When it comes to Jiufen cuisine, most visitors think of taro balls, rice cakes with herbal filling, and Grandma's tea eggs. Yet this mountain town perched on a hillside overlooking the sea has quietly seen the arrival of soup dumplings amid its thriving tourism industry. While soup dumplings may not be Jiufen's traditional signature dish, they offer visiting tourists a familiar culinary choice.
The Unique Positioning of Mountain City Xiaolongbao
The number of xiaolongbao shops in Jioufen is limited, but each has its own distinctive character. Compared to Taipei's Ding Tai Feng's refined approach or Taichung's traditional breakfast shops' approachable style, Jioufen's xiaolongbao is more of a "tourist-friendly version" —既要照顧外地遊客的口味期待，又要在競爭激烈的老街中找到自己的生存空間。 Here, the dumplings typically feature thin skins with generous fillings and rich soup, with prices relatively affordable at around NT$100-150 for 8 pieces per basket.
Interestingly, Jioufen's geographical location gives these xiaolongbao an unexpected depth of flavor. The mountain city's humid climate and sea breezes make the dough wrapper more chewy during steaming, and local vendors also incorporate fresh seafood into their fillings, creating a taste experience distinctly different from that of inland cities.
Xiaolongbao Spots Worth Trying
Jishan Street Old Shop Xiaolongbao
Located in the middle of Jishan Street, this long-established shop is one of the earliest in Jiufen to serve xiaolongbao. The shop is small but enjoys steady business, specializing in traditional pork xiaolongbao and shrimp xiaolongbao. The pork variety is filled with rich, savory broth, while the shrimp variety has a subtle sea flavor—NT$120 per basket. What makes this spot special is the local chili sauce made right in Jiufen, featuring a slightly sweet and spicy taste that appeals even to visitors who don't handle spicy food well.
Shengqi Road Scenic Xiaolongbao Shop
This shop's draw goes beyond xiaolongbao—it's about the stunning ocean views while you eat. Their signature dish is the seafood xiaolongbao, featuring cuttlefish and shrimp meat, priced at NT$150 per basket. While the price is slightly higher, the excellent view and dining environment make it good value. We recommend the window seats, where you can enjoy piping hot xiaolongbao while taking in the scenery of Keelung Islet.
Qingbian Road Alley Snack Stall
Tucked away in an alley on Qingbian Road, this hidden gem is known only to locals. The shop's handmade xiaolongbao skins are exceptionally thin—almost translucent—with hearty, generous fillings. Beyond the classic flavors, they offer a creative taro xiaolongbao, incorporating Jiufen's famous taro balls into the recipe—NT$100 per basket. Hours are limited, and they typically sell out by 3 PM.
Old Street Entrance Noodle Shop
Located at the entrance of Jiufen's Old Street, this versatile eatery offers xiaolongbao among its various dishes, maintaining consistent quality. What makes this place unique is the ability to pair xiaolongbao with other Jiufen specialties—for example, ordering a basket of xiaolongbao with taro ball sweet soup for a salty-sweet Jiufen-style experience. Xiaolongbao is NT$110 per basket, perfect for visitors who want to sample a variety of Jiufen treats in one go.
Practical Information & Transportation Guide
Transportation
From Taipei, you can take the Bannan Line of the MRT to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, then transfer to Keelung Bus Route 1062 to Jiufen Old Street Station; or take the Taiwan Railway to Ruifang Station, then transfer to Keelung Bus Route 788 or New Taipei Bus Route 1368. If driving yourself, take National Highway 1 to the Badu Interchange and follow the signs to Jiufen, but parking spaces are limited on weekends, so it's recommended to arrive early.
Business Hours
Most Xiaolongbao shops operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but may close earlier due to tourist crowds and ingredient availability. It's recommended to arrive before 3:00 PM for more options and shorter wait times.
Cost Reference
Xiaolongbao prices in Jiufen range from NT$100-150 per basket (8 pieces), which is cheaper than upscale Taipei restaurants but slightly more expensive than typical breakfast shops. Most vendors accept cash payments, with a few larger shops offering card or mobile payment options.
Travel Tips
While the xiaolongbao in Jiufen is delicious, visitors are encouraged to try the most representative local specialties: taro balls, grass jelly rice cakes, and tea eggs. Consider xiaolongbao as a "safe choice for familiar flavors," especially suitable for family visitors traveling with elders or young children.
Due to Jiufen's hilly terrain, wearing comfortable shoes is recommended. When dining, try to choose establishments with seating, as standing while eating xiaolongbao easily leads to burns. Additionally, Jiufen's weather can change quickly, so carrying lightweight rain gear is advisable to avoid disrupting your dining experience.
Weekday visits typically have fewer crowds and offer a better dining experience; weekends are livelier but may require waiting in line. If your primary goal is to enjoy xiaolongbao, consider planning it after visiting other main attractions as a practical way to fill up.
