Chilled Delights: Late-Night Classic Taiwanese Marinated Snacks in Kaohsiung – Choose from Over 20 Varieties

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The owner, who had run a clothing business for twenty years, spent most of her life in that industry before deciding to leave her familiar trade behind and open a marinated snack shop. Her decision to start this new venture is somewhat connected to her husband’s family, who had been in the food business for generations. Having grown up watching them prepare snacks, she picked up some basic skills. Later, when she wanted to open her own snack shop, memories of her husband’s family’s marinated dishes inspired her to make chilled marinated snacks the focus of her second career. It took half a year of research to perfect her recipes.

These chilled marinated snacks are quite popular in southern Taiwan, especially during the summer months when people tend to have less of an appetite. We often choose to eat marinated snacks when we’re not feeling very hungry. The owner has refined her husband’s family’s traditional recipes to better suit modern tastes. Each day, she offers around twenty to thirty different types of marinated items, and once they’re sold out, that’s it—because all these chilled snacks are made fresh daily. She personally goes to the market early in the morning to select the freshest ingredients, then prepares and marinates everything herself. Since everything is handmade, production is limited, and preparation takes time, which is why she opts to open in the evening and stays open until late at night.

Normally, when we think of marinated snacks, we picture street vendors selling takeout. It’s actually quite rare to find a place that also offers sit-down dining. Though there aren’t many tables and chairs, at least it provides some convenience for customers.

The one-of-a-kind food counter was custom-made by a carpenter. Initially, the owner approached dozens of shops, but none were willing to take on the job. Eventually, she found a craftsman who agreed to build it. Perhaps the design was something the experienced carpenter had never tackled before. After discussing the concept with the owner and pooling ideas together, they finally created a version everyone was satisfied with. When there are no customers, the shop owner pulls down the screen doors to maintain hygiene.

Typically, marinated snacks are sold in pre-portioned servings, but the owner broke from tradition and opted for a weight-based system, pricing at NT$30 per 100 grams, allowing customers to pick as much as they like. The owner shared that after hearing feedback from customers who wanted to try a variety of items, she got the idea to let diners serve themselves, choosing as much or as little as they want from the shop’s twenty-plus marinated offerings.

The twenty-plus varieties of marinated snacks mostly include common favorites, such as pig ears, pig liver, rice blood cake, crispy intestines, cucumber, duck feet, seasonal vegetables, and more. Each item is marinated until glossy and inviting, stimulating the appetite.

Stir-fried instant noodles are sold in boxes, either in a large portion for NT$50 or a small portion for NT$30.

Chicken feet are just NT$10 for three, and they’re incredibly flavorful.

We ended up getting two boxes. Due to differing weights, one box came to NT$140. It included enoki mushrooms, pig ears, crispy intestines, tofu, vegetarian squid, king oyster mushrooms, cucumber, and more. Each item was seasoned to perfection, rivaling even the taste of well-known marinated snack shops.

This box was NT$120.

The rice blood cake was perfectly marinated, with just the right texture, and even the pig skin was included. Unlike other marinated snack shops that drizzle extra sauce, the flavors here are rich and savory on their own, with just a sprinkle of chopped scallions for garnish.

Tofu skin is one of the shop’s most popular items. Even though the shop prepares several times more than other ingredients, it still sells out in seconds.

Stir-fried instant noodles come in plastic containers—NT$30 for a regular portion or NT$50 for a larger size. The flavor isn’t too heavy, so if you’re on a budget but still want a filling meal, instant noodles are a great option.

The owner’s homemade chili sauce is extremely spicy. She says it’s made from Thai chilies, and even a small amount packs a serious punch. As expected, it’s not something someone like me can handle easily.

For those who enjoy spicy food, adding a little bit to your noodles or marinated snacks can give it a nice spicy kick.

The owner’s husband’s family used to sell drinks as well, so following that old family recipe, she also offers beverages at her marinated snack shop.

Classic Brown Sugar Black Tea – NT$25 (large), Retro Milk Tea – NT$45 (large)

The owner’s marinated snacks are not only delicious, but her drinks also carry that nostalgic flavor. Whether it’s black tea or milk tea, the taste is rich and authentic, and the sweetness level is just right. For those who like ice, there are crushed ice cubes in the drinks, making them super refreshing.

There’s a little backstory behind the shop’s name, “A-Mei.” To match the shop’s atmosphere, the family initially chose more elegant names and asked for divine guidance, but none were approved. Just as they were about to give up, someone suggested using the name “A-Mei” on a whim—and to everyone’s surprise, they kept drawing lucky lots. Even the family found it unbelievable.

There are plenty of chilled marinated snack stalls in Kaohsiung, but this owner has carved out her own niche. By offering weight-based portions, sit-down dining, and a selection of drinks, she’s transformed the way people enjoy marinated snacks—you don’t have to take them to go. You can sit down, relax, and savor the freshly marinated flavors. And don’t miss the drinks here either. If you’re not in the mood for hot food, come try the chilled marinated snacks. Highly recommended.

A-Mei Chilled Marinated Snacks

Address: No. 739, Jianguo Road, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City
Map:https://goo.gl/maps/cu24DZoTG8r
Phone: 07-3804328
Business Hours: 17:30–11:30
Closed: Sundays and Mondays

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