Kaohsiung specialty snack: A luxurious seafood congee with abalone, squid, and oysters

Text and photos byShadow

People in Kaohsiung love seafood congee, perhaps due to the city’s abundant marine resources. From night markets to restaurants, seafood congee has become a signature snack of Kaohsiung. This time, we’re introducing Gǔzào Shrimp Rolls, a shop that opened less than a year ago. The owner previously ran a store in Tainan before moving to Kaohsiung, where they combined Tainan’s signature shrimp rolls with Kaohsiung’s seafood congee.

The shop specializes in seafood congee, using fresh seafood delivered daily from Qianzhen Fishing Port, then simmered in a daily-made broth to cook the congee.

The interior feels like stepping back to grandma’s era — from the flooring underfoot to the walls, everything is designed with an old-fashioned charm. Even the condiment area features wooden cabinets reminiscent of the past, giving this eatery a nostalgic vibe.

Menus and pens are placed on the tables. The shop mainly serves seafood dishes at reasonable prices, and you can enjoy a bowl of rich seafood congee for just over a hundred dollars.

Seafood congee – NT$130

The broth for the seafood congee is first made into a white soup using pork bones and vegetables, then cooked together with a variety of seafood ingredients. The flavor is rich and layered, going beyond a simple rice soup. There’s even more seafood than rice in the bowl, including several shrimp, crab sticks, clams, oysters, squid, and abalone — an incredibly luxurious mix of ingredients, all for just NT$130.

Not many places serve seafood congee with abalone, and having a whole piece is extremely satisfying.

Miso seafood noodles – NT$140

The broth is the same as the seafood congee, but miso is added for flavor, making it slightly saltier. It contains the same seafood as the congee, including abalone, shrimp, and crab sticks.

The fine noodles have a soft yet slightly chewy texture, reminiscent of Japanese ramen. Ordering a bowl like this is truly great value.

Steamed salt seafood platter – NT$130

For seafood lovers who want more, try the steamed salt seafood platter. The salt-steamed seafood has a richer briny taste, while the sprinkled celery adds fragrance and enhances the freshness and deliciousness of the ingredients.

Signature shrimp rolls – NT$50 for two

A representative snack from Tainan, shrimp rolls are also available in Kaohsiung. They are made by wrapping fish paste and fresh shrimp with pork caul fat, then deep-fried. The coating is thin and results in a delightfully crispy texture. Don’t miss trying these unique-tasting rolls when you visit.

Squid rings – NT$60

The squid is fried until crisp and fragrant, lightly dusted with pepper for added flavor, giving the rings a savory kick. Currently, customers who check in after purchasing receive a free plate of squid rings.

Kaohsiung now has another great option for seafood congee. The seafood dishes here rival those of well-known congee shops — generous portions and carefully prepared broths. Visitors will surely appreciate the care and sincerity of the owners. Seafood congee fans, why not switch it up and come support this shop? Highly recommended.

Gǔzào Shrimp Rolls
Address: No. 134, Lin Sen 2nd Rd., Lingya District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-3384178
Business hours: 11:00–21:00
Closed on Sundays
 

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