When you think of Taiwan, think of squid! (Ranked 11th in the world for catch volume in 2024) In the port town of Kaohsiung? Even more squid! The grilled squid I had at the night market, known as "Kao You Yu," was tender and richly seasoned with cumin and salt, making it the perfect companion to a beer. Squid and beer are good friends, just like us, don't you think? Squid & Beer: Indeed, dear tourist.
In December, chilly Kaohsiung feels perfect for warming up with Ba Bao Tang. Literally translated, it means "Eight Treasures Soup." Let's see what's in it. Dumplings, tapioca, beans, grass jelly—truly treasures! This clear syrupy soup is delicious! By the way, the number "eight" is considered lucky in Taiwan. I'd love to share in that fortune—hint, hint. And Taiwan responds, "Sure, I'll give you half—here's four."
Japan's Three Great Delicacies: "Karasumi" In Kaohsiung, Taiwan, you can find it everywhere, so I decided to try a slice. And? It was so delicious that my body immediately craved a beer, reaching a level of intoxication that felt almost like brainwashing! The flavor is rich and dense, with a perfect balance of saltiness and the essence of the sea crystallized into it. How delicious is it, you ask? So much so that I would consider naming my own child "Karasumi."
Now, let's dive into Taiwanese oyster omelet, 蚵仔煎 (oyster pancake), for dinner! It’s my first time, but I could easily imagine the flavor just from the name. As I take a bite... "This isn't just a fluffy egg dish!" The combination of the chewy, silky texture from the potato starch and the perfectly seasoned eggs! Topped with a tangy ketchup that complements the crisp vegetables, and then there are those plump oysters that just make me crave a beer! All the while, having a dog lounging at my feet would make this experience complete!
The Tzu Yu Night Market in Kaohsiung, which leisurely opens at 2 PM, exudes a relaxing atmosphere. Drawn by the sight of locals enjoying their meals, I ordered the Zhuxuetang, a soup featuring tender pig blood jelly. The soup, fragrantly infused with green onions and with a rich salty taste, offers an easy way to replenish iron and vitamins. The way locals enjoy their meals is as captivating as a feast in a Studio Ghibli film.
The Freedom Twilight Market in Kaohsiung offers an authentic local experience, so much so that you might not encounter a single tourist, and it's generally inexpensive. There, you can take a break with a lemon-flavored sugarcane juice. Its gentle sweetness and tanginess provide a true tropical feeling. Interestingly, the leftover pulp from the sugarcane juice has an inspirational second life, being used as fuel, feed, or compost—it's like a Netflix story in a drink!
Sanfonzong Street in Kaohsiung: A Dried Goods Paradise It has a local vibe reminiscent of Ameyoko, and it seems to be bustling with locals during the Lunar New Year. As I wandered around, admiring the various dried goods, I stumbled upon an intriguing shop! I tried the Shrimp Ball Soup (蝦丸仔湯)! The light, flavorful broth was filled with hearty meatballs, and tiny shrimp were blended into the mixture, giving it a chewy texture. Despite the focus on dried goods, it was a street that satiated both the stomach and the soul.
Taiwanese draft beer is superior to the canned variety. The fine carbonation dances on your tongue, offering a refreshing sensation. It's amazing how much the taste can change just by being unpasteurized. Speaking of fresh, it seems like there are quite a few foods that become tastier when "raw" is added to their name. Raw + Ham = Delicious Raw + Chocolate = Heaven Raw + Yatsuhashi = Controversial Raw + Oysters = A Surprise! Raw + Pork = Divine
What is Taiwan's PacPac Dish, Dougan? I discovered it at a night market and ordered the No. 1 menu item in a burst of curiosity. This included a hearty serving of three kinds: Dougan, Doupi, and Rice Blood. Dougan is dehydrated tofu, with a firm texture reminiscent of momen tofu. Doupi can be simply described as yuba. Rice Blood is a mixture of glutinous rice and blood. All these are served in a deliciously spicy broth with plenty of ingredients, leaving your stomach satisfyingly full!
Taiwanese Street Food: Sausages (香腸) You can even have them sandwiched between sticky rice, making for a succulent combination of chewy rice and crisp, juicy, sweet pork. A flavorful memory for just 90 TWD. Personally, I recommend the style of alternating bites between the sausage alone and raw garlic. Once you've tried it, you'll find yourself thrilled by the sausage and garlic pairing every time.
