Mysterious! Late-night ghost-themed delicacies in Tainan—super aromatic fried rice and xiaolongbao

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Tainan is just deliciously amazing lately. The city’s late-night ghost-themed food scene has made a strong comeback, drawing foodies to satisfy their cravings after dark. Hidden near a funeral parlor are tasty xiaolongbao, and there's a rich, savory fried rice that sells out in just four hours daily—all in Tainan!

▲ The ghost fried rice makes a comeback, now renamed as "Ghostly Fried Rice." (Photo / IG@insteatgramProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Ghostly Fried Rice (formerly Ghost Fried Rice)

Last year, Tainan’s late-night queue-worthy ghost fried rice shot to fame, operating only four hours a night yet attracting massive crowds and becoming an overnight sensation. But after just over a year in business, it closed, leaving many food lovers disappointed. Last month, the owner announced its return under a new name: Ghostly Fried Rice. The relaunch also brings a format change—not just fried rice, but also desserts and American-style burgers will be on the menu.

▲ Hell Fried Rice and Ghostly Fried Rice have bold flavors and are must-try bestsellers. (Photo / IG@eatingfun55Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

The new menu features four types of fried rice: Ghostly Fried Rice, Hell Fried Rice, Norwegian Mackerel Fried Rice, and Bacon Fried Rice. Aside from the Hell Fried Rice at NT$70, all others are NT$60. The Ghostly Fried Rice, fragrant with basil, and the spicy-numbing Hell Fried Rice with Mexican chili, both pack a punch and are top menu picks. There’s also an Angel Egg Pancake, filled with onions and mayonnaise, topped with generous dried bonito flakes—sweet, soft, and incredibly moreish.

Address: No. 78, Chidong Street, West Central District, Tainan City
Business Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 20:00–24:00 (Closed Mondays)
Phone: 0989-253420

▲ Ghost xiaolongbao and ghost shaomai—each piece handmade. (Photo / IG@_foodlifestyle_Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Ghostly Station

Originally from Yunlin, Ghostly Station’s Tainan branch is run by the owner’s son, specializing in ghost xiaolongbao and ghost shaomai. Located near a funeral parlor, tucked away in a quiet residential alley, it’s a bit off the beaten path—and the name adds to the eerie charm. You can choose xiaolongbao, shaomai, or a mixed combo of four each (8 pieces total for NT$70), plus a complimentary drink.

▲ You can also order the mixed combo—four shaomai and four xiaolongbao. (Photo / IG@kiwigouProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

The xiaolongbao wrappers are slightly thicker than usual, but not as doughy as baozi—they pair perfectly with the filling. The shaomai features thin wrappers and juicy, Q-textured fillings, reportedly made entirely in-house, from wrapper to filling.

Address: No. 191, Lane 482, Section 2, Datong Road, South District, Tainan City
Business Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 7:00–24:00; Sunday, 7:00–19:00 (Closed Mondays)
Phone: 0908-192700