Sesame pancakes, soy milk, and meat buns are generously stuffed—all for just 12 NT. Travelers flock here for them.

▲Meat bun 12 NT, cabbage bun 12 NT, leek bun 12 NT—we ordered one of each to try.

Photo & text /Shadow


Lailai Breakfast is a well-known Chinese-style breakfast spot in the Zuoying military dependents’ village. At the start of the new year, my husband and I rose early and headed to the village in search of authentic Chinese breakfast. We arrived at Guomao Community, home to many local snacks, including several must-visit breakfast shops—Lailai Breakfast being one of them. The long queue speaks volumes about its popularity. Both tourists and locals come here specifically for its fame.

Though the shop isn’t large, it employs plenty of staff. Add the customers, and the small space gets packed. Whether dining in or taking out, everyone lines up here, which keeps things orderly for both the staff and patrons. The only catch is patience—the line moves fairly quickly, though.


After squeezing to the front, we snapped a photo of the buns in the steamer. To handle the crowd, the kitchen keeps restocking nonstop. Items like egg crepes, which are cooked to order, require a bit more waiting time.


Sesame flatbreads are lined up as well, but we didn’t get to try them this time. Next visit, for sure—especially the scallion pancake, which has been on my list.

Fried dough sticks are also handmade. While waiting in line, you can watch them being made.


Most items are priced around 12 NT, which is very affordable. If you want to eat in, someone has to save a table first. My husband handled ordering while I secured our seats—it’s common to share tables, so no need to mind too much.


One thing we forgot to mention: the incredibly popular dipping sauce, made in-house. A generous mix of scallions, chili flakes, and soy sauce—perfect for dipping egg crepes or buns.

Pan-fried buns are placed in a corner, likely because there’s not a prominent spot for them. Just tell the staff what you want when ordering—they’ll bag it for you. The meat bun is 12 NT, cabbage bun 12 NT, and leek bun 12 NT. Though the menu doesn’t list flavors, there are two varieties.


The leek flavor seems stronger here, plus there are dried shrimp mixed in. Those who don’t like leeks might not enjoy it—I’m one of them—but my husband loves it.


The cabbage isn’t chopped too finely, giving it a nice chew. Combined with the firm wrapper, it’s actually quite to my taste.


The dough has a good bite, and the juicy pork filling is sweet and rich—very hearty. One meat bun was enough to satisfy me.

Egg crepe with fried dough stick is 27 NT. Since it’s made to order, it arrived only after we finished the meat and pan-fried buns. The crepe might be handmade—we didn’t see the process—but it has a slight chewiness. On its own, it’s tasty, and paired with the fried dough stick, the combination of textures is great. The portion is very filling.


Sweet soy milk is 12 NT. It’s decent—not mind-blowing—but compared to powdered versions, this one is genuine and the sweetness is just right.


Before leaving, the place was still packed. The breakfast here is very affordable. Yes, there’s a line, but the speed is decent, so you won’t wait too long. Recommended for anyone who enjoys Chinese breakfast. The new year has begun, and everyone’s full of energy. There are two other Chinese breakfast spots nearby—we’ll introduce those next time.

[Lailai Breakfast]

Address:No. 32, Guofeng St., Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
Phone:07-5832801
Business Hours:05:00–12:00
ShadowSpecializes in introducing local snacks from Kaohsiung and Pingtung. Hopes to find more food buddies through sharing. Feel free to leave the address, name, and recommended dishes of your hidden gem snacks on the “Foodie Friends” graffiti wall. A food review will be shared soon.

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