Locals’ picks: 12 must-try snacks and street food in Tainan

Text & photos /Food in Tainan

After a long day at work, when hunger kicks in around 3 or 4 pm, having a snack or afternoon tea is definitely a small joy that makes busy working days better

1. Uncle Shun’s Chicken Wings An old-school chicken shop with flavors beloved by locals

Uncle Shun’s fried chicken follows the traditional Taiwanese style (like what you’d find at a night market stall), which gives it a familiar and comforting vibe

Uncle Shun’s Chicken Wings
Address: No. 237, Section 1, Haitian Road, Annan District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-2586119
Business hours: 2 pm – 10:30 pm

2. Lin Family’s Sweet Bean Paste | *Floss Roll* Golden buns with molten sweet bean filling – a nostalgic classic taste

The sweet potato filling is best enjoyed hot, as the first bite bursts with flavor, almost like eating a molten sweet bun. The sweet yet not cloying taste, paired with the fragrant aroma of sweet potato and peanut powder, creates a uniquely local Tainan flavor that’s well worth trying.

Lin Family’s Sweet Bean Paste | *Floss Roll*
Address: Intersection of Youai Street and Section 2, Guohua Street, Tainan City
Business hours: 11:30 am – 8:00 pm

3. Xiejin’s NT$2 Oden Heartwarming oden for just NT$2

When many locals in Tainan think of NT$2 oden, they immediately recall the one from Xiejin Elementary School. This place may not be as famous, but it’s a nostalgic old shop. Run by two kind elderly women, it’s the go-to spot for those craving skewered oden, rice blood pudding, or pork lung and pork cheek, all served up with alleyway charm.

Xiejin’s NT$2 Oden
Address: No. 15, Lane 22, Daxin Street, Tainan City
Business hours: 10:30 am – 7:00 pm (Closed on Sundays)

4. Dog-Bitten Corn Locally grown black pearl sticky corn – a healthy and tasty treat

Garlic butter flavor offers a rich, savory mix of garlic and butter with plump, juicy corn – an absolutely perfect pairing.

The satay flavor wafts through the air, and taking a big bite combines the sauce’s aroma with the corn’s natural taste, making it incredibly memorable.

Dog-Bitten Corn
Address: No. 20, Yidong Road, East District, Tainan City
Phone: 0903053663
Business hours: 16:00 - 23:00, closed on Mondays

5. Tainan Famous Handmade Steamed Buns The Number One Buns in the World, a viral hit that has everyone licking their fingers

Although each bun may look simple and plain, the fillings are truly surprising. Every bite is chewy and springy, paired with delicious and smooth fillings — an absolute delight. Highly recommended.

Tainan Famous Handmade Steamed Buns
Address: No. 143-1, Section 1, Minsheng Road, West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-2223857
Business hours: 14:00 - 19:30, closed on Mondays

6. Huang Ji Fresh Tuna Rice Roll Freshly made and fried, bursting with aroma — a popular afternoon tea choice for office workers

The fish paste must be fresh, with no unnecessary additives, and it needs to have a good bounce. This handmade, freshly fried tuna rice roll really hits the spot for me.

The golden and crispy handmade tuna rolls don’t even need extra seasoning. With one bite and a good chew, the rich flavor of tuna fills your mouth. Add in the hard-boiled egg inside, and the taste is simply top-notch!!

Huang Ji Fresh Tuna Rice Roll
Address: No. 26, Lane 74, Section 3, Hai’an Road, North District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-2258478 / 0985-799170
Business hours: 11:00–18:30 (closed on weekends)

7. 177 Scallion Pancake A crispy, savory treat in the alleyways that even kids can’t resist

The freshly pan-fried scallion pancake is full of aroma, with shredded cabbage and eggs sticking together, complementing the chewy pancake skin to create layers of flavor. The thoughtful owner also adds basil, enriching the overall taste. Sprinkle some pepper while hot for an extra umami kick.

177 Scallion Pancake
Address: Lane 177, Zhongshan Road, West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 0903611469
Business hours: 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm (until sold out)

8. Chef Fang’s Snack Stall A soul-satisfying local delicacy that’s seriously addictive

The signature combo of Pig Blood Soup + Stir-Fried Rice Noodles — even this everyday stir-fried noodle dish sells out so fast that “if you come late, you won’t get any.” The noodles are both chewy and silky smooth, refreshing with every bite. The pig blood soup is clear yet flavorful, with tender, smooth pig blood that’s completely free of gaminess. The pig intestines are perfectly tender, and when paired with chopped leeks and pickled vegetables for extra flavor, it becomes absolutely divine.

Chef Fang’s Snack Stall
Address: Lane 158, Section 1, Haitian Road, Annan District, Tainan City (opposite No. 71)
Phone: 0921-671-217
Business hours: 11:00–21:00, closed on Sundays

9. Nanyuan Street Potstickers The legendary queue-worthy potstickers

No signboard and located in an alley, so it’s a bit hard to find. Delicious, freshly made, hand-wrapped, and pan-fried on the spot—once you’ve tried them, you’ll realize every moment of waiting was worth it.

Pan-Fried Dumplings on Nan Yuan Street
Address: No. 160, Nan Yuan Street, North District, Tainan City 704
Phone: 06 234 6668
Business Hours: 10:00–16:00, Closed on Sundays

10. Liu’s Chive Pockets A burst of lingering aroma in your mouth, leaving you wanting more

Made fresh by rolling, pan-frying, and deep-frying — all labor-intensive and time-consuming processes. The filling is hearty and solid, packed with chives, dried tofu, and cellophane noodles. The wrapper is crispy yet not greasy, with the fragrant aroma of fried wheat dough. Though it looks simple, it’s incredibly satisfying.

Liu’s Chive Pockets
Address: No. 159, Anbei Road, Tainan City (Opposite Ximen Elementary School)
Business Hours: 14:30–18:30 (until sold out) (Irregular hours)

11. Tsai Family Oyster Fritters Golden, crispy, non-greasy, affordable, and delicious traditional oyster fritters

Made to order and deep-fried only after customers place their orders. Each fritter is generously stuffed with oysters, wrapped not in flour but in glutinous rice and soybeans, giving them a uniquely crispy texture and exceptional taste.

Featuring fresh oysters from Dongshi, Chiayi — plump, juicy, and not overly greasy after frying. Instead, the rich sweetness of assorted vegetables and tender oysters fills the air with an appetizing aroma. These fritters are so flavorful on their own that they don’t even need dipping sauce.

Tsai Family Oyster Fritters
Address: No. 453, Gongyuan Road, North District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-2818629 / 0929217558
Business Hours: 14:30–17:30, Closed on Mondays

12. Yang’s Intestine & Oyster Vermicelli A light and refreshing broth, infused with the natural umami of carefully simmered ingredients

Layers of textures and flavors intermingle, washing over your palate wave after wave — every bite brings a sense of joy.

Fresh Oysters: Carefully selected from local Anping oysters, washed and drained before being lightly coated with a thin layer of starch. This not only removes any fishy smell but also firms up the surface and locks in the oysters’ natural sweetness.

Pork: Select high-quality domestic pork hind leg meat, processed using the owner’s secret recipe, then lightly dusted with starch to seal in the flavor. Juicy and tender with each bite.

Intestines: Though they may look plain and unseasoned, these slowly braised intestines gradually release the aroma of traditional Chinese herbs as you chew. They’re incredibly smooth and easy to eat, making you want bite after bite. Soft yet slightly chewy, bursting with fragrance and whetting the appetite.

Handmade Vermicelli: Crafted through multiple processes to achieve a unique flavor. Slow-simmered to perfection, every strand is silky and smooth.

Yang’s Intestine & Oyster Vermicelli
Address: No. 378, Anping Road, Anping District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-358 0318
Business Hours: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM (until sold out)