The charm of simplicity: Hidden snacks—pig’s blood soup and stir-fried rice noodles

Text and photos byXiao Sheng

I’ve never been a big fan of pig’s blood soup, but the version from this eatery in East District, Tainan, surprisingly won me over. On top of that, the stir-fried rice noodles were absolutely delicious—even I, someone who doesn’t usually like rice noodles, fell for their flavor.

It was only after my sister told me that I discovered there was such an incredibly tasty snack shop tucked away in the alleys near Houjia Roundabout in East District. The shop had no fancy decor—just a weathered signboard and a few tables and chairs set up outside. Despite its small size, customers kept coming non-stop.

The shop is called Tsai’s Pig’s Blood Soup and Stir-Fried Rice Noodles. Apparently, this East District outlet is a branch—the main store is in Wannan Market on Jiannan Road, South District. Though compact, this branch serves incredibly delicious food, even attracting “Fun Taiwan” (愛玩客) to film a segment here. The bright red banner behind the shop is so eye-catching it’s hard to miss.

Every visit shows the owner preparing ingredients for the constant stream of customers—all of which are meticulously prepped early each morning. The workspace is also unique: the counter isn’t high, so the owner sits on a low stool to sort ingredients. This used to be common at traditional snack stalls, but it’s increasingly rare these days.

A poster on the wall explains the benefits of eating pig’s blood, encouraging customers to have more of it. Had it not been for the shop’s info, I’d never have known pig’s blood has so many health perks. It’s highly nutritious and often dubbed “liquid meat.”

A bowl of pig’s blood soup costs just NT$30, which isn’t too expensive. Adding extras like liver or intestines (both large and small) will raise the price. Aside from the soup, the shop also sells stir-fried rice noodles, giving customers extra options to fill up.

The small portion of stir-fried rice noodles (NT$25) may not look like much, but for someone with a small appetite like mine, it’s plenty. Topped with cabbage, shredded carrots, and a sprinkle of pork lard for flavor, it’s simple yet incredibly delicious.

I didn’t used to like rice noodles because most versions are too dry and limp. But Tsai’s noodles, though thin, have a satisfyingly firm texture. The cabbage and carrots add a fresh, crisp bite, while the pork lard brings a rich, nostalgic flavor. The lard is well-balanced—not too greasy—and really elevates the dish. It’s amazing how such a simple, everyday snack can be transformed into something truly special.

The pig’s blood soup (NT$30) is similarly affordable. Adding liver brings the price to NT$55, but seeing the generous portions served—plenty of liver and thick slices of pig’s blood—makes it feel like great value. I’d dislike a cheap bowl with barely any ingredients even more.

Tsai’s pig’s blood isn’t the soft, silky type—it’s hearty with a slight tender-crisp bite. Just looking at the thickness and size of each piece says it all. There’s also no unpleasant fishy taste, which is why even someone like me, who rarely eats pig’s blood soup, finds it so praiseworthy.

Besides liver, I also tried the intestines. The cuts are generous and meaty. The broth is masterfully simmered, with chopped leeks for aroma, plus chunks of pork fat added for extra richness—part of the secret to the soup’s deep, savory flavor.
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Though Tsai’s only serves simple, classic snacks, making them truly delicious is no easy feat. But Tsai’s execution is spot-on. After my first visit, I returned several times. Since it’s close to home, I now have another go-to spot for satisfying street food.
Tsai’s Pig’s Blood Soup and Stir-Fried Rice Noodles
 

Address: No. 62, Lane 41, Section 2, Zhonghua East Road, East District, Tainan City
Business hours: 12:00–19:00 (closed on Sundays)