Legend Hotel Kaohsiung Liuhe

Now helmed by the second generation of the family, this well-known landmark of Taiwanese home-style cooking has been in business for over 60 years. Masterful control of heat and a dexterous use of sauces depict the food, most of which comes in three portion sizes. Hallmark dishes include stir-fried pork belly with garlic sprouts and stir-fried clams with mung bean sprouts. Wild-caught marine fish, braised or pan-fried, is also popular.

This third-generation family business dates back to 1959 and its signature braised pork rice has been the favourite breakfast for generations of Kaohsiungese. Only the back cut is used, with pork skin and a layer of fat that give the dish a complex depth. Feel free to order shredded pork, dried fish floss, marinated tofu, or even a soft-boiled duck egg to go with the rice. It’s always busy and may close early when all food has sold out.

For over 40 years, Hou Chi has been attracting a loyal following with its tasty duck dishes. Its famously nourishing dang gui duck soup exudes deep herbal aromas; order it with noodles to make a complete meal. The signature duck rice comes with thickly sliced duck and pickled radish. Order an extra platter of smoked or braised duck if you fancy more protein. You can even specify which cuts you prefer.

Formerly known as Yun Lai Fang, this place was renamed and relocated to this address in 2024. The light-drenched room over two levels has wooden furnishings that impart a home-like feel. Regulars will find all their favourites on the menu; these are impeccably made to order by the chef, the son of Yun Lai Fang's founding chef. His signature scrambled egg comes with bouncy, umami-laden shrimps enrobed in silky half-set egg.

Beef Chief rose from humble beginnings in 1996 as a street stall selling beef soup. Now it serves shabu-shabu hotpot using freshly slaughtered beef shipped from Tainan daily. The amber soup base is made with beef bones, veggies and fruits, boasting subtle sweetness. Apart from being served in hotpot, beef cuts and offal are available as stir-fries – try stir-fried beef tendon. Excellent value and friendly service also explain its popularity.

This third-generation family business dates back to 1956 and many Kaohsiungese grew up with its ‘tube’ sticky rice, which is actually steamed with braised ground pork in a metal tub, turned out on a plate and topped with gravy. Do order a soy-marinated ‘iron egg’ on the side to go with the rice. There are also several soups on the menu, including steamed egg custard soup – the sponge-like custard sucks up the flavourful stock nicely.

Since 2000, this shop has been famous for its oversize steamed bun sandwiches packed with tasty fillings. The must-try is definitely the assorted gua bao stuffed with crisp pickled cabbage, half-fatty soy-braised pork, ground peanut sugar, and the secret red chilli sauce, all working miraculously together. There is even a plant-based version for vegan customers. Healthy drinks such as Job's Tears milk or almond soy milk are also on hand to quench your thirst.