Skewers that are marinated before grilling are more flavorful — the sweet and savory taste pairs perfectly with a cold beer!

Text & Photos /Dakou

When in Tainan, just stroll around casually and explore the hidden or seemingly unremarkable street food tucked away in alleys. You’ll often be pleasantly surprised. For instance, on one of my trips to Tainan, after having dinner near Sian-gong Temple, I took a walk to the intersection of Minzu Road and Kangle Street and stumbled upon “Shanghao Grilled Marinated Skewers.” There was a long line of people around the stall, which piqued my curiosity. When I squeezed through the crowd, I discovered it was skewers that are first marinated and then grilled. The rich aroma was simply irresistible, so I immediately grabbed a basket to start picking ingredients. Later, I learned that this “Shanghao Grilled Marinated Skewers” is actually a local favorite, jointly operated by the family of Tseng Ya-chih, the head of Sanhe Li. It has been passed down for twenty or thirty years and remains a delicious gem to this day. Such magical grilled marinated skewers are definitely best bought to enjoy as a late-night snack!

[Snack Info]
Shanghao Grilled Marinated Skewers
Address: No. 254, Kangle Street, West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-2293407
Business Hours: 16:30–23:00 (until sold out, Mon–Sat, closed on Sun)

%The shop has a story: originally located on the fifth floor of a building, it moved to its current location five years later and has now been in business for over 20 years!

%When you see the long queue of locals, you’ll understand why this place is so popular. Ever wonder what makes their marinated skewers so special?

%Now managed by the son of the former owner, who handles the grilling while the previous owner’s wife takes care of preparation. The marinated ingredients are pre-cooked, then grilled. The advantage of marinating first and then grilling is that it allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, and you also don’t need to use too much barbecue sauce!

%By the time we arrived, it was already quite late at night, and most of the popular items were almost sold out. So we didn’t get to try everything we wanted.

%The highlight of this place is how quickly they serve the food once you order. The preparation is fast, but the taste is not compromised at all. The pricing here varies — some items are based on market price, others may fluctuate with cost. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff if you’re unsure, as they are very friendly!

%Since we were first-timers, we tried the chicken wings, mushrooms, tofu, quail eggs, sausages, and pig’s blood cake.

%I especially enjoyed watching the son of the store owner grill — his hands never stopped, brushing a bit more sauce on top of the pre-marinated ingredients. The benefit of marinating first and then grilling is that it enhances flavor and reduces the need for heavy barbecue sauce.

%The store owner highly recommended the chicken wings. Depending on your preference, you can choose different parts. We wanted to try the original taste first, so we went with no modifications, but we’d suggest those taking them home to get them sliced and spicy — the flavor would be stronger!

%After choosing our ingredients, we got them in skewer form since we didn’t opt for slicing.

%The chicken wings came out juicy and tender, with a nice mild sweet-salty taste that everyone loved!

%The mushrooms weren’t overly oily, and had a pleasant aroma when grilled.

%The tofu had a nice charred surface but wasn’t burnt, offering a great texture.

%The sausages had a nice snap when bitten into, and the inside was flavorful and well-seasoned.　

%The pig’s blood cake was soft and flavorful, with a mild sweet-salty profile that was subtly delicious.

%The quail eggs were nicely cooked, and the yolk inside remained creamy. The mild sweet-salty flavor was delightful.

%The price may vary depending on the season. Currently, they open around 16:30, but during busy times, they often sell out by 8 or 9 p.m. — so go early if you want to try them!

“Shanghao Grilled Marinated Skewers” combines the best of both marinated snacks and grilled food. By marinating first and then grilling, it not only enhances the flavor but also adds a smoky charcoal aroma. Be sure to eat them while hot — the sweet-salty taste is perfect with drinks or as a late-night bite (underage drinking is not allowed). Friends planning a trip to Tainan shouldn’t miss this local favorite — you might be just as pleasantly surprised as I was!

● ETtoday Eastday News reminds you: Don’t drink and drive, and don’t drive after drinking.

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