Great value for money – 21 flavors to choose from | Hidden gem for Italian pasta in Xinqijiang’s alleys

Text & photos byShadow

The bustling Xinqijiang shopping district has long been a popular hangout for young people in Kaohsiung, offering trendy fashion items, plenty of street food, and cinemas. We’ve introduced the snacks and restaurants here before, and this time we’re back with another delicious meal recommendation. With its adorable name, Hommi Bear (熊二), this cozy little pasta shop tucked away in a lane has been open for several months. Had the owners not reached out to us, we might never have known about this affordable and tasty pasta spot.

The restaurant is an open-concept space, spanning the width of two storefronts. With minimal partitions, the layout feels airy and spacious. The venue is divided into two areas — the inner section has air conditioning, while the outer part does not.

There are no fixed dining hours, making it perfect for those who enjoy lingering conversations. The shop only has two staff members: one chef and one front-of-house. All dishes are made to order, so please be patient.

Ordering is self-service — just check off your choices and place your order at the counter. Prices range from NT$138 to NT$258, and you can upgrade to a set meal for an additional NT$59.

A la carte main dishes come with bread and black tea, while upgrading to the set meal for NT$59 adds a salad and soup. The garlic bread is freshly baked and delightfully crispy, and the salad portion is generous, with a sauce that suits our taste perfectly.

Even the humble corn soup is carefully prepared — thick but not sticky. Though not mind-blowing, it’s smooth and enjoyable.

Garlic & Chili Bacon Pasta – NT$168 (a la carte)

Shadow loves garlic-based pasta, and although every place has its own twist, the bold aroma of garlic here is instantly appealing, complemented by a generous helping of bacon that really tempts the appetite.

As expected with “garlic and chili,” there’s a kick to the spice. The red chili brings a heat that pairs well with the garlic, especially as you reach the bottom of the bowl where the spice intensifies — but in the best way. The pasta has a nicely balanced texture, and it’s not greasy at all.

Mixed Sausage Pasta – NT$188 (a la carte)

The tomato sauce is perfectly reduced, and a generous sprinkle of cheese powder covers the pasta, creating a rich blend of tangy tomato and savory cheese. It’s been ages since I’ve had such a flavorful red sauce pasta.

Packed with both bacon and sausages, the portion looks incredibly hearty, and there’s also a good amount of pasta. The shop really goes the extra mile — all this for under NT$200 is truly a great deal.

Hawaiian Pizza – NT$128

I was expecting a traditional round pizza, but the chef serves a creative variation — using soft French bread as the base, topped with pineapple, shrimp, and cheese, then baked until the exterior turns crispy.

The texture is definitely different from a classic pizza. The soft bread paired with a generous layer of rich cheese offers an innovative twist — cheese lovers should definitely give it a try.

Mixed Fried Chicken Nuggets – NT$58

Comes with both regular nuggets and lemon-flavored chicken fillets — best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer.

Lemon Winter Melon Slush – NT$78 (a la carte, left) | Black Tea – NT$30 (a la carte, right)

The set meal includes black tea, but other drinks are available at an additional cost. The lemon winter melon slush is blended very smoothly, with a well-balanced flavor — quite delicious. The black tea is fairly standard, tasting somewhere between old-school black tea and a more generic brew.

The pasta here is honestly delicious — made with quality ingredients and generous portions. For under a hundred dollars, the value is amazing. The chef previously worked at a restaurant in Taipei, and all the sauces are homemade. They’ve nailed the flavors we love. This meal was truly impressive — who knew such tasty pasta was hidden away in these alleys? We can’t wait to share this find, and this pasta is definitely going on our must-return list. Highly recommended.

Homji Bistro
Address: No. 31, Lane 25, Wenhuang 1st Rd., Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-2818806
Business Hours: 11:00–22:00
Closed on Wednesdays

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