Fuzhou Couple in Matsu Sells “Chongdi Cakes” – Golden, Crispy, with Bouncy Fillings

Reported and photographed by Reporter Chen Ziying / Matsu

Exploring the Matsu region, you’ll find a variety of distinctive local snacks such as Jianguang Cake, Dingbianhu, fish noodles, and more – all delicious must-tries. At the old market in Jieshou Village, Nangan Township – the Jieshou Lion Market – there’s an unnamed stall selling golden, crispy “Chongdi Cakes.” Though the flavors may seem simple, they’re irresistibly delicious and make you want to keep coming back for more.

▲The Chongdi Cakes sold at this stall in the market may look plain, but once you take a bite of their perfectly crisp exterior, you'll be hooked.

At just NT$20 per cake, the golden hue of the Chongdi Cake is enough to make your mouth water. Take a bite and you’ll experience the ideal balance of a crisp yet tender crust, with a filling of rice flour and mildly spicy shredded pork bursting in your mouth. The savory meat and vegetable flavors meld together, filling your palate with aroma and leaving you unable to stop eating.

The husband-and-wife team selling the Chongdi Cakes, like many in Matsu, are a Fuzhou couple. The husband warmly greets customers at the front of the stall, while the wife is in charge of “guarding” the pan of Chongdi Cakes. She uses a round iron spatula to scoop up a batter made from ground soybeans and regular rice, then adds pre-stir-fried Xinjiang rice noodles mixed with cabbage, leeks, and shredded carrots. For those who want a bit of heat, mildly spicy shredded pork can be added upon request. The mixture is then placed in the hot oil. Once the exterior turns a golden-brown color, it’s taken out, drained of excess oil on the side of the pan, and ready to eat.


▲The scooped batter is topped with the stir-fried noodle-vegetable mix, and finally, shredded pork is added based on customer preference.

▲Freshly fried Chongdi Cakes look incredibly appetizing, and those with peanuts stuck to the crust are the ones that contain spicy shredded pork.

The husband says that Chongdi Cakes are a snack from the coastal regions of eastern Fujian. In the early days when resources in Matsu were scarce, Chongdi Cakes were an important food for locals. Traditional versions of the snack include oysters in the filling, hence the name “oyster cake,” which is quite similar to Taiwan’s common “oyster omelet” (蚵嗲), though the latter has a thinner crust and a crispier texture.

For just NT$20, a Chongdi Cake paired with a cup of rich soy milk makes for a perfect breakfast. If you’re visiting Nangan Township in Matsu, don’t miss trying the “Chongdi Cake” – a simple yet unforgettable taste.

【Shop Information】
Address: 2nd Floor, No. 363, Jieshou Village, Nangan Township, Lienchiang County (Upon entering the Jieshou Lion Market, located to the left of the staircase)
Phone: None
Business Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (may close earlier if sold out)