What do Hengchun and Kenting locals eat for their three meals? Qiezi noodles (切仔麵) are a forever beloved, affordable traditional delicacy for the people of Hengchun Township.
1) 南門小吃部 Nanmen Snack Bar
Nanmen Snack Bar 南門小吃部, an old signboard that has been in business for over 20 years, accompanies many through their daily meals. With generous portions and superb side dishes, it’s open from 6 AM to 1 PM.
Before I go on with a introduction of those restaurants, I want to talk about the term 小吃” (xiao chī) – important part of the Taiwanese Culture, which directly translates as “small eats”, but actually it is never “small”, you can always eat completely full in these places, and it is more related to a size of the place, and not the size or quality of food you get, nor the variety of dishes.
Formally “小吃” (xiao chī) in Taiwan refers to “snack foods” or “street foods,” which are an integral part of Taiwanese cuisine and culture. These are not just simple snacks; many of them are substantial enough to be considered a meal. They are known for their variety, flavor, and often affordable prices. Taiwanese 小吃 can be found in night markets, street vendors, small family-run eateries, and even some restaurants.
Never be discouraged by a word “small” here!
Do you see the Hengchun South Gate (Nanmen) at the end of the street?
You can have it for breakfast or lunch. Eating Qiezi noodles with Hengchun chili sauce is just the right taste. This restaurant is almost like a dining room for locals, where regulars just need to say they want a bowl of plain noodles, and the staff knows exactly what to add or not to add.
It’s a heartwarming place to visit. If you ever have the chance to be in Hengchun, why not satisfy your stomach with a bowl of noodles and some side dishes.
2) 謝家古早味麻醬麵 Xie's Traditional Sesame Paste Noodles
Xie’s Traditional Sesame Paste Noodles are located near the South Gate of the ancient city of Hengchun. The prices are very affordable. The restaurant also sells a unique, fragrant and spicy pickled radish chili sauce made by the proprietress, which is a favorite among gourmets.
Available noodles include plain noodles, Yi noodles, Ban Tiao, rice noodles, and oil noodles, allowing customers to choose their preferred type.
Additionally, braised dishes and side dishes are a must-try. The sesame paste noodles are very aromatic and flavorful, and the rice blood soup for 20 NTDis also not to be missed.
3) Ding Shang Noodle Shop 鼎上麵仔店
Ding Shang Noodle Shop is the only place in Hengchun town that sells Tainan-style Yimian (saltwater Yi noodles – 台南塩水意麵).
The owners of this shop are warm and friendly. The braised dishes and wontons, along with a variety of other ingredients, are all handmade by the proprietress.
There are up to six types of noodles available (plain noodles/saltwater Yi noodles/oil noodles/Meinong Ban Tiao/Mi Tai Mu/rice noodles), and you can choose which type you prefer. When in Hengchun, you shouldn’t miss the Danzai noodles.
4) Ah Qin Noodle Shop 阿琴麵店
Ah Qin Noodle Shop is located around the Ximen (West Gate) ancient city and has been in business for 60 years. It was started by the grandmother’s generation and is now operated by the daughter-in-law and children working together.
You can try Mi Tai Mu 米苔目 (a type of rice noodle dish); both the noodles and the soup are great. The pork blood in the pork blood soup is not too strong in flavor, and the pickled mustard greens, the main ingredient, are very fragrant.
The pork blood in the pork blood soup is not too strong in flavor, and the pickled mustard greens, the main ingredient, are very fragrant. The soup is refreshing and not too rich, even if you drink a lot of it.
The side dishes are self-service, so you can pick whatever you like. Eating them mixed with soy paste and minced garlic really hits the spot.
Closing Thoughts
The translation to English is: “In Hengchun, people eat Danzai noodles anytime they want, without a specific time. They eat when they feel like it or when they’re hungry. It’s the most local traditional noodle in town. The old-fashioned stores have a kind of human touch and friendliness.