Deep Dive into Hsinchu’s Dong District Hidden Gem: "Private Taste" Affordable Late-Night Eatery

Text & Photos / Kisplay Daphne

In downtown Hsinchu, things get pretty quiet around 9 PM, let alone finding a place to grab a bite. Not to mention, the cost of living in Hsinchu isn't exactly cheap—especially when it comes to food, where prices are high and options are limited. But a group of young entrepreneurs boldly broke the mold by opening an affordable eatery that stays open until late at night, serving grilled skewers, fried delights, beer, and more. With a wide variety and wallet-friendly prices, you can enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank.

Private Taste is located on Datong Road—not in the main commercial district but not far either. It's a ten-minute walk from Hsinchu Railway Station, about 700 meters away. For those who prefer not to walk, you can take the Dayeh Chang Department Store shuttle bus from in front of the station and<城隍庙站>get off, then walk five minutes toward Mandymilan. But I personally think walking is faster and healthier—waiting for the shuttle also takes time.

Many izakayas have opaque exteriors and dim lighting, which can be intimidating to potential customers. In contrast, Private Taste has a storefront that lets you see straight into the interior, making it much easier to step inside—lol~

As soon as you enter the shop, you can see the kitchen where the staff work. The equipment is new and clean, and watching them continuously prepare and serve dishes, you barely notice any smoky grill smell—the ventilation system is well done.

The shop was opened by a group of people born in the 1980s (the "seventh generation"), with clear division of labor between front and back of house. Their attitude is humble, earnest, and polite. The head chef also runs an Italian pasta restaurant on Jinshan Street and is super busy. Pasta and barbecue are completely different fields—pretty impressive.

Most yakitori shops are designed in a Japanese style, but Private Taste goes for a retro vibe, decorating with vintage items bought online, including old wooden school desks and chairs. The overall atmosphere feels much more approachable, which fits perfectly with their down-to-earth pricing.

The B1 dining area is much larger and gives off even more of a classroom vibe. These days, most schools use plastic furniture, so these rustic wooden desks and chairs are becoming increasingly rare.

Also on display are vintage mobile phones from past generations and nostalgic household appliances.

On the walls are illustrations of the currently hottest LINE stickers.

The menu is thoughtfully laid out. Though not an exhaustive list, it covers all the basics: chicken, seafood, vegetables, fried items, rice bowls, soups, beer, and drinks. If you’re not sure what to order, check out the menu posted outside the entrance—I think the items listed there are all their signature dishes. All skewers are made by grilling raw ingredients, so there’s a bit of a wait.

The two plates below are both vegetable skewers. The seasoning on the veggies is relatively mild, letting their natural flavors shine through.

{J White Bamboo Shoots

King Oyster Mushrooms

Premium Wagyu with Frosting
The wagyu with even marbling and no sinew is incredibly tender. Cooked to medium-rare with no blood, just a slice of garlic or onion makes each bite delicious. The grilling is expertly controlled—no parts are overly charred or undercooked. As you chew, the fat and lean meat squeeze out juices, bringing out the richest beef flavor.

Left: Bacon-wrapped ??? (text unclear)

My favorite dish here is the peeled chili beef skewer. The peeled chilies, after being processed and marinated, lose their bitterness and instead offer a savory spiciness that’s very palatable. They act as a fantastic flavor enhancer tucked inside the beef, elevating the taste without needing heavy seasoning on the meat itself.

The slightly sweet ??? (text unclear) pairs wonderfully with the other flavors.

Ayu (Sweetfish) (Male)
I think the female ones with eggs are tastier. If you’re not into eggs, you can ask the staff to grill the male ones. They come out with an even golden-brown sear, tender and fresh.

Cold Udon Noodles
The sauce is a house-made sesame dressing—not thick, with a hint of vinegar added. It’s rich yet refreshing with a slight tang, and the noodles are perfectly chewy.

With a half-boiled egg added, the noodles become even smoother and more luscious.

From left to right:Beef short ribs, beef skewers, pork with tomato
The meat between the bones is the beef short ribs. The ones with onions are the beef skewers. Grilled along the grain, they’re incredibly tender—properly cooked but not overdone. Personally, I find the short ribs more flavorful in their natural state, while the beef skewers have a stronger seasoning. But that might just be my taste buds speaking.

Pork and tomato features small whole tomatoes wrapped in pork slices. Freshly grilled and slightly warm, the surface is coated with a savory-sweet sauce. Eating the tomatoes together with the pork slices helps reduce the greasiness of the meat with the warmth of the tomato juices.

Private Taste Chicken Nuggets
There’s no bone at all — it’s all thigh meat, crispy-skinned and juicy. The seasoning is relatively strong, but squeezing some lemon juice over it or dipping it in Japanese-style egg yolk mayonnaise makes it much better.

Crispy Fried Tofu
Available in two flavors: teriyaki or miso. On this day, we had the miso version — the coating is light, while the inside is tender and melts in your mouth. It’s drizzled with a miso-based sauce that brings out a stronger bean flavor, then topped with bonito flakes and shichimi pepper for a hint of spice and smokiness.

I’m usually not okay with places that allow customers to bring pets, but the dog at Private Taste — Naicha — is incredibly well-behaved and gentle. She stays quiet and never bothers other guests or enters the cooking area. According to the staff, this is her third home and third owner. Naicha isn’t here every day; sometimes she’s at the store on Jinshan Street. Some customers even come specially to see her.

Another store dog, a dachshund named Hana, is even more low-key and always stays curled up in her bed. She used to be a breeding dog and was abandoned when she got too old to reproduce. Because of that, she’s quite shy and wary of strangers.

It’s barbecue festival season again. While buying your own ingredients and grilling them yourself is a lot of fun, what do you do when you’re short on time? You can simply order a barbecue meal from the shop to grill at home. For just NT$1,000, you can get enough for 2–3 people. Even if you can’t gather a group, definitely consider adding on the shop’s signature Private Taste BBQ sauce — it really brings out the skill in their cooking.

Looking at the neighboring table, there were at least five or six people, and they ate for just over NT$1,000 — that’s really cheap. Want to enjoy barbecue without having to grill it yourself, and without spending hundreds on an all-you-can-eat meal where you might overeat or waste food? Private Taste’s variety and portion sizes are perfect for that kind of diner. Even if you’re dining alone, you can still enjoy a refined selection of barbecue dishes.

※ Private Taste – Grilled/Deep-Fried Dishes & Beer
Address: 132 Datong Rd., Hsinchu City
Phone: 03-5254860
Business Hours: Monday–Sunday, 5:00 PM–2:30 AM
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/%E7%A7%81%E5%9A%90/152045978309835

※ Photo/Text Source:Kisplay