Jiufen Mountain Town is not only famous for its teahouses and nostalgic streetscapes, but local xiaolongbao are also hidden culinary gems. According to travel platform rankings, Jiufen xiaolongbao ranks 3rd in popularity among local snacks, with an average 4.2-star rating, making it a must-try budget-friendly delight for many visitors before leaving the mountain. Want to know which ones have the best reputation?
- A-Mei Teahouse Xiaolongbao: An innovative dining experience combining teahouse with meals, with tea-infused filling as the standout feature, see details
- Jiufen Old Street Entrance Xiaolongbao: Thin skin with ample soup, freshly made and steamed, a local popular spot with queues, see details
- Shengping Xiaolongbao: Traditional style, with sweet and non-greasy pork filling, see details
For more Jiufen food recommendations, check out the complete guide.
Jiufen Old Street is renowned for its unique mountain town ambiance and nostalgic atmosphere, drawing thousands of visitors to sample taro balls, teahouses, and various traditional snacks. However, while navigating the stone-step alleys, you might unexpectedly discover some hidden budget-friendly delicacies—including xiaolongbao stalls quietly nestled between traditional teahouses and cafes.
Interestingly, Jiufen is not traditionally known for xiaolongbao—the local culinary scene has always centered on taro balls, grass jelly cakes, and various teahouse snacks. However, in recent years, as the old street's food scene has diversified, some vendors have begun introducing snack elements from across Taiwan, including traditional flavors from Keelung or Ruifang. This "mountain town value-add" phenomenon allows visitors to enjoy classic Jiufen flavors while discovering unexpected culinary surprises.
If you've come to Jiufen specifically for xiaolongbao, you might be disappointed—it's not an area known for concentrated soup dumpling specialized shops. However, if you approach it with a "stroll through the old street, discover randomly" mindset, xiaolongbao might become a delightful surprise in your journey. It's recommended to view Jiufen as a midway stop for food exploration rather than a final destination, which will actually yield more pleasant surprises.
When looking for xiaolongbao in Jiufen, there are a few places worth noting. First, the traditional market area along Jishan Road occasionally has small vendors offering freshly steamed xiaolongbao at very affordable prices—usually a portion (8-10 pieces) can be enjoyed at budget-friendly rates. Second, the area around Ruifang Station offers more diverse food options, with opportunities to find long-established shops. Additionally, Keelung City, not far from Jiufen, has a richer selection of xiaolongbao, from the Miaokou Night Market to various local eateries in the city center.
Speaking of xiaolongbao around Jiufen, Keelung's "alleyway cuisine" culture cannot be overlooked. The area around Keelung's Miaokou Night Market hides many long-established snack stalls, with some specializing in xiaolongbao and soup dumplings that have been passed down for decades. These vendors' xiaolongbao typically feature thin skin with generous filling, pork-based filling with饱满汤汁, and when you take a bite, the broth flows out—classic Taiwanese traditional flavor. In terms of price, Keelung xiaolongbao costs approximately NT$50-80 per portion, making it standard budget-friendly fare.
The commercial area in front of Ruifang Station is also worth exploring. This area has a rich food ecosystem, ranging from traditional snacks to modern tea shops, with many vendors offering xiaolongbao. Compared to the bustling crowds of Jiufen Old Street, Ruifang has more of a local living atmosphere and more affordable prices. If your itinerary starts from Ruifang Station, first explore the station-area food scene, then take a bus to Jiufen Old Street—this route is smooth and allows you to enjoy a wider variety of culinary offerings.
It's worth noting that food prices in Jiufen Old Street are generally higher than in urban areas—a common characteristic of tourist areas. If you see xiaolinbao stalls within the old street, prices may be 1.5-2 times higher than in surrounding areas, so be prepared for this. It's recommended to eat your fill in Ruifang or Keelung before heading to Jiufen for a stroll—this way you can control your budget while still enjoying a complete food experience.
Getting to Jiufen from Taipei is quite convenient. You can take the Taiwan Railway from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (about 40 minutes), or directly take Keelung buses from Taipei Station or Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. Many people opt to take buses 1062 or 965 from Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station or Taipei City Hall Station directly to Jiufen Old Street. If driving, there will be traffic controls on holidays—it's recommended to leave early or park at the Ruifang Parking Lot and transfer to buses.
Travel tip: Jiufen Old Street has many stone steps, so it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. The best time to enjoy xiaolongbao is in the morning or on weekday afternoons—during holidays, you may need to queue due to larger crowds. If you want to avoid crowds, try weekday mornings when there are fewer tourists, allowing you to more leisurely explore each shop. Additionally, Jiufen weather is quite changeable, and the mountain area gets foggy easily, so rain gear is essential.
