Food History of Cijin Island, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Cijin Island, a slender slice of land off the coast of Kaohsiung, has a rich and diverse food culture owing to its historical position as a fishing village and port. The island's cuisine reflects a mix of influences, including traditional Chinese, aboriginal, and Japanese, which mirrors Taiwan's varied historical occupations. Seafood has always been a staple of Cijin due to its close proximity to the ocean, and over time, food vendors have become creative in incorporating fresh local catch into various traditional and innovative dishes.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Cijin Island for Tourists
- Fried Seafood Platter (Non-Veg) - A variety of freshly caught seafood, battered and deep-fried until crispy.
- Grilled Squid (Non-Veg) - Seasoned and grilled to perfection, often sold by street vendors near the coast.
- Cijin Black Sand Coffee (Veg) - A unique coffee experience, said to be roasted using the heat of black sand.
- Oyster Omelette (Non-Veg) - A Taiwanese classic, combining eggs and fresh oysters with a savory sauce.
- Cijin Seafood Congee (Non-Veg) - A comforting rice porridge cooked with fresh seafood and ginger.
- Mango Shaved Ice (Veg) - A popular dessert made with shaved ice and topped with fresh mango and syrup.
- Seafood Skewers (Non-Veg) - Various types of seafood on sticks, easy to eat while exploring.
- Steamed Fish (Non-Veg) - A healthier option, often steamed with ginger and spring onions.
- Koufu Juicy Pineapple (Veg) - Famous in Cijin for its incredibly juicy and sweet pineapples.
- Baked Clams (Non-Veg) - Clams baked with a savory topping, a simple yet indulgent dish.
Top Famous Restaurants in Cijin Island and Their Signature Dishes
Below is a list of popular restaurants in Cijin Island, along with their address and famous dishes:
- Seafood Street Restaurants
- Address: Miaoqian Rd, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 805
- Famous Dish: Fried Seafood Platter (Non-Veg)
- Old Street Coffee
- Address: No. 199, Miaoqian Rd, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 805
- Famous Dish: Cijin Black Sand Coffee (Veg)
- A-Jhen Oyster Omelette
- Address: No. 60, Miaoqian Rd, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 805
- Famous Dish: Oyster Omelette (Non-Veg)
- Hai-Bin Ice Store
- Address: No. 2-1, Xingbin Rd, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 805
- Famous Dish: Mango Shaved Ice (Veg)
- Cijin Deyue Seafood
- Address: No. 42-3, Miaoqian Rd, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 805
- Famous Dish: Steamed Fish (Non-Veg)
Cijin Island offers a feast for the senses with its incredible array of fresh seafood and other delicious treats. Whether you're strolling through its bustling streets or dining at a seaside restaurant, the island's culinary offerings are sure to leave a lasting impression.