Rich in local charm: 10 budget bites in Kaohsiung’s Nanhua Shopping Area

At the bustling corner of Nanhua Road and Datong Road, a kind-hearted aunty sells a southern specialty: “sugar | jun.” This humble snack has endured for 40 years. Crispy outside yet soft and chewy inside, these treats are made by coating flour dough with brown sugar and frying until golden. The best ones are hot and fresh, with a crispy crust giving way to a gooey center. Locals love pairing them with a cold drink. Stop by early—they often sell out before closing.

Address: Intersection of Nanhua Road and Datong 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung
Business hours: 14:00–22:00 (Closed Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Website:Kaohsiung Food Map Reviews

【QQ Eggs】

A large red-and-white sign reading “QQ Eggs” stands at the intersection of Nanhua Road and Datong Road. For over 30 years, a couple in their golden years has been selling this popular street snack (also known as QQ Balls). The wife takes fresh sweet potato dough, rolls, shapes, and cuts it on the spot, while her husband deep-fries the pale yellow sweet potato bits until golden and crispy. In no time, a pot full of golden QQ Eggs floats to the surface. You might expect these small bites to be greasy, but they’re surprisingly not. The owner’s wife laughs and says their QQ Eggs don’t absorb oil at all and have a pleasantly chewy texture with a rich sweet potato flavor.

Address: Intersection of Nanhua Road and Datong Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City
Business hours: 14:00–22:30

【Lianghui Shu Tofu Pudding】

Located at the intersection of Nanhua Road and Datong Road, Lianghui Shu Tofu Pudding has been run by the same first-generation couple for 17 years, serving traditional-style tofu pudding to customers. What makes Lianghui Shu special is the silky smooth texture of the tofu pudding and the homemade toppings. The syrup drizzled on top isn’t overly sweet. Try their signature Mixed Tofu Pudding, where you can choose any three flavors—peanuts, tapioca pearls, and red beans are all popular options. These toppings aren’t mushy at all; their slight crunch actually complements the silky tofu, which is the secret to this pudding’s deliciousness.

Address: Intersection of Nanhua Road and Datong Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City
Business hours: 15:30–23:00

【Xiaolajiao Marinated Snacks】

Established in 1984, Xiaolajiao Marinated Snacks is a well-known old shop in the Xinxing Market that has expanded across Kaohsiung. Now managed by the second generation, the owner says they prepare over 200 types of ingredients on-site, including dozens of vegetable options and less common meats like offal. If you’re looking for something different in your marinated snacks, the wide array of choices here will definitely amaze you.

Address: No. 128, Datong 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City (Intersection with Nanhua Road)
Business hours: 11:30–00:30

【Nanhua Chinese-Japanese Fusion Cuisine】

Named after Nanhua Road, Nanhua Chinese-Japanese Fusion Cuisine is known for its fair prices and fresh ingredients. Their menu proudly features the exclusive “Soy Milk Seafood Spaghetti,” which has received consistent praise. The hot, creamy soy milk broth delivers a mild, fragrant seafood taste that leaves a deep impression. While the soy milk flavor is somewhat subtle, it enhances the overall richness without being heavy. In addition to spaghetti, the owner generously includes shrimp, shredded pork, meatballs, vegetables, clams, mushrooms, squid, and fish cakes—truly a generous serving.

Address: No. 53, Nanhua 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City
Business hours: Weekdays 15:30–22:30 / Holidays 11:30–22:30
Website:Kaohsiung Food Map Reviews

【Old Li’s Crispy Pork Rib Soup】

Even outside of regular mealtimes, Old Li’s Crispy Pork Rib Soup is often packed with diners. This 40-year-old establishment serves its signature dish in traditional small earthenware bowls. The star is tender, slow-cooked pork ribs with bones and winter melon. The addition of Chinese herbs and pepper gives the broth a mildly spicy kick. Take a spoonful, and though it’s piping hot, the rich, savory flavor is unforgettable—perfect for those who love deeply flavored, oily dishes. The bone-in ribs are cooked until the meat falls off the bone, almost melting in your mouth, yet remaining tender and not mushy.

Address: No. 149, Datong 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City
Business hours: 10:00–21:30 (Closed Thursdays)
Website:Kaohsiung Food Map Reviews

【Charcoal-Grilled Pork Glass Noodles from Fangde】

Who still uses charcoal to boil broth these days? Now in its fourth year at the current location and run by the third-generation owner, Fangde Pork Glass Noodles doesn’t just use charcoal for the broth—it also offers a unique service. When regulars tell the owner which part of the pork they want, he quickly snips off the chosen cut with scissors, then tosses a generous handful of glass noodles into the boiling pot for a few seconds before ladling on the hot charcoal broth and adding toppings like pickled mustard greens. The result is an aromatic bowl of pork glass noodles that leaves a lingering fragrance. Another highlight is the handmade wooden cart, which adds to the nostalgic charm and gives the impression of stepping back in time.

Address: No. 100, Datong 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City
Business hours: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM (until sold out, closed on Saturdays)

[Transportation]
Public transport: Exit 3 of Formosa Boulevard Station on the Kaohsiung MRT

Kaohsiung Food Map
Author introduction: Kaohsiung Food Map is run by Ah Hsiung and Xiao Gao, who share local southern Taiwanese cuisine and cultural flavors. They also occasionally introduce various tourist attractions, sample signature dishes from around the region, capture beautiful scenery, and share Taiwan's food culture and unique human warmth with everyone.
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