A homely eatery in Kaohsiung: Irresistible sesame oil fried rice with egg and fish-flavored eggplant

Text and photos byHuli, all smiles

Xiaofang Kitchen is Huli’s go-to dining spot — she’s been eating here for about four or five years now. The place originally operated in front of the Dafang Supermarket near the Art Gallery before relocating to Cuihua Road, where it continues to thrive. It’s conveniently located near the Guomao community in Zuoying. Here, the must-try is the sesame oil fried rice with egg — its rich, aromatic flavor makes you fall in love at first bite. It’s practically a staple on Huli’s order every time, and she could eat it three days in a row without getting tired of it (laughs). If you’re looking for something more filling, go ahead and order some of their signature stir-fries. Their Western breakfasts and classic old-school drinks are also great choices. With long operating hours, foodies can dine here from breakfast all the way through to a late-night snack.

▲Sesame oil fried rice with egg – NT$80This sesame oil fried rice with egg is Huli’s favorite dish — just one taste will have you coming back for more for days on end (laughs). Available year-round, it’s made fresh to order and served hot, bursting with deliciousness.

▲ The owner stir-fries shredded pork, eggs, and ginger strips evenly with white rice, then adds sesame oil — the aroma that wafts through the air is simply intoxicating, making your mouth water the moment it’s served. The fried rice isn’t greasy or heavy, but smooth and easy on the palate. It tastes even more fragrant when eaten on-site, though Huli usually takes it to go and eats it at home.

▲Mixed fried spaghetti – NT$80On one of her visits to Xiaofang Kitchen, wanting to try something new, the owner recommended the mixed fried spaghetti and char siu rice. Huli opted for the spaghetti to sample something different. Surprisingly, the toppings were quite generous, and it turned out to be another flavorful and aromatic delight.

▲ The thin spaghetti had a wonderfully chewy and springy texture, rich and savory with a full-bodied sauce flavor, and just the right amount of saltiness to make it irresistibly tasty.

▲ The fried spaghetti was made with a selection of premium ingredients. The owner mentioned that the clams didn’t look too appealing that day, so she substituted them with shredded pork — still packed with heart and sincerity.

▲Scallion omelet – NT$50The scallions weren’t skimped on at all, giving each bite a tender texture. The rich egg flavor combined with the fragrance of scallions created a nostalgic taste, with a mild saltiness that never gets tiresome. (On a side note, the owner said this plate has been used since 1987 — it’s super pretty and vintage!)

▲ Egg lovers, remember to order a scallion omelet to go with your rice.

▲Fish-flavored eggplant – NT$80Huli hadn’t even noticed this dish on the menu before. The owner really knows her way around the kitchen (laughs), so Huli couldn’t resist ordering it just to try something new.

▲ The spice level can be adjusted — Huli asked for it mildly spicy. The eggplant turned out soft and tender, yet still retained a slight crunch and deep, rich sauce flavor. Paired with meat chunks, it added a nice textural contrast, making it a perfect side dish that goes wonderfully with rice.

▲Stir-fried cabbage – NT$50Whenever having the sesame oil fried rice with egg, Huli always adds a side of stir-fried cabbage. The owner specially selects high-mountain cabbage, which has a crisper, sweeter taste. If you like spice, you can ask for it stir-fried with chili for an extra kick.

▲ The warm-hearted owner pulled out this big head of high-mountain cabbage from the fridge while prepping the dish. Even though it costs more than regular cabbage, she insists on using quality ingredients for her cooking.

▲ A little bit of spice adds an even richer flavor. The crisp, tender cabbage crunches satisfyingly with each bite — the genuine taste is reminiscent of home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by mom, making each mouthful warmer and more comforting.

▲Corn chowder – NT$40The soups are also made fresh to order. This one uses specially selected corn kernels, resulting in a sweeter taste. When cooked with ham, it gains more depth. Slightly thickened, it’s not overly dense, and the saltiness is just right for Huli.

▲Char siu egg burger – NT$65Xiaofang Kitchen isn’t just about Chinese dishes — they serve all kinds of breakfast items too. Sometimes, when Huli wants a little something extra after a meal, she’ll order a burger as a snack. She highly recommends the char siu egg burger, made with marinated Wuxi pork, paired with lettuce. The meat is tender, juicy, and has a bit of chew, along with a touch of fat and a unique salty-savory flavor. It’s super satisfying.

▲Papaya milk – NT$60Don’t miss out on this rich and creamy papaya milk if you love that kind of flavor. Made with papaya and premium fresh milk, it’s smooth, fragrant, and so good you’ll finish it in no time.

▲Classic winter melon tea – NT$30Huli absolutely loves the classic winter melon tea. It’s made by the owner by simmering winter melon bricks into a rich, aromatic drink, which is then chilled without adding ice cubes. It stays thick and flavorful until the very last sip.

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▲Front Counter Ordering Area at Xiaofang Kitchen

Xiaofang Kitchen has moved from the art gallery to Cuihua Road. Although the location has changed, the taste remains the same — still the delicious flavors that Huli remembers fondly. Since the owner currently operates for long hours, you can dine here almost anytime from breakfast until late night, enjoying freshly cooked hot meals whenever hunger strikes.

Recommended for those who want to enjoy tasty home-style cooking ^^

Xiaofang Kitchen
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Address: No. 479, Cuihua Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday 08:00–04:00 (next day) / Closed days subject to official fan page announcements
Phone: 0937-632251

Huli smiling happily
Life is about experiences, and living is about trying new things. “Taste” is a highly subjective matter — it’s only when expectations are met and emotions are stirred that a beloved flavor is born.
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