Tainan Dongcai Market newly opened: hearty seafood congee and classic minced pork rice!

Text and photos by /Sean

Recently, I spotted a new specialty shop for minced pork rice and seafood congee at Dongcai Market on IG. It opens very early, has a modern interior, and since I happened to have free time these past two days, I went there for breakfast two days in a row and wrote this all up to share when I got home.

Although Xian Mudan is located inside Dongcai Market, its entrance is a bit off to the side, situated on Wanchang Street — it’s easier to spot by looking for the sushi stall flag at the alley entrance.

There aren’t many seats inside — just 5 in total: 2 + 1 + 2.

Thoughtfully, there are hooks under the tables.

The space inside is small, with no restroom, but the decor and background music give off subtle Japanese vibes.

The menu is also quite simple.

My original plan was to have the minced pork rice, but on the first day I suddenly craved soup, so I decided to go for the seafood congee instead.

Most seafood congees in Tainan have similar ingredients and are made more like rice soup than true congee. So assuming the ingredients are fresh, what really sets them apart is the broth. The first sip reminded me of our family favorite, Koji Yoshii — it wasn’t as intense in that fresh seafood flavor, but it was still excellent. That naturally sweet and savory taste was really delightful!

On the second day, I returned to finally try the minced pork rice I’d missed. Xian Mudan’s version isn’t overly sweet and doesn’t use 100% fatty pork either. The seaweed flakes and pickled ginger on top differ from what you typically find at other minced pork rice shops. The overall flavor is aromatic without being too salty.

Adding the specially selected pepper makes it even better. I’ve been on a mission to try all kinds of minced pork rice, and here’s my takeaway: “A good bowl of minced pork rice usually tastes even better with a sprinkle of white pepper.” On the flip side, if it only tastes good without the pepper, but adding it brings out an unpleasant porky flavor, then it’s just not right.

Oh, and if one bowl still isn’t enough to fill you up, you can do what I did and ask for half a bowl more — it’s not on the menu, but the owner is happy to make it for you.

The weather is about to get colder, so I should be able to try everything on the menu soon. I’ll keep adding photos and reviews over time. I’m posting this now before I forget again!

P.S.: I think one of the owners looks like Kiriyama Renn from the Japanese drama CODE:M, especially when he’s wearing glasses.

P.S.2: That drama isn’t very good — definitely don’t watch it.

Xian Mudan FB

Business hours: 08:00–14:00 (not certain about days off due to recent opening; evening service is under preparation)
Phone: 0900 285719
Address: No. 1, Lane 45, Alley 164, Qingnian Road, West Central District, Tainan City (inside the lanes of Dongcai Market)

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