The food business in Hsinchu is a thriving one, with many restaurants and food stalls dotting the city landscape. However, what makes Hsinchu stand out is its astounding variety of street food and local delights. Some tempting homegrown fare includes the humble peanut butter, which is rich and fragrant – perfect for breakfast and as a snack. Steamed cakes are also common in Hsinchu, with a fluffy texture that’ll appeal to anyone, not just those with a sweet tooth.
Craving something hot and savoury? Hsinchu’s very own meatball soup and fried rice noodles will surely whet your appetite and have you coming back for more. When it comes to dessert, nothing beats Taiwanese shaved ice as well as Hsinchu’s very own white gourd tea.
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Shui Jian Bao Breakfast Shop
- Families
- Food
Shui Jiao Bao are essentially fluffy buns stuffed with pork and other ingredients. The owner here demonstrates how easy it is to make the buns but is quick to add that the recipe is a secret one. He also sells other food, such as hand-pulled rice noodles, rice and homemade peanut butter with bread.
Location: No. 554, Nanda Road, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
Open: Daily from 4.45am to 10am
Phone: +886 (0)3 522 8406
Mapphoto by abon (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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Guo’s Non-fried Spring Roll Shop
- Food
- History
The owner of Guo’s Non-fried Spring Roll Shop will proudly tell you that he uses only the freshest ingredients in his spring rolls. No shortcuts are used, and he will also readily demonstrate his spring roll-making capabilities to those who will stop and look. All spring rolls are made to order, so each is as fresh as they come! Don’t forget to request for the sweet tangy dipping sauce.
Location: Chenghuang Temple, No. 75, Zhongshan Road, North District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
Mapphoto by Yusuke Kawasaki (CC BY 2.0) modified
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Curry Fans
- Food
Like its name implies Curry Fans serves all types of delicious curries. From spicy Thai curries to rich Indian curries, patrons are sure to love the spicy and savoury offerings. The menu also offers local fare but that’s obviously not the star attraction for most people.
Location: No. 58, Lane 111, Minquan Road, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
Open: Wednesday–Monday from 11.30am to 2pm and from 5.30am to 9pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: +886 (0)3 531 3372
Mapphoto by Minseong Kim (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Wang’s Oyster Pancake
- Food
Wang’s Oyster Pancakes has been in operation since the Second World War. Known as a famous Taiwanese street food, the humble oyster pancake is no less grand when cooked by Wang. The oysters are tender and plentiful while the vegetables are fresh and fragrant. The starch used to make the pancake adds a chewy and flavourful dimension. Don’t forget to ask for added chilli sauce for that extra zing in your mouth!
Location: Chenghuang Temple, No. 75, Zhongshan Road, North District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
photo by 顏 小豪 (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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The Spice Shop
- Food
- Group
Don’t forget to try the delicious tandoori dishes at the Spice Shop. This Indian restaurant is one of the most famous in the area and offers a good choice of Indian fare, be it spicy beef stew, curries, or garlic naan bread. The staff are also friendly and knowledgeable – most will readily recommend you some dishes based on your tolerance for spiciness.
Location: No. 19, Xinguang Road, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 11.30am to 1.30pm and from 5.30pm to 8.30pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +886 (0)3 571 0687
Mapphoto by Bharat Mirchandani (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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One Two Three Restaurant
- Food
One Two Three Restaurant is family run and offers some of the homeliest local Hsinchu fare ever. The food is delicious and not too oily – the proprietor is quick to point out that he hires only the best cooks as he is a rather health-conscious person. The interior itself is homely and offers a comfortable place to have a quiet dinner with friends and family.
Location: No. 17, Fuhou Street, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
Open: Daily from 5.30pm to midnight
Phone: +886 (0)916 250 360
Map - 7
Guo-guo Thick Soup
- Families
- Food
Forget watered down soups that you will find elsewhere – the thick soup at Guo-guo’s Thick Soup store is the best you will ever taste! The soup is thick and starchy, and contains many yummy ingredients such as diced pork, bamboo shoots and fish broth. It is easy to see why the recipe has been in existence for more than 7 decades as customers keep coming back for more.
Location: Chenghuang Temple, No. 75, Zhongshan Road, North District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
Map - 8
Shi Family Fish Ball Store
- Families
- Food
This famous snack store has been operating since 1944. Purely family-owned, the store owner readily regales clients with the story of his humble beginnings. The fish balls are chewy and stuffed with the choicest ingredients, and each is a delight to savour. They’re made by hand and supply is limited, so be sure to go to the store early.
Location: No. 27, Xingxue Street, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 8am to 5pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +886 (0)3 524 2965
Map - 9
Yunnan Wind Restaurant
- Food
Spicy clay pot meals, grilled meats and stir-fried vegetables are some recommended dishes at Yunnan Wind Restaurant. The menu consists of mostly spicy dishes, similar to Thai fare, but you can order icy sweet desserts like Taiwanese shaved ice to cool your mouth down afterwards.
Location: No. 231, Dongming Street, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
Open: Tuesday–Friday from 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to 9.30pm, Saturday–Sunday from 11am to 9.30pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +886 (0)3 516 5130
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