Hidden gem of a snack shop in Kaohsiung’s alleys: rice cakes & miso soup for just NT$30

Text & Photos /Shadow

Walk through Lane 159, Section 1, Renjiang Street, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back over a decade. Hanging above the doorway of an old-style house is a red sign advertising rice cakes — this is one of the hidden snack spots we recently stumbled upon. To catch the shop during its opening hours, we headed out early on a weekend morning for breakfast. Navigating the alleys is easier by scooter.

This area is a residential neighborhood, so it’s very quiet in the morning — you’d almost never know there’s a shop here. Regulars who know the place are already seated inside, heads down, enjoying their rice cakes. The interior preserves the classic look of an old-school snack shop, with a simple stove at the entrance where the day’s offerings are displayed. You place your order right as you walk in.

Seeing the prices on the menu was honestly a shock. With inflation soaring these days, this shop’s pricing is truly generous. Outside, a bowl of miso soup usually starts from at least NT$10, but here you can get one for just NT$5 — it was genuinely touching.

The terrazzo flooring hints at the building’s age. The modest little shop is furnished with just a few simple tables and chairs, and in the corner, a couple of dogs — likely the owner’s pets — are sleeping peacefully.

Rice Cake – NT$25　Despite the low price, nothing is skimped on: pork floss, meat sauce, and pickled cucumbers are all included, and portions are generous.

The rice cake grains are firm and separate, with a satisfying chewiness. Drizzled with meat sauce, the salty umami flavor makes you want to take bite after bite.

Marinated Egg – NT$10/each, Fried Tofu – NT$5/piece

Both the marinated egg and fried tofu are well-seasoned, with flavors that have soaked deep into every bite — savory and delicious.

The holes in the fried tofu are filled with the rich marinade, and it might even squirt juice out unexpectedly.

Miso Soup – NT$5/bowl

You’d think NT$5 wouldn’t get you much, but here you can enjoy a whole bowl of miso soup, complete with tofu, bonito flakes, and scallions. The taste is no less than what you’d expect elsewhere — it’s really good.

Since the shop is tucked away in the alleys, most people don’t notice it unless they’ve heard about it from friends. Locals probably grew up eating here and have a special attachment to the place — and the owners do too. You won’t find another spot nearby that serves tastier, more affordable rice cakes. The shop is truly a hidden treasure, offering a full meal for just NT$50. Fans of rice cakes, definitely add this place to your list and come try it sometime.

Address: No. 32, Lane 159, Section 1, Renjiang Street, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City
Map:https://goo.gl/maps/4wN9Tp4oN1D2
Business Hours: 06:00–10:00

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