For a late-night snack in Tainan, go to the old-school spots！ Try classic danzai noodles and minced pork rice.

Text & Photos /Three Highs Sir

Even though I’ve passed by Yongle Market many times, I’d never tried Jiangchuan at the corner — another old Tainan shop known for its minced pork rice. The stall displays small side dishes in little bowls, just like a traditional Taiwanese meal set. Pick a few sides and pair them with a bowl of minced pork rice, and it’s instantly appealing.

If you’re still up for food during late-night hours, check out Houye at Nanxing Eel Noodles. By the way, there are surprisingly many barbecue stalls along this short stretch of road. It reminds me of the mouthwatering aroma that filled the air when I visited Nanxing during the Mid-Autumn Festival two years ago.

I arrived at Jiangchuan just moments before closing, and some dishes were already gone. In the end, I ended up eating while watching them shut down. A customer who arrived a bit late by motorcycle could only leave with a resigned look on his face.

The old folding tables under the covered walkway, served with loofah, lion’s head meatballs, fish ball soup, and minced pork rice — it was a uniquely comforting experience. The stir-fried minced pork had a layer of rendered fat, and after slow cooking, it developed a slightly chewy yet not mushy texture. The flavor is on the saltier and more robust side, typical of Tainan style. The soy sauce used brings a pleasant aroma without being monotonous. Though it lacks a strong signature trait, it’s undoubtedly tasty minced pork rice.

Before relocating to its current spot, Houye Danzai Noodles is said to have quite a history. The whole place has an old wooden charm to it, and the displayed braised dishes beckoned me to try at least a few. A plate of pork tendons over bean sprouts, drizzled with their homemade braising sauce, was fragrant and delicious.

Ideally, a bowl of danzai noodles with the full broth would be better, but with the gradually warming weather, I opted for the dry version. I added a springy grass shrimp and a transparent soy egg. Compared to fatty chopped pork bits, I prefer the minced pork made from ground meat, stir-fried until aromatic — just the smell makes your mouth water. The fat-to-lean ratio at Houye is pretty good. Add a spoon or two of the chili oil on the table, and it hits the right balance of flavor without being too spicy.

Overall, it’s a decent late-night eatery — nothing fancy, but enjoyable.

Jiangchuan Minced Pork Rice
Address: No. 19, Sec. 3, Minzu Rd., West Central District, Tainan City
Business Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Houye Danzai Noodles
Address: No. 129, Kangle St., West Central District, Tainan City
Business Hours: 5:30 PM – 3:00 AM

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