From the Southern cities of Kaoshiung and Chiayi, Taiwan’s vibrant food scene guarantees a feast for the senses, especially around the Lunar New Year holiday season.
At Neiwei Night Market in Kaohsiung, a lamb hot pot stall has been drawing crowds for over 30 years. Open only in winter, it starts serving at 3 p.m., yet eager diners line up as early as noon, some waiting three hours just to savor its rich, aromatic broth. Even visitors from Taipei travel for a taste.
The menu offers various lamb cuts, including brisket, tendon-meat mix, and limited portions of skin-on lamb. Each cut, slow-cooked to tender perfection, delivers a distinct texture. The sight alone is mouthwatering, and with the tantalizing aroma in the air, stomachs inevitably start growling.
Meanwhile, Chiayi’s East Market boasts a renowned beef offal soup, celebrated for its fresh, slightly sweet flavor, distinct from Tainan’s signature beef soup.
Food lovers flock to sample its rich taste, while pork rib soup and sticky rice cakes are equally popular, with customers often ordering a full set to indulge in the variety. Long queues snake through the market, drawn by the freshness of natural ingredients.
Before and after the Lunar New Year holiday, Taiwan’s diverse culinary scene offers endless flavors, ensuring that every bite leaves a lasting impression.