Tu Cheng Hotel

This one-man shop sells chicken rice – silky, skin-on boneless chicken thigh on steamed rice, drizzled with soy sauce, and sprinkled with fried garlic bits. Add an over-easy egg to make it extra creamy with the runny yolk. Sides like marinated tofu or cucumber salad are also available. With just six seats around the chef’s station, expect to queue and allow for slower service. It closes when the food is sold out, so come early to avoid disappointment.

In business since 2012, this simple shop moved from the main drag to a quiet side street in 2023, but that hasn't stopped regulars coming for the famous herbal lamb soup. Australian lamb is chosen for its mild flavor; the stock is simmered for a day to extract the aromas and tonifying compounds from the Chinese angelica herb. Call to pre-order the skin-on lamb soup, which tends to sell out. The "black gold" braised pork rice is equally enticing.

Established for over 10 years, this shop offers a menu specializing in medicinal stews. His signature pork ribs, simmered in claypot, remains highly popular for its unique blend of Chinese herbs and mild wine aromas. In addition to the pork ribs, lamb and chicken are also on offer. Don’t forget to dip in the fermented tofu sauce, which seduces with a rich soybean flavour. Free refills of broth mean no soup craving goes unsatisfied.

A returnee launched a second career over 10 years ago by opening this no-frills joint that specialises in duck dishes. Perseverance and eagerness to learn helped the shop establish a presence on the food scene, and his original recipes of shredded ginger duck soup, and braised duck rice with fried shallot have secured a loyal fan base. The sliced duck platter made with mule ducks from south Taiwan, slow cooked for 2 hours, is juicy and tender.

Taro shaved ice is a popular Taiwanese dessert, but the ritzy taro extravaganza sold here is hard to beat. Creamy mashed taro, chewy taro balls, mini mochi, molasses pearls and Job's tears are piled onto a bed of finely shaved sugarcane ice that imparts a faintly smoky flavour. And if that's not decadent enough for you, order extra toppings! Their hot red bean soup is another comforting classic that warms the heart and soul.

Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, diners can sit back and appreciate the beauty of a century-old camellia tree in the yard. The menu is mostly Hakkanese, with some Jiangzhe dishes, jazzed up by creative touches and elegant plating. The signature braised pork belly with dry pickled mustard greens boasts tender texture and succulent flavours, while pickled cucumber cuts through the richness. Also try braised napa cabbage with pork-stuffed tofu.

Popular among locals for its breakfast since 2016, this spot appeals to regulars with cordial service and rustic, traditional flavours. In the food sector for 20+ years, the owner makes the soya milk, flatbread, egg crepe rolls and xiao long bao himself. His signature pastry bun filled with spring onion and peppered pork satisfies with its bouncy texture and aromatic filling. Ask the owner when the freshly baked flatbread is due out of the oven.