or fresh milk was used, but the quality of the milk flavor isn’t great—the aftertaste leaves a slightly off note, which is a bit of a shame.

Farm Salad – Seaweed Tofu Salad NT$90 / à la carte

It’s rare to find seaweed in a brunch salad, and this one is full of various vegetables—nutritionally excellent. The tofu has a great texture—finer than traditional tofu pudding yet without the slippery feel of soft tofu. A subtle bean aroma builds slowly in the mouth. Dipped in sesame sauce, this salad gets a nice boost. We really liked it.

Sun Teriyaki Chicken Leg Burger NT$220

The burger bun here is unlike the usual ones from breakfast shops—it’s of better quality, chewy, and delicious. This brunch also includes a salad and skin-on fries, with portions just right.

The salad comes with a Japanese-style sauce that’s refreshing and appetizing. The skin-on fries are thick and solid, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, offering a satisfying fullness.

The burger is filled with teriyaki chicken leg meat. However, the taste isn’t what I’d expect from teriyaki—it’s more like Chinese soy-braised chicken. While the chicken is flavorful, it’s also a bit salty and lacks layers of taste. Reducing the saltiness a bit and adding more sweetness for balance might make it closer to true teriyaki flavor.

Yamada Family Brunch NT$240

Recently, Japanese-style breakfasts have been trending. This dish mainly features grilled salmon rice balls as the star, accompanied by the previously mentioned salad and skin-on fries, plus a slice of toast. If you’re not too hungry, you can skip the toast. But if you’re really hungry, you can easily finish everything—the presentation is also quite memorable.

I like the toast’s crust—it has a nice bite.

Yuzu Tea (drink included with brunch)

Warm yuzu tea is very comforting in the morning. The sweetness is mild—if you want to get the yuzu pulp, give it a shake first.

Apple juice (beverage included with brunch)

The apple juice, cold and slightly tangy like a vinegar drink, was refreshing and helped cut through the richness — quite tasty indeed!

I truly appreciate the care and effort the shop has put in, both in terms of the restaurant's visual presentation and the dishes served. With just a few small improvements in the finer details, it could be even more perfect. The shop has only recently opened, yet many people have already visited as if on a pilgrimage. It gets very busy on weekends, so it’s recommended to make a reservation to avoid disappointment. The upstairs single seats have iron railings — parents with young children should pay extra attention. This brunch spot offers a nice vibe and style, perfect for starting your morning with some relaxation and enjoyment. Recommended for everyone.

Shop name:MARU 麻鹿早午餐
Address: No. 195, Xinzhuang 1st Rd., Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-3106065
Business hours: 09:00–18:00
Closed on Tuesdays

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