內灣星光流域民宿

This shop began as a street stall over 60 years ago. Into the third generation, the family business still attracts diners in droves with good old comfort food. Its eponymous ang gu noodles see springy and thick oil noodles tossed in aromatic scallion oil with chives and bean sprouts. Ribbon rice noodle soup is another crowd stopper. For a range of textures, try three-brother soup with taro, mushrooms, and squid ink pork balls in pork bone broth.

This béton brut villa in a quiet alley sports a lofty, minimalist vibe and an open kitchen. The family has been selling bantiao, or flat rice noodles, for over 20 years and the third-generation owner has added a bigger Hakkanese menu on top of the signature noodles. The family favourite, braised pork, stands out with melting, gelatinous skin and a savoury-sweet soy flavour. Popular dishes tend to run out, so come early.

This shop with a retro hipster vibe sells chhau-a-koe, a soft, chewy Hakkanese bun made with sticky rice and long-grain rice flours. The savoury version is generously stuffed with shredded white radish, dried shrimps, lard and ground pork. The sweet version with taro or red bean filling is also drool-worthy. Faithful to his grandma’s recipe, the chef adds Chinese mugwort to the dough of sweet version for a green colour and a unique herbal aroma.

Simple and rustic, this century-old house is the epitome of nostalgic charm. The owner-chef sources his produce from small nearby farms to craft a seasonal Hakkanese lineup. There isn’t a set menu, but you can call ahead to check what is available and pre-order. His Hakkanese stir-fries are a must – every ingredient is cooked to perfection and retains its crisp texture, while imparting big-boned flavours and wok hei. Booking recommended.

This noodle shop started in a wet market in 2003. It moved to its current address near a train station in 2021, while growing in size. As the name suggests, it prides itself on its fried sparerib noodles served with crisp bean sprouts and starchy taro in a broth rich in scallion aromas. The choice of noodles is almost head-spinning; try the locally made ribbon noodles which are springy in texture and are ideal to soak up the flavourful broth.

Complete with a garden and pond, this eatery outside the city can claim over 40 years of history. Local snacks, stir-fries and marinated meat define the score, together with their eponymous signature rice vermicelli. Be they stir-fried or in soup, the fine noodles are bouncy and loaded with rice aromas. You can also opt for a mix of ribbon rice noodles and rice vermicelli for varied textures. Pair with a bowl of pork ball soup for an authentic Hsinchu meal.

Converted from a century-old courtyard residence, the room offers an insight into a bygone way of life. Since 1999, the owner-chef has been serving his grandma’s Hakkanese recipes. His signature poached free-range chicken boasts golden, bouncy skin and firm, juicy meat with a kumquat dip to cut through the richness. Golden sweet potato is added to local rice for fluffiness, fragrance and sweetness. Portion sizes can be tailored to your party size.