Kaohsiung Takao, Taiwan Travel Guide
You will frequently encounter rice, pork, a variety of fresh seafood (shrimp, squid, fish), chicken, and fresh vegetables. Common seasonings soy sauce, rice wine, basil, ginger, garlic, shallots, and sesame oil.
Kaohsiung cuisine often is a balance of savory, sweet, and umami tastes. Fermented flavors from elements like fermented tofu and soy paste, along with light spices.
Kaohsiung cuisine distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood, especially around Cijin Island.
Numerous night markets present a diverse range of street foods, each with local adaptations and flavors.
Southern Taiwanese food sometimes is a little sweeter and less spicy taste than northern varieties.
A comforting dish of savory minced pork stewed in soy sauce, served over rice.
Find it in ubiquitous local eateries and night markets.
Features aromatic beef broth, tender beef slices, noodles, and greens.
Numerous specialized shops serve this iconic dish.
A crispy omelet crafted with small oysters, eggs, and leafy greens, topped with a sweet and savory sauce.
It remains a popular item at evening markets.
A large, crispy fried chicken cutlet, often seasoned with various powders.
The iconic Taiwanese beverage with tapioca pearls, available in countless variations.
You will find these mainly in luxury hotels or as standalone upscale restaurants.
Numerous options exist across the city, providing diverse cuisines.
Explore an incredible array of affordable and authentic street food.
Kaohsiung has a wide variety of international cuisine, satisfying diverse palates.
Japanese (sushi, ramen), Korean, Italian, American, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indian are common.
These international restaurants usually concentrate in commercial districts and near tourist areas.
Simple to locate for those seeking tastes from home or abroad.
Choose live seafood and have it prepared to your liking.
Popular for individual or communal simmering pots to cook fresh ingredients.
Refreshing dessert with fresh fruit or various sweet toppings.
Pineapple Cakes, Sun Cakes, Mochi, Peanut Candy.
Can be challenging due to widespread soy sauce (contains wheat) and wheat-based items.
Cross-contamination often occurs in kitchens.
Be prepared to clearly communicate any allergies in Mandarin or use apps for translation.
Clear communication significantly reduces risks.
The HappyCow app is useful for locating vegetarian and vegan restaurants, including specific cuisine types.
Carrying a Translation card explaining your dietary restrictions in Mandarin.
Some private tour operators offer cooking workshops centered on Taiwanese cuisine.
Opportunities exist in agricultural areas surrounding Kaohsiung (e.g., pineapple farms, tea plantations).
Occasional food festivals tied to specific products or seasons.
A popular experience involves choosing your fresh seafood from tanks and having it prepared.
Prepared to your liking.
These are popular, offering individual or communal simmering pots where you cook fresh ingredients.
A social dining experience.
Explore local delicacies and learn about food culture with a guided tour, for instance from GetYourGuide.
Private guides tailor experiences to your culinary interests, focusing on specific dishes or areas.
Book cooking workshops in advance to learn unique Taiwanese recipes first-hand.
Kaohsiung’s street food diverse and affordable. Dive in and savor the local flavors.
