HazelDiary

Guohua Street (国华街) is a bustling food street in Tainan offering a taste of the city’s rich culinary heritage. Just a 30-minute walk from Silks Place Tainan, this historic street is lined with local eateries, food stalls, and traditional snacks, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

A mere 1.5-hour ride from Taipei via the High-Speed Rail makes Tainan an easy escape for travelers seeking to explore the past while enjoying the convenience of modern-day amenities.

TIPS: You can always pre-purchase your train ticket here.

Here are six must-try eats when exploring Guohua Street:

1. 阿松割包 (Ah Song Gua Bao)

This renowned stall is known for its Taiwanese-style “gua bao” (割包), often called the Taiwanese burger. The pillowy steamed bun is stuffed with braised pork belly or lean pork, then topped with pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts, and cilantro for a well-balanced flavor profile. Ah Song Gua Bao is a great example of this, offering pork buns that are noticeably sweeter than the ones I tried in Taipei. They come with pickled mustard greens, pickled radishes, and a generous amount of sweet, peanutty sauce.

2. 石精臼蚵仔煎 (Shijingjiu Oyster Omelette)

A beloved Tainan street food, this oyster omelette features plump, fresh oysters combined with sweet potato starch and eggs. Followed by pan-fried until crispy and topped with a sweet-savoury sauce. Made to order, it’s a popular and essential dish for locals to enjoy.

3. 一味品碗粿 (Yi Wei Pin Wa Gui)

Wa Guei (also known as Wagui or Wha Guey) is a beloved Taiwanese snack, commonly referred to as bowl rice cake. This savoury dish is a staple in traditional eateries across Taiwan, with Tainan being especially renowned for its version. Yi Pin Wei, which earned a spot on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list in 2022, is a local favourite. The owner, who previously worked at Fu Sheng Hao—another famous bowl rice cake shop run by relatives—established Yi Pin Wei in 2013.

Wa Gui (碗粿), Tainan’s unique take on steamed rice pudding, is made from rice flour and topped with minced pork, dried shrimp, and soy sauce, creating a rich and flavourful dish. Known for its smooth texture and perfectly seasoned toppings, this shop has become a standout in the area.

4. 永乐虾仁肉圆 (Yongle Shrimp and Meat Rice Dumplings)

A unique take on the traditional “rou yuan” (肉圆), these translucent dumplings are stuffed with shrimp and minced pork, then steamed and served with a special sweet-savoury sauce. The combination of soft, chewy dumpling skin and juicy filling makes this a local favourite.

5. 春哥嗲 (Chun Ge Fritter Pancakes)

If you’re looking for a crispy snack, Chun Ge’s deep-fried pancakes (嗲) are a must-try. These savoury fritters come in various fillings, including seafood, vegetables, and cheese, making them a crispy, indulgent treat.

6. 修安扁擔豆花 (Xiu An Tofu Pudding)

End your food tour with a refreshing bowl of “dou hua” (豆花), a silky-smooth tofu pudding served with toppings like red beans, peanuts, or taro balls. This shop is known for its delicate texture and light sweetness, making it a perfect dessert after a savoury feast.

Guohua Street is a paradise for food lovers. You can find everything from traditional Tainan specialties to nostalgic street snacks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned foodie, this lively street is a must-explore spot for an authentic taste of Tainan!

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