As Taiwan’s charming port city, Kaohsiung food options are most definitely loaded with fresh seafood. Many of the best things to eat in the city can be found at local markets, where traditional snacks and Taiwanese dishes are available on the fly for cheap, cheap, cheap prices! Sightseers and foodies also want to sample some Taiwanese dishes at top restaurants in Kaohsiung. The markets and restaurants in this Kaohsiung food guide will give travelers a good start to planning a foodie tour that includes the best foods to try during a trip to southern Taiwan.
Rei Feng Night Market
Some of the freshest seafood and Taiwanese food can be found most evenings at Rei Feng Night Market. Visitors should bring good walking shoes and a hearty appetite because this market stretches for several blocks, and the food choices are endless. Hungry travelers can grab snacks like huge grilled prawns or Taiwanese sausages on the go, or they can enjoy a sit-down meal at one of the many restaurants. The lively atmosphere, vibrant stalls, and delicious aromas create an unforgettable dining experience in Kaohsiung. From sizzling grills to colorful dessert stands, there’s always something new to discover at every turn.
Must-try dishes at Rei Feng Night Market
- Octopus Takoyaki – Takoyaki is traditionally a Japanese specialty, but Kaohsiung vendors put their own meaty twist on these tasty balls of piping hot goodness.
- Stir-fried noodles – just follow your nose to the steamy wok to find a freshly-tossed bowl of Taiwanese noodles with either pork or seafood.
- Chicken skewers – grilled chicken on a stick is popular in about every country, but the Taiwanese kick them up to a level that foodies across the planet rave about.
- Bubble tea toast – Taiwan takes great pride in the fact that bubble tea was invented here, so visitors will find a lot of ways to try this sweet treat, even on toast.
- Oyster omelets – a beloved Taiwanese street food, these savory omelets combine fresh oysters with eggs and a flavorful sauce for a unique local treat.
- Stinky tofu – for the adventurous eater, this fermented dish is a must-try, offering a bold flavor that’s famous in Taiwan’s night markets.
Xinjuejiang Night Market
Xinjuejiang Night Market is a bustling hub of activity in the heart of Kaohsiung’s shopping district. Known for its fashionable boutiques, lively atmosphere, and trendy street food, this night market is particularly popular with younger crowds. The area offers a mix of high-street fashion, beauty products, and delicious street snacks, making it a one-stop destination for both shopping and eating. Xinjuejiang’s food offerings are as stylish as its shops, with trendy snacks like fried milk and bubble tea, as well as more traditional dishes like beef noodle soup and Taiwanese pancakes. The market is also famous for its variety of desserts.
Must-try dishes at Xinjuejiang Night Market
- Fried milk – sweet, creamy milk that’s deep-fried to perfection, offering a crispy exterior and a soft, custard-like center.
- Beef noodle soup – a Taiwanese comfort food classic, this rich, hearty soup is loaded with tender beef, noodles, and flavorful broth.
- Ice cream-filled waffles – light and fluffy waffles stuffed with ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce or fruit.
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Liuhe Night Market
A seafood lover’s and tourist’s delight, Liuhe Night Market sits in the center of the city and has been a local staple since the 1940s. With its vibrant atmosphere and variety of culinary treasures, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to dive into Kaohsiung’s food culture. The market features more than 130 shops and restaurants, and in recent years, the area has gained a reputation for its growing number of local steak shops. One of the first things to grab when you arrive at Liuhe Night Market is a cold and creamy papaya smoothie. That should get you by until you can decide what to eat next!
Must-try dishes at Liuhe Night Market
- Pork noodles – these tender noodles in a simple broth are a specialty in Kaohsiung.
- Stir-fried seafood – sizzling and loaded with chilis and garlic, stir-fried seafood can contain almost anything you like. Just take your pick from the fresh seafood options, and the chef will start throwing your order together.
- Seafood porridge – this rice-based soup comes loaded with a variety of fresh seafood, depending on the vendor and the catch of the day. Foodies should try it with fresh prawn, octopus and muscles for an out-of-this-world bite.
- Grilled squid – a popular street food, grilled squid skewers are served hot off the grill with a smoky char and a drizzle of soy sauce.
- Beef tongue – for the adventurous eater, thinly sliced and grilled beef tongue is a delicacy that’s both tender and packed with flavor, often served with a dash of sea salt and lemon.
Nanzi Night Market
Located in the Nanzi District, Nanzi Night Market offers a more local and laid-back vibe compared to some of Kaohsiung’s larger markets. It’s a smaller but vibrant market where visitors can find affordable and delicious street food, along with a variety of household items, clothes, and accessories. Nanzi Night Market is particularly popular among locals looking for a convenient place to grab dinner or a late-night snack. The cozy size of Nanzi makes it an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy a more relaxed market atmosphere without the overwhelming crowds.
Must-try dishes at Nanzi Night Market
- Pork noodle soup – a hearty bowl of noodles in a rich broth, topped with tender slices of pork and fresh greens.
- Fried tofu – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
- Deep-fried cheese balls – crispy on the outside and filled with gooey cheese, these make for a fun and indulgent snack.
Guanghua Night Market
Eat like the locals do – and with the thousands of locals who visit the area every night – at Guanghua Night Market. Situated down both sides of Guanghua 2nd Road, the market is a hot spot for cheap eats and traditional Taiwanese dishes like dumplings, pork noodles and Chinese meatballs. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, the market offers a wide variety of street food that’s sure to satisfy. The lively, bustling atmosphere, with vendors calling out their specialties, creates an authentic and memorable experience for any food lover.
Must-try dishes at Guanghua Night Market
- Dumplings – steamed or fried, these handmade dumplings are filled with juicy pork or vegetables, offering a comforting bite of Taiwanese cuisine.
- Chinese meatballs (Bawan) – these chewy, translucent meatballs are made from rice flour and stuffed with savory pork, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms, then served with a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Scallion pancakes– crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, these fried pancakes are stuffed with scallions and make for a perfect snack.
- Grilled corn – a simple yet popular street food, corn on the cob is grilled over charcoal and slathered with a sweet soy glaze, giving it a smoky, caramelized flavor.
Jin-Zuan Night Market
Located adjacent to Kaisyuan Night Market, Jin-Zuan complements its neighbor by offering even more dining and shopping options. Known for its spacious layout and broad pathways, the market is easy to navigate and has something for everyone, from trendy fashion stalls to carnival-style games for children. Jin-Zuan excels at offering unique local delicacies, and food lovers flock here to taste dishes that range from traditional Taiwanese cuisine to more innovative fusion cuisine. The market is famous for its seafood, offering fresh catches prepared in various ways, from grilled to fried. Jin-Zuan is a great place to not only try street food but to explore the local culture through both its culinary and shopping offerings.
Must-try dishes at Jin-Zuan Night Market
- Grilled scallops – fresh scallops grilled with butter and garlic for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Cheese potatoes – a decadent treat of baked potatoes topped with cheese sauce, bacon bits, and green onions.
- Salt and pepper shrimp – crispy, spicy shrimp that’s a perfect mix of crunchy and flavorful.
- Mochi balls – soft and chewy, these traditional rice cakes are often served with sweet fillings or a dusting of peanut powder.
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Lingya Market (Ziqiang Night Market)
Very near 85 Sky-Tower visitors to Kaohsiung will find Lingya Market, sometimes known as Ziqiang Night Market for its location on Ziqiang 3rd Road. Lingya Market offers popular Taiwanese street food and snacks, and it also is loved for its fresh produce, desserts and quick access to Kaohsiung Harbor. Whether you’re craving savory bites or a sweet treat, Lingya Market has something for everyone. A couple foods tourists shouldn’t miss at Lingya Market are Chinese white sugar cake and fish soup.
Must-try dishes at Lingya Market
- Chinese white sugar cake – this soft and slightly sweet steamed rice cake is a traditional Taiwanese dessert with a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
- Fish soup – a light and comforting dish, this clear broth is flavored with fresh fish and herbs, perfect for a refreshing meal on a cool evening.
- Peanut roll with ice cream – a delightful dessert, this treat combines scoops of ice cream with crushed peanuts and cilantro, wrapped in a thin crepe-like shell.
- Oyster vermicelli – a popular comfort food, this dish consists of silky vermicelli noodles in a thick, savory broth, often accompanied by fresh, tender oysters.
Kaisyuan Night Market
Kaisyuan Night Market is one of the largest and most popular night markets in Kaohsiung. Located near the Kaisyuan 4th Road, it draws both locals and tourists alike with its sprawling layout and variety of food stalls and vendors. The market is famous for its energetic atmosphere, offering not only an abundance of Taiwanese street food but also a selection of clothing, accessories, and household items. It’s a great spot to shop and eat at the same time. With hundreds of stalls to explore, Kaisyuan is a feast for the senses and a perfect evening destination for families or groups.
Must-try dishes at Kaisyuan Night Market
- Fried chicken cutlets – juicy and crispy, these massive chicken cutlets are a popular snack that’s deep-fried to golden perfection.
- Grilled seafood skewers – fresh prawns, squid, and scallops grilled to smoky goodness with a touch of salt and spices.
- Taiwanese meat buns – fluffy steamed buns filled with seasoned pork or beef for a comforting, savory snack.
- Shaved ice desserts – a refreshing treat topped with fresh fruit or traditional toppings like condensed milk and taro balls.
Recommended restaurants in Kaohsiung
Michelin-Star
- Liberté, No. 802, Zhonghua 5th Rd, Cianjhen District, – Known for its exquisite French-Asian fusion cuisine, Liberté offers a refined dining experience. Its seasonal tasting menus showcase high-quality ingredients and creative techniques
- Sho, No. 806, Zhonghua 5th Rd, Cianjhen District – A top-tier Japanese restaurant that specializes in traditional kaiseki-style dining. Sho is renowned for its beautifully presented multi-course meals that feature the freshest seasonal ingredients
- GEN, 8 Fusing 4th Road, Cianjhen District – a unique fusion of Taiwanese ingredients with global culinary influences. The restaurant is known for its innovative approach to fine dining, blending flavors and techniques from various cuisines
Mid-Range
- Din Tai Fung, No. 813, Bo-ai 2nd Road, Qianzhen District – a globally famous restaurant chain known for its delicate xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other Taiwanese favorites, offering affordable options for high-quality dim sum.
- Gang Yuan Beef Noodle Restaurant, No. 55, Dacheng Street, Yancheng District – these beef noodles come wet or dry, and locals say the firmness and flavor is just right, with generous portions of beef and a savory broth that draws in regulars.
- Hi-Lai Harbour, 801, Chenggong 1st Road, Qianjin District – a buffet-style restaurant, Hi-Lai Harbour offers a wide variety of dishes including fresh seafood, sushi, and Taiwanese specialties at a reasonable price, making it a great choice for a diverse dining experience.
- Yaletown Bistro, No. 26-3, Xinguang Road, Lingya District – a cozy spot offering Western-style comfort food with a Taiwanese twist, from burgers and poutine to pasta dishes
Budget
- Xing Long Ju, No. 186, Liuhe 2nd Road, Qianjin District – popular breakfast spot featuring dumplings, porridges and other Taiwanese breakfast foods
- Gang Yuan Beef Noodle Restaurant, No. 55, Dacheng Street, Yancheng District – these beef noodles come wet or dry, and locals say the firmness and flavor is just right
- Guo Mao Lai Soy Milk Shop, No. 186, Liuhe 2nd Rd., Qianjin District – a classic spot for traditional Taiwanese pastries and breakfast items, including warm soy milk, fried dough sticks, and savory pancakes
- Xing Long Ju, No. 186, Liuhe 2nd Rd, Qianjin District – known for its affordable Taiwanese breakfast food and welcoming, cafeteria-style layout
- Wang Beef Noodle House, No. 94-1, Liuhe 1st Rd, Sinsing District– offering generous portions of their signature beef noodle soup, this spot is loved for its rich broth and tender beef chunks
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