Affordable Eateries in Kaohsiung: Handmade Egg Pancakes Without a Drop of Water & Mushroom Pork Burgers

Text & Photos /Shadow

Located near Hanshin Department Store, this local eatery is a fusion-style small restaurant that has been open since August. With several months under its belt and seemingly positive online reviews, we decided to check it out. The two-story space features a rather eclectic vibe in both its decor and menu offerings. Though the owner doesn’t come from a culinary background, they have a deep passion for food. After finding the perfect storefront, they gradually turned their dream into reality. Breaking away from conventional cooking styles, they’ve put a unique spin on familiar street foods and international dishes, aiming to offer diners a refreshing experience.

At first glance, the first floor seems like a drink shop, but it’s actually where the kitchen is located. High-top chairs line the walkway, giving off a lounge bar atmosphere.

The second floor is even dimmer, almost like a small bar—perfect for dates or casual meals with friends. The small round tables are ideal for intimate gatherings.

The owners put a lot of thought into the decor, transforming the space from a cozy, humanities-inspired café during the day into a bar-style venue at night, complemented by relaxing music.

The eatery operates on a self-service ordering system. The menu mainly includes handmade egg pancakes, grilled sandwiches, handmade burgers, pot noodles, fried items, and drinks, all priced around a hundred NT dollars.

Given the bustling commercial area around Hanshin Department Store, it’s quite rare to find such an affordable eatery.

Mexican Salsa Cheese Egg Pancake – 70 NT

The egg pancake is made only with flour, fresh milk, and eggs—without adding a single drop of water—giving it a French crêpe-like feel. It’s much fluffier than your typical breakfast egg pancake. The dipping sauce is also homemade, replacing traditional chili sauce and soy paste with cream cheese and salsa. The pancake is aromatic, made with quality ingredients, and has a springy, satisfying texture—a true labor of love.

Fried Combo Platter – 250 NT

Perfect for group meals, this platter is easy to share. It includes a variety of fried items like chicken drumsticks, onion rings, chicken tenders, popcorn chicken, and more. One side comes with tartar sauce, while the other features a reimagined tomato ketchup. All the fried items are crispy and delicious when served hot.

The chicken drumsticks taste reminiscent of New Orleans-style chicken, with juicy, tender meat that isn’t overly dry.

Southeast Asian Laksa Noodles – 150 NT

This dish comes in a generous portion. The coconut milk flavor in the curry laksa is rich and pronounced, making it a great choice for fans of Southeast Asian cuisine.

BBQ Mushroom Pork Burger – 100 NT

The burger buns are high-quality, soft yet elastic. Stuffed with mushrooms and pork patties and topped with BBQ sauce, the flavor is surprisingly impressive—my husband loved it.

Ruby Red Black Tea – 80 NT (left), Lemon Honey – 90 NT (right)

The lemon honey is a handmade sparkling drink, cool, tangy, and fragrant. It’s sweetened only with honey—not made with a shaken beverage method. Instead, it uses locally sourced Taiwanese tea and a cold-brew technique to bring out the flavors. The Ruby Red black tea is unsweetened, but you can ask for honey if desired.

The term “Mensa Locale” comes from Italian, meaning “local eatery.” The original concept was to elevate and reimagine familiar dishes from various regions. The space is designed with a tavern-like atmosphere, blending international cuisines to create a unique dining experience. Whether you’re an office worker or a student, dining here won’t break the bank—we highly recommend it.

Mensa Locale
Address: No. 244, Chenggong 1st Rd., Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-2159080
Business Hours: 11:30–14:30, 17:30–23:30
Closed on Tuesdays

Kaohsiung Food Adventure Blog　Kaohsiung Foodies FB Fan Page