Get full for just ¥30！Taichung traditional market: fist-sized steamed pork buns & golden scallion pancakes

Text & photos byOrange Dog Loves Candy

As a kid, my mom and grandma loved taking me to traditional markets. Though my role was usually just carrying stuff and bearing the weight, I always found the bustling, noisy, sweat-drenched markets surprisingly warm and fun. As an adult, I still enjoy hunting for food at night markets—many cheap and delicious street food stalls are hidden within the lively chaos.

Recently, I visited Sakura Market on Xitun Road and stumbled upon this unassuming steamed pork bun and scallion pancake stall that’s always pretty busy. It’s run by an elderly couple, and I don’t recall seeing many recommendations for this place, but after trying it once, I really liked it.

Sakura Market is more of a night market. It’s not very big in scale, but business is still pretty good after 2:30 PM. Recently, several restaurants have opened nearby, and right across from it is a Temple of the Earth God (this temple offers free Wi-Fi) along with surrounding vendors.

Actually, the area is still a fairly lively little commercial block in the afternoon. Recently, Sakura Market has been renovated and expanded, making the space feel even more spacious. One day, while waiting for the red bean pancake stand to open outside, I wandered in and saw this steamed bun and scallion pancake stall surrounded by people. There was no stall name, just signs for the two items. The heat from the griddle never stopped, and the stall was always piled high with freshly fried buns.

A single steamed pork bun costs just ¥10, which is pretty cheap, but what’s even more special is that each bun is about the size of a fist. The scallion pancakes aren’t expensive either—one costs ¥20. For just ¥30, you can get a set and be really full in the afternoon. What a bargain.

(But during the first hour of opening, they usually only sell steamed buns; they start frying scallion pancakes around 3 PM or so.)

【Large Steamed Pork Buns │ ¥10 each │ Can add chili】
Even though they’re super busy and frying a large batch at once, the uncle manages the cooking time for each bun perfectly. Unlike some stalls where mass-frying leads to burnt buns, these are just right—golden brown on both sides. Each one is honestly about the size of a clenched fist. Take a bite, and you’ll find that the ‘wrapper is actually quite thick.’

At first, I thought the size came from the thick wrapper, but actually… the filling is also very generous. The cabbage is soft and sweet without being mushy or yellowed, and the ratio of vermicelli isn’t too small. There’s also a bit of ground pork. The flavor is mildly sweet, not heavy, and the surface is slightly crispy. For ¥10, I think it’s an amazing deal. Two buns and you’re full.

【Scallion Pancakes │ ¥20 each │ Can add chili】
There are quite a few places in central Taiwan that fry up large scallion pancakes like this, but the ‘whole pancake’ size varies by shop. At Sakura Market, the whole pancake isn’t super huge—it’s about enough for one person. The wrapper is thin and crispy, with a bit of chewiness in the middle.

The simple seasoning with pepper and salt is nice, and you can clearly see the big slices of scallions. One whole pancake is just right for one person.

I really like this stall—not just because it’s cheap and delicious, but also because the auntie has such a warm and friendly vibe. She’s quick and efficient, and though the flavors aren’t heavy, the taste is solid and satisfying. If you’re interested, I’d highly recommend giving it a try.

Sakura Market Steamed Pork Buns │ Xitun District

Address: No. 693-2, Fuxing Rd., Xitun District, Taichung City
Phone: None
Business Hours: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Tip: Usually only steamed buns are available during the first hour of opening

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