Insider Series: 20 Must-Try Rice Cakes in Kaohsiung, According to Locals

Text & Photos /Kaohsiung Food Map
(Compiled by Mr. Alan and Carrie / Photography by Ryan Jhan / Copyright © Kaohsiung Food Map)

20 Traditional Rice Cakes That Dominate Kaohsiung
This steam of glutinous rice mixed with woody fragrance is a flavor that warms the heart

Lift the wooden lid, and the steam of glutinous rice infused with the woody aroma from the barrel wafts up. Watch as the skillful vendor swiftly scoops the fragrant and chewy rice with a wooden spoon into a bowl, then drizzles it with their signature homemade pork lard, adds the right amount of shredded dried fish, and tops it off with crisp green cucumber slices—doesn’t this taste just like the traditional rice cake flavor that Kaohsiung locals love?

Rice cakes, which look very similar to pork lard-glazed glutinous rice, are essentially made with four basic ingredients: glutinous rice, pork lard, shredded dried fish, and cucumber. Carefully selected long-grain glutinous rice is soaked and steamed to perfection. Then, spoon after spoon of hand-made pork lard, simmered from pork cheek for a rich yet non-greasy flavor, is poured over to maintain the texture of the rice and prevent the core from getting too soft—this forms the main base of traditional rice cakes.

One way to enjoy it is to thoroughly mix the glutinous rice, pork lard, and shredded dried fish before eating. Alternatively, you can take a bite of the flavorful rice and scoop up some shredded dried fish in one go—another unique way to savor the rice cake. Some vendors even offer white pepper for diners to add themselves, and the hint of white pepper gives the traditional rice cake an extra delightful kick.

Compared to Tainan’s rice cakes, those in Kaohsiung usually do not include peanuts. Also, traditional rice cakes differ in both texture and appearance from tube-style rice cakes. While everyone’s perception of good food may vary, the shops featured in the Kaohsiung Rice Cake Food Map are deeply integrated into the lives of the locals. Some have been passed down through two or three generations, some are widely praised by residents, and others are beloved by tourists. No matter their fame, they all hold their ground and have won over countless foodies, becoming must-return spots time and again.

Rice cake, a common street snack we often take for granted, actually requires surprisingly time-consuming preparation. Many might not know why steamed glutinous rice is covered with a wooden lid to keep warm. The reason is that the wooden lid absorbs moisture, preventing the rice from becoming soggy from absorbing too much steam while staying warm. Vendors also need to soak the glutinous rice early in the morning for hours to prepare for the rush of customers once the shop opens.

It turns out that this simple bowl of rice cake we hold involves such meticulous attention to detail. Approach these humble snack shops that started from small stalls with a heart of gratitude. No matter how times change, there will always be that one flavor that warms the heart.

[Tong Ji Rice Ball & Rice Cake]

Located next to the parking lot of Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Tong Ji Rice Ball & Rice Cake specializes in rice cakes and rice balls. Most regulars here order one rice cake along with one rice ball. Tong Ji serves their rice cake with plenty of pork lard sauce, allowing every grain of glutinous rice to soak up the aroma and saltiness. It’s also topped with generous slices of cucumber and a good amount of savory shredded dried fish, making the whole bowl even more satisfying. For many locals in Kaohsiung, Tong Ji, which opens at 6 AM, is their go-to breakfast spot.

Address: No. 3, Glory St., Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
Business Hours: 06:00–20:00

[Zhang Ji Crispy Pork Ribs]

Situated at the corner of Xifeng Night Market and run by two brothers, Zhang Ji Crispy Pork Ribs draws crowds as soon as it opens at 4 PM. Here, everyone orders a bowl of rice cake paired with a bowl of fragrant yet non-greasy crispy pork ribs—no exceptions. In addition, there are other hot and nourishing soups like mushroom chicken feet, lotus seed pork tripe, and mushroom-braised duck, all masterfully prepared by the owner. The fresh flavors are amazing—you’ll realize night markets are truly full of hidden gems.

Address: No. 99, Harbin St., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City (at the intersection with Xifeng St.)
Business Hours: 16:10–22:30 (until sold out; irregular holidays)

[National Market Rice Cake City (Huang Family)]

“Boss, I’d like a small portion of rice cake!” Watch as the boss generously scoops spoonful after spoonful of glutinous rice into a bowl, drizzles it with a balanced pork lard sauce, adds peanuts (a less common ingredient in traditional Kaohsiung rice cakes), and tops it with shredded dried fish and cucumber slices—the portion is quite generous. Compared to other rice cake shops, the glutinous rice here is steamed to a softer and chewier texture, and the pork lard sauce isn’t overly salty. This place mainly serves takeout customers, often selling several boxes at a time. Since it’s only open for four hours a day, it’s frequently sold out. When ordering a rice cake, don’t forget to add a pitch-black, shiny braised duck egg—the Q-textured egg and its creamy yolk are so delicious you might almost swallow your tongue.

Address: No. 123, Zhongxiao 2nd Rd., Lingya District, Kaohsiung City (inside National Market)
Business Hours: 11:00–15:00

[Old-School Xiong Rice Cake]

The well-known 60-year-old shop “Old-School Xiong Rice Cake” in Fengshan is located on the bustling Wujia Road. The first-generation founder originally only sold zongzi, but starting from the second generation, rice cakes were added to the menu—and customers loved them so much they kept coming back. Now, the third generation carries on the family craft. The rice cakes here are slightly sticky with a soft yet firm texture—not too mushy or too hard. The owner says they start washing and steaming the rice early in the morning, and it’s all sold out by the end of the day. Don’t miss their Four Treasures Soup, which is packed with ingredients like pork intestines, Job’s tears, lotus seeds, gorgon fruit, and poria cocos—no shortcuts taken.

Address: No. 22, Wujia 1st Rd., Fengshan District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-7410428
Business Hours: 10:30–22:30 (until sold out)

【Fengcheng Rice Cake】

Also a long-established shop in Fengshan, Fengcheng Rice Cake is now in its second generation of ownership. The most distinctive feature of their rice cake is the addition of shredded sweet potato to the glutinous rice, which gives the dish not only the aroma of braised sauce and the sweetness of glutinous rice, but also the texture and flavor of sweet potato as you chew. Unlike other places, they don’t serve Four Treasures Soup here—instead, their sweet-flavored meatball soup and generously filled fish ball soup make perfect pairings with the rice cake.

Address: No. 56, Minsheng Rd., Fengshan District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-7996133
Business Hours: 11:00–21:30

【Rice Cake Uncle’s Rice Cake Shop】

Set up with a few tables and chairs under the arcade, Rice Cake Uncle’s Rice Cake Shop operates primarily in the afternoon and evening, making it a decades-old establishment that locals in Fengshan have grown up eating. The soft and chewy glutinous rice is drizzled with braised pork sauce, topped with shredded fish and sliced cucumber—it’s a popular late-night meal for many after work. Don’t miss out on their warming Four Treasures Soup, shredded bamboo shoot spare ribs soup, and pickled vegetable pork tripe soup, all excellent companions to the rice cake.

Address: No. 281, Guangyuan Rd., Fengshan District, Kaohsiung City
Business Hours: 16:30–23:30 (irregular closures)

【Yancheng Tainan Rice Cake (No Signboard)】

The savory braised pork sauce seeps into the fragrant and chewy glutinous rice, accompanied by well-pickled cucumber slices and a generous portion of shredded fish. This no-signboard Yancheng Tainan Rice Cake offers simple yet satisfying flavors. The Four Treasures Soup comes with tender, flavorful pork intestines in generous amounts, making it more than enough for a fulfilling meal. Though it’s just a modest shop with a few simple tables and chairs, the space is kept clean and tidy, ensuring a worry-free dining experience.

Address: No. 257, Lainan St., Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City
Business Hours: 11:00–20:00 (closed on Tuesdays)

【Xiaozhandu Rice Cake】

A Kaohsiung institution with over 60 years of history across four generations, “Xiaozhandu Rice Cake” features rice cakes with braised pork sauce, cucumber, and a bit of shredded fish, plus the added texture and aroma of peanuts mixed into the glutinous rice. In addition, sliced dishes like pig tongue, pig liver, three-color egg, rice sausage, red fermented pork, and blood sausage are also famous must-tries at Xiaozhandu—so popular that they’re sometimes sold out by early afternoon. For many locals, this old-school spot is a nostalgic part of their lives, enjoyed across three generations. Though the relocated Xiaozhandu Rice Cake lacks luxurious decor, its bold black-and-white signage speaks volumes about its deeply rooted and irreplaceable status in the hearts of Kaohsiung residents.

Address: No. 19, Zili 2nd Rd., Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-2825088
Business Hours: 09:00–20:00

【Nenjiang Street Nameless Rice Cake】

Hidden in the alleys of Nenjiang Street, this nameless eatery is marked only by a white sign with big red characters simply reading “Rice Cake”—so let’s call it “Nenjiang Street Nameless Rice Cake.” With its non-greasy braised pork, shredded fish, cucumber, and chewy yet not sticky glutinous rice, it makes for a classic rice cake experience. If there’s anything truly special, it’s the incredibly affordable price. Ordering a rice cake, miso soup, braised egg, and fried tofu will still leave you some change from NT$50—a rare find in today’s era of soaring prices.

Business Hours: 06:00–10:00
Address: No. 32, Lane 159, Nenjiang St., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City

【Ajiang Rice Cake】

Rice cake paired with frog soup—this rare and unique combination can only be found at Ajiang Rice Cake in Yancheng District. Recommended by locals as a hidden gem, Ajiang Rice Cake has been around for nearly 60 years. Though the location is unassuming, its small selection of dishes is more than enough to make for a satisfying meal. If frog soup isn’t your thing, try a bowl of rich yet not greasy winter melon spare ribs soup alongside Ajiang’s traditional 60-year-old rice cake—it’s still an incredibly fulfilling experience.

Address: No. 23-29, Xinghua St., Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-5326225
Business Hours: 11:00–20:00

【Rice Cake Family】

At Rice Cake Family, the braised pork sauce drizzled over the glutinous rice is aromatic, tender, and rich, paired with distinct grains of rice, shredded fish, and crisp cucumber slices—features that make it especially appealing. With its clean and hygienic dual-shopfront setup and prime location in the Hanshin Main Store shopping district, it attracts both nearby mall shoppers and passersby.

Address: No. 227, Zili 3rd Rd., Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-2813939
Business hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

【Wanquan Meatball Rice Cake】

Wanquan Meatball Rice Cake, in business for nearly fifty years, is now run by the second-generation daughter. Located in Xiziwan, a bit away from the city center, most of the customers here are regulars referred by word of mouth. The signature of Wanquan Rice Cake lies in its distinct, fluffy grains coated with savory meat sauce, topped with generous amounts of shredded fish and thick, crispy cucumber slices. Some customers also order their handmade meatballs, which are another specialty here.

Address: No. 1, Linhai 1st Rd., Gushan District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-5330498
Business hours: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM

【Rice Cake City】

Located in Yancheng District, Rice Cake City is a highly iconic snack shop and a must-visit old eatery for many tourists. Their rice cake is similarly made with glutinous rice topped with savory meat sauce, shredded fish, and pickled cucumber slices. To this day, you can still see elderly staff serving diners from morning till night.

Address: No. 107, Darong Rd., Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-5333168
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM

【Beigang Three-Generations Tsai Family Tube Rice Cake】

Slightly different from traditional methods, tube rice cake is steamed in bamboo tubes or metal cans filled with glutinous rice and meat sauce. The Tsai family, who started selling oil rice at Beigang Chaotian Temple in 1956, has passed the business down to the third generation. Their richer-flavored tube rice cake is well-known in Yancheng District and even favored by locals. The generous meat sauce and mushrooms infuse the glutinous rice, while the accompanying ginger slices offer a refreshing aroma that cuts through the richness. Their steamed egg soup is also unique and very popular.

Address: No. 167, Hexi Rd., Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-5517443
Business hours: 2:30 PM – 10:30 PM

【Qingxi Snack Bar】

Hidden within Kaohsiung’s famous Lunar New Year shopping street, Sanfengzhong Street, Qingxi Snack Bar has been around for 60 years and is a hidden gem for locals. Though the shop is simple, it’s always bustling with people daily. Tube rice cake, meatball soup, salty glutinous ball soup, and diced ingredient soup are their specialties—especially during the Lunar New Year shopping rush when long lines form.

Address: No. 80-1, Sanfengzhong St., Sannong District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-2867767
Business hours: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

【Zheng Family Specialty Rice Cake】

A long-time favorite among the people of Fengshan, this rice cake is first drizzled with Four-Gods Soup over white glutinous rice, then topped with meat sauce and a touch of shredded fish, with pickled cucumber as a staple side. This time, it's paired not with Four-Gods Soup but with Pickled Vegetable and Pork Tripe Soup, which is just as delicious.

Address: No. 139, Zhongshan Rd., Fengshan City (in front of Taiwan Optical, near Wujia Intersection)
Business hours: Starts selling at 10:00 PM

【Tainan Traditional Snacks】

The shop name straightforwardly uses “Tainan Traditional Snacks.” While there aren’t many online reviews, its reputation by word of mouth is high. The menu features well-known Tainan favorites such as rice cake, danzai noodles, and pork trotter rice, but the signature rice cake is highly recommended, and the lard rice is also excellent.

Address: No. 129, Shangyi St., Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-2228459
Business hours: Closed on Sundays

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