Food In Keelung Harbor

Food History of Keelung Harbor, Keelung, Taiwan

The port city of Keelung, known as the Rainy Port due to its frequent drizzles, has a rich and diverse culinary history shaped by its status as a natural harbor and fishing hub. Influences come from the various settlers and occupiers throughout history, including indigenous peoples, Han Chinese immigrants, and the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan. The result is a melting pot of flavors that takes from Fujianese, Hakka, Japanese, and other cuisines, often featuring the plentiful seafood harvested from the harbor.

One of the city's most noted culinary hubs is the Keelung Night Market, where the intertwining alleyways teem with food vendors and stands selling both traditional Taiwanese snacks and innovative new dishes. This lively market scene encapsulates Keelung's food culture: a combination of freshness, variety, and the communal joy of sharing food.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Keelung Harbor, Keelung, Taiwan

1. Seafood Delicacies (Non-Veg): Being a harbor city, seafood is a must-try, with freshly caught fish, shrimp, squid, and crab often served grilled or fried.
2. Keelung Tempura (Non-Veg): Unlike Japanese tempura, Keelung's version is a savory, puffy batter-fried assortment of seafood and vegetables that is quite popular among locals.
3. Gongzai Noodles (Veg option available): A simple yet delicious bowl of noodles typically served with a variety of toppings including braised meat, which can be omitted for vegetarians.
4. Four Spirits Soup (Non-Veg): A comforting soup said to have medicinal properties, made with Chinese medicine and four types of proteins, excluding beef.
5. Oyster Omelette (Non-Veg): A famous Taiwanese street food dish made of eggs, fresh oysters, and a starch to give it a characteristic chewiness.
6. Stinky Tofu (Veg): A polarizing fermented tofu dish known for its strong odor, served deep-fried with pickled cabbage.
7. Braised Dishes (Veg option available): Known as 'lurou', these stalls offer a variety of braised foods such as tofu, eggs, and non-beef meats, served with rice or noodles.
8. Shaved Ice Dessert (Veg): A sweet treat perfect for hot days, consisting of finely shaved ice topped with various sweet toppings like fruit, beans, and syrup.
9. Sandwiches (Veg option available): Taiwanese sandwiches can be found with various fillings including eggs, pork (not cow-based), vegetables, and sometimes seafood.
10. Candied Fruits (Veg): Skewered fruits coated with a crystallized sugar glaze, also known as 'bingtanghulu'.

Top Famous Restaurants in Keelung Harbor, Keelung, Taiwan

Kuo Nan Hai-Xian

Address: No. 108, Xiao 2nd Rd, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200

Famous Food: Fresh Seafood Platter (Non-Veg)

Keelung Night Market - Various Stalls

Address: Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200

Famous Food: Oyster Omelette, Keelung Tempura (Veg options available)

Chia Ji Vegetarian Restaurant

Address: No. 22-1, Ai 4th Rd, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200

Famous Food: Vegetarian Gongzai Noodles (Veg)

Yi Feng Fishball Shop

Address: No. 16, Ai 3rd Rd, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200

Famous Food: Fish Balls (Non-Veg)

Shen Family Stinky Tofu

Address: No. 1, Ln. 19, Ai 3rd Rd, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200

Famous Food: Stinky Tofu (Veg)