Beat the Heat & Stay Full – Kagi’s 50-Year-Old Shop Serves Chilled "Rouyuan" Dumplings

Text & Photos /DaKou (Big Bite)

On a scorching summer day when the heat kills your appetite, what can you eat to feel both refreshed and full? This time, we’re taking you to Kagi to try a local specialty you can only get here. "Nanmen Chilled Rouyuan" in Kagi has nearly 60 years of history. Their chilled rouyuan are not just refrigerated dumplings – their uniquely chewy outer skin, paired with mayonnaise and a special sauce, offers a cool, bouncy texture that’s refreshing and delicious. Let’s dive into what makes "Nanmen Chilled Rouyuan" a must-try Kagi exclusive right now.

Nestled in the intersection of Minzu Road and Jhongjheng Road in Kagi City, this humble shop has nearly 60 years of history and enjoys quite a reputation in Kagi. The small storefront with its yellow signboard is pretty eye-catching.

The entrance is small, but the inner dining area is surprisingly spacious and clean.

Apart from their signature chilled rouyuan, they also offer a variety of staple foods, soups, and cold dishes, so there are plenty of choices.

They also have a small menu board that clearly lists the available options, which isn’t too complicated.

We picked a table near the counter, where the chilled rouyuan were already chilling in the fridge.

We ordered two chilled rouyuan (2 for NT$60), an extra one (NT$30), and a large serving of chilled noodles (NT$40). They didn’t take long to arrive.

The chilled rouyuan come served in a bowl with ice cubes and cucumber slices. The skin is thin, light yellow, and shiny, with the words "rouyuan" written on top in Chinese characters.

The rouyuan are made using chilled dough, so they’re not greasy at all. Instead, they stay pleasantly chewy. The filling includes yam, which is sweet and crisp, giving a well-balanced sweet-salty taste with a hint of tanginess. The thick skin is full of bounce and chewiness, delivering a refreshing and satisfying bite. With the added mayonnaise, the chilled rouyuan become even smoother and more delicious – a surprisingly great combo.

The chilled noodles are also served with sweet sauce on top. The noodle sauce is made with a sweeter base similar to the rouyuan dipping sauce, mixed with vinegar – no sesame paste here.

The noodle sauce is on the sweeter side, paired with raw veggies that make the whole dish refreshing and smooth. It goes down easy.

The vegetables are crisp, and together with the lettuce, the whole dish is refreshing and smooth – you’ll finish it in no time.

We also ordered a small portion of chilled side dishes (NT$60), which include blanched and chilled beans, eggplant, cauliflower, bitter melon, and baby corn. Before serving, they add sliced pickled cucumbers and shredded lettuce, drizzled with special sauce and mayonnaise. It’s refreshing, crisp, and completely cools you down.

Finally, we tried a small portion of assorted chilled sides (NT$60), featuring blanched and chilled vegetables like beans, eggplant, cauliflower, bitter melon, and baby corn. Before serving, they add pickled cucumber slices and shredded lettuce, then top with special sauce and mayonnaise. It’s refreshing, crisp, and clears away the summer heat entirely.

In conclusion, the highlight of "Nanmen Chilled Rouyuan" is that their chilled rouyuan, noodles, or sides are all topped with mayonnaise – known locally in southern Taiwan as "white vinegar" – and a special sauce. The combination is sweet-salty with a hint of tanginess, smooth in texture, and especially cooling and refreshing in the hot summer. It tingles the taste buds and whets the appetite, making you want to eat more. Friends visiting Kagi shouldn’t miss out on this exclusive local delicacy – it’s truly unforgettable.

[Shop Info]　

Nanmen Chilled Rouyuan (Kagi)

Address: No. 191-1, Heping Rd., Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2254882
Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
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