Kindness Hotel Juemin

For 20+ years, locals have been swooning over the pork knuckle rice here – ham hock braised in a marinade with spices and Chinese herbs, served with a glistening amber sauce; the peppery aftertaste is spellbinding. Steamed rice from Hualian and a julienne of crispy bamboo shoots cut through the richness. Marine fish cooked to order are also a firm favourite. Noodle lovers can't get enough of the umami-laden pork bone broth lifted by veggie sweetness.

After selling sticky rice in a market for 10-plus years, the owner couple opened this shop in 2021. Tables are set on a plant-adorned porch with tiled floor and walls; the cartoon duck and handwritten logo create a strong visual identity. The signature boneless duck sticky rice entices with its sesame oil and ginger aromas, while taro pork rib soup boasts starchy tuber infused with meaty flavours. Honey black tea from Taitung makes the perfect pairing.

Ça marche opened in a quiet alley in 2021, with a modern classic room dotted by retro knickknacks. Honing his skills in Japan and France, the Taiwanese chef offers a 10-course prix-fixe menu that changes seasonally. French-Italian inspired dishes are tweaked slightly to cater to local palates, such as using Chinese-style dumpling skin in ravioli and Taiwanese basil instead of the sweet variety. Open only for dinner at 7 pm; cash only.

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.

Converted from Taipower Company former staff housing, this tiny gem serves five Chinese double-boiled soups that come with a side, plus your choice of rice or noodles. Spicy food lovers shouldn't miss the oyster chicken soup with chillies – vegetables nicely complement the umami of free-range chicken legs and oysters from Yunlin . For staples, try Koshihikari rice from Japan mixed with Tainan No. 16 and topped with nori pork floss.

Tucked away in an alley and lacking any visible signage, apart from a triangle, this eatery greets diners with an awe-inspiring massive longan wood-fired kiln and rows of charcoal grills behind the counter. The veteran head chef is keen on straight-forward, back-to-basics cooking, in which meat, fish and veggies are grilled over a wood fire. New Zealand venison is a firm fixture. Check the regularly changing special menu that stars seasonal produce. Order the abalone if available.

Short, plus-sized people are affectionately called winter melon (a.k.a. white gourd) in Chinese. The humorous owner-chef named his restaurant after his nicknames and decorated it like someone’s home straight out of 1970s sitcoms. The homely feel works perfectly with the family-style dishes. There is no menu – solo diners can only order the braised pork belly set, while parties of two or more are served 4 or 5 courses omakase-style.