Seafood shops near Kenting’s small fishing harbor – get to enjoy live lobsters here!

Text and photos byGui Xiaosun

As someone who’s a seafood enthusiast, every time I visit Kenting, I definitely have to find a seafood spot to indulge. Over the past couple of years, I’ve especially fallen for the seafood shops at Kenting’s small fishing harbor – simple and charming. After trying two other fishing harbor seafood spots before, this time I came to “Aiyu Live Seafood” in Hongchaikeng based on a buddy’s recommendation. And I absolutely loved it from the first bite!

Why do the small fishing harbor’s seafood spots especially attract me? It’s actually quite simple. The seafood here is always served in modest portions, but it’s super fresh. Stepping into the world of the small fishing harbor also brings a different kind of mental relaxation – it feels like a place cut off from the rest of the world, with very few tourists. That’s also why it retains the charming vibe of a small fishing village. I highly recommend that when you come to Kenting, take a stroll around the small fishing harbor.

“Aiyu Live Seafood” is located right by the harbor of Hongchaikeng Small Fishing Harbor. This corner spot is definitely hard to miss. That day, after playing with the sika deer, we came here for seafood, so we were the first customers when we arrived. By the time we left, the place was almost full. The staff included some older aunties and a young girl, who introduced the dishes very politely, without any pushy vibes. Most importantly, they were super patient and incredibly friendly!

The fresh seafood is right there in plain sight. Even though I don’t recognize every type of fish, the freshness just makes you happy just looking at it. The first thing I did was ask the aunty if they had lobsters, and sure enough, there were plenty in the tank next to the clams. They were all adorable little lobsters. Each one costs around 300 NT$, and every lobster was lively and full of energy. Without hesitation, I asked the aunty to give me three!

Here are also the other dishes and the price list for everyone. That day we ordered three lobsters, LP clams, pan-fried fish, stir-fried clams, and green-spotted prawns, totaling nearly 2,000 NT$. We were extremely satisfied. I love the simple scenery of the fishing harbor. Sitting at the best corner seat at “Aiyu Live Seafood,” you can enjoy the blue sky, white clouds, and an unbeatable sea view. I think these are truly priceless. For us who are often in the city, coming here always makes us lose ourselves in daydreaming.

A table full of deliciousness is served. Lobsters are best enjoyed steamed. Out of the three lobsters, I got to enjoy two all by myself. The Q-textured shrimp meat made me smile with every chew. It was pure seafood lover’s bliss. And the tender tofu at the bottom, soaked in the lobster broth, was also incredibly tasty. Paired with chopped scallions, the broth, and steamed rice, it was undoubtedly a continuation of the deliciousness.

The seafood at “Aiyu Live Seafood” is arguably the best we’ve had in Kenting recently. The stir-fried clams were big and plump, the pan-fried fish was full of flavor, and I even got to try Kenting’s specialty – LP clams. Although my friend didn’t like them, seeing how many photos I took of the lobsters, I think it goes without saying how happy I was to taste those long-craved flavors that day. It was seriously amazing!

By the time we left, “Aiyu Live Seafood” was almost fully booked. We got there just in time. It felt like the early bird gets the worm. I think if we had come later, we definitely wouldn’t have gotten any lobsters (laughing out loud again). If you’re also a seafood lover and enjoy the fresh seafood from small fishing harbors, when you come to Kenting, don’t miss out on “Aiyu Live Seafood.” And remember to come early!

Aiyu Live Seafood
No. 12, Hongchai Road, Shanhaili, Hengchun Town
0913 972 760
11:00–14:00; 17:00–20:00

[Enjoy life, don’t be bored. – Gui Xiaosun]、FB