Hidden American-style diner in a veteran village offers solid-tasting signature hot dogs

Text & Photos /Shadow

The friendliness of Taiwanese people and the convenience of life make many foreigners want to settle in Taiwan. Chengfeng Road in Zuoying was once a military dependents' village. Those who have been here know it’s full of veteran village cuisine. Surprisingly, tucked among these specialty shops is an American restaurant. A small eatery specializing in hot dog burgers has been around for some time—we often hang out in the area—but we never noticed such a uniquely non-veteran-flavored spot surviving here.

The owner is an American born in Taiwan who speaks fluent Mandarin. He works as a commercial film photographer and frequently travels abroad for shoots. His wife is a local girl from Zuoying in Kaohsiung—the old house is her family home. After some renovation, it’s been transformed into a new space for the couple. The decor reflects the lifestyle attitude they want to express.

The weathered old house may look unremarkable from the outside, but once you step inside, the scenery will captivate you. There’s a charming outdoor courtyard space in the middle, with a large longan tree providing decent shade. It might get a bit hot in summer, but better in winter.

This kind of old house layout is rarely seen nowadays. Sunlight filters through the longan leaves, casting shadows on the tables—an authentic rural outdoor dining vibe. For those worried about bugs, the shop provides mosquito repellent and fans.

The remaining iron bed frame is an old item left by the owner’s wife’s family—it’s now one of the most sought-after seats.

In addition to the outdoor space, there’s also an indoor dining area that can accommodate about twelve people.

Another exit from the indoor dining area leads to the Veteran Village Cultural Museum. The exterior looks like a countryside house—very rustic, though it’s unclear how many bugs are around here. That’s a bit worrying.

A simple sign lets passersby know hot dogs and snacks are available here.

The man in the photo is the owner of this shop. We were lucky enough to meet him while he was in Taiwan. The photo in his hand shows the signature hot dog burger served at the store.

The menu is A4-sized, designed by the chef the shop collaborates with, and comes in both Chinese and English. The ordering method is self-service—just go to the counter to order and pay. The “Pooch Deluxe” is a recently launched hot dog burger made with natural casings, stuffed with ribeye steak, foie gras, black truffle, and offered in three combinations.

Menu click here

The next part of the menu has no photos, and the densely packed text can be a bit overwhelming. This page features special hot dog burgers with varying fillings—you can choose between beef sauce or vegetarian sauce, with prices mostly ranging from NT$105 to NT$170. Then there are various hot dog burger combos—it’s not easy to explain them all at once. Basically, the shop offers two types of bread to choose from: rye and French baguette—and then you pick your preferred hot dog flavor. That’s the gist of it.

Hot dog burger combo add-ons: the NT$80 set lets you choose any two items from an American coleslaw salad, fries or sweet potato fries, and a NT$50 drink (pay extra if over); the NT$120 set includes all three. The weekend-only brunch is an authentic representation of how foreigners eat.

In addition to the various hot dog burgers, desserts, drinks, and coffee you see here, cocktails are also a highlight—after all, foreigners often enjoy pairing their meals with alcohol.

● 《ETtoday News Cloud》 reminds you: Don’t drink and drive, don’t drive after drinking.

The Home Run (全垒打) NT$220 (weekend and holiday brunch only)

Brunch is not available on weekdays, only on holidays. The plating style is very American and casual. For those used to more refined presentations, it takes a bit of time to adjust. The items on the iron plate include scrambled eggs, handmade Italian sausages, rye bread, and American-style coleslaw salad. There are two scrambled eggs per serving, and you can choose from several options: scrambled or fried, fully cooked or runny.

The American coleslaw salad is prepared in two ways. The owner, disliking mayonnaise, opted for a more refreshing alternative. The brunch hot dogs are not served in buns. The scrambled eggs are served unseasoned, but salt and pepper are provided for guests to use.

The handmade Italian sausages are made from ground pork, with a very solid texture—likely seasoned with Italian herbs.

The rye bread looks soft and pillowy on the outside, but inside it’s fluffy, fragrant, and chewy.

Brunch drinks are unlimited refills—you can choose either filtered coffee or hot black tea. The one in the photo is hot black tea; you can ask for it iced or hot.

Morning Hope Dog (晨希狗) NT$170 + Sweet Potato Fries NT$45 (weekend and holiday brunch only)

Whether it’s fries or sweet potato fries, the shop fries them without coating, seasoning only with salt to emphasize natural flavor.

Morning Hope Dog is served on French bread—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—with cubed Greek sausages inside. The Greek sausages taste quite similar to Italian ones, seasoned with Italian herbs, and the solid texture is very satisfying.

Cold drip coffee NT$100

The cold drip coffee comes in a whole bottle with a steel cup. Even before drinking, you can smell the aroma—it’s rich and bold, likely made from dark-roasted beans.

Apple Pie 80 NTD

Apple pie is a classic American dessert, known for its cinnamon aroma. The shop’s version has reduced the amount of cinnamon—since many Taiwanese are not used to its strong flavor—but the warm spice is still noticeable.

Red, White & Blue Ice Cream 120 NTD

The three-color ice cream was created for the July U.S. Independence Day celebration, made with raspberries, white chocolate, and blueberries. It sold well back then and has since become a permanent menu item. The ice cream is handmade, so be sure to enjoy it quickly once it’s served to avoid melting.

● 《ET News Cloud》 reminds you: Don’t drink and drive, and don’t drive after drinking.

Blackcurrant Honey Liqueur 250 NTD (left), Martini 180 NTD (right)

Don’t let the small size of this cocktail fool you—it’s crafted with blackcurrant tea as the base, along with premium 100% cactus-derived tequila (aged in barrels for three months, giving it a woody aroma), Polish vodka infused with honey and plums, and honey liqueur. These three uniquely flavored spirits blend into a rich, fruity finish. The other cocktail, a martini, combines gin with olives and a touch of Scotch whisky. Compared to the blackcurrant drink, the martini has a lighter taste. (Excessive drinking is harmful to health.)

The longan tree in the old house bears witness to the history of this place. Though it no longer looks as it originally did, it still has plenty of charm. With some creativity, it could even become a signature feature of a quaint little shop. The American hot dog here is a bit different from what we’re used to—it embodies a rugged, simple-living American spirit. If you appreciate that attitude, come befriend the shop owners.

BARK!: Hot Dog Call
Address: No. 313, Chengfeng Rd., Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
Map:https://goo.gl/maps/2aXv2U4zq2P2
Phone: 07-5812221
Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00–20:00; Fridays & Saturdays 11:00–22:00
Closed on Tuesdays

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