This guide covers the best restaurants, street food, and dining experiences in Taiwan.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
When it comes to Kenting cuisine, besides seafood and Southeast Asian cuisine, the local xiaolongbao is a delightful surprise many tourists discover! Kenting's 'xiaolongbao' represents the southern Taiwanese interpretation of traditional Chinese buns, combining the bold style of southern Taiwan with innovative flavors, adding another dining option to this tropical resort destination.
The Unique Charm of Southern Buns
Kenting's xiaolongbao differs from the refined Jiangsu-Zhejiang style of the north, more like an upgraded version of Taiwanese buns. Here, vendors skillfully combine local ingredients with innovative techniques, such as incorporating unique southern Taiwanese spices, adopting special pan-frying methods, or developing original filling combinations. In the hot southern climate, these buns become the best choice for tourists to recharge their energy, whether it's a snack time after beach activities or the top choice for late-night market wandering.
Recommended Shops Selection
Xiao Ji Crispy Skin Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings is located at No. 210-8 Kenting Road, making it one of the most distinctive bun shops in the area. The shop's signature method involves taking traditional steamed buns and finishing them with an oil-frying process, creating a unique crispy exterior and juicy filling texture. They offer six flavor choices including original, spicy, cheese, and garlic, with garlic being widely recognized as the shop's signature. Operating hours are from 4 PM to 11 PM, with 3 baskets priced at NT$200, plus a promotional offer of buying 10 baskets get 1 free.
Xiao Du Bao is located at No. 18, 20 Hengquan Road, Hengchun Town, and is a popular shop even rated 3.9 by TripAdvisor, ranking 6th among Hengchun restaurants. Their most special offering is Taiwan's only Rain Vegetable Bun, along with the signature Spicy Lion's Head Bun, with individual bun prices ranging from NT$25-45. The shop opens daily from 6 AM to 6:30 PM, extending to 7 PM on weekends, and offers advance orders for 40 or more buns on weekdays.
Bobo Kitchen is a newly emerged hip cultural spot in recent years, combining restaurant, bookstore, and studio in a mixed-use operation, offering refined bun cuisine and injecting a modern sense into Kenting's bun culture. The comfortable店内環境 is suitable for tourists who want to enjoy slow food culture.
Hengchun Old Street Traditional Bun Stalls are scattered throughout Hengchun Old Street, and these unnamed small stalls often have the most authentic nostalgic flavors. Prices are affordable, usually just NT$15-25 per bun, making it the choice closest to locals' daily life.
Kenting Night Market Bun Stalls When night falls, various bun vendors appear on Kenting Street, offering piping hot freshly steamed buns, making it an unmissable street food experience for night tours of Kenting.
Transportation and Cost Guide
The most convenient way to reach Kenting for xiaolongbao is to take Kenting Express 9189 from Zuoying HSR Station directly to Kenting Xiaowan, then transfer to local shuttle or walk to various shops. You can also choose Bus 9188 departing from Kaohsiung, with a journey of approximately 2.5 hours and a fare of NT$350. Self-driving tourists can park their vehicles in paid parking lots around Kenting Street.
Bun prices are quite affordable, with options ranging from budget-friendly NT$15 to refined NT$45. General tourists can enjoy a rich bun feast with a budget of NT$100-200 per meal. Most shops operate from 6 AM to 11 PM, and it's recommended to avoid peak dining hours.
Tasting Tips
It's recommended that tourists visit during afternoon tea time or around dinner time, which not only helps avoid crowds but also allows you to enjoy the best temperature right out of the oven. Xiao Ji's Crispy Skin Xiaolongbao is best enjoyed hot to fully appreciate the crispy exterior and tender interior layers. Xiao Du Bao's Rain Vegetable Bun is a limited quantity item, so it's recommended to arrive early to avoid sold-out. For first-time visitors, it's recommended to order a mixed combination of different flavors to taste multiple varieties at once. While Kenting's bun culture may not be as refined as the north, it excels in portion size and affordable prices, making it perfect for energy replenishment after playing at the beach.
