Nothing like a hearty local breakfast to kickstart the day. For Yang, this loosely translated version of “sweet potato pork cake” comes unrivalled. But don’t let the name fool you because the meat cakes aren’t exactly filled with pork. Instead, the rustic delicacy puts forth rice that is first pan-seared till the edges are crispy. The crisped carb discs are then plonked into an aromatic milkfish bone broth with slivers of milkfish. “It is one of my favourite childhood breakfast memories,” shares Yang. The unassuming joint opens from four in the morning so best be early to avoid disappointment as they typically sell out before 8am.

Fanshu Cuo
Address: No. 167, Guangsheng Street, Yongkang District, Tainan City, Taiwan 710

There’s no doubt that hotpot culture is big in Taiwan and A-Yu Beef Shabu Shabu is a household name that recently shot to fame, especially after being listed in the Michelin Guide 2023. The beef is freshly prepared daily and expertly sliced to present the best textures of each cut. Don’t come expecting Wagyu qualities as the Tainan Shanhua beef is much leaner by nature but it still eats beautifully springy. “The homemade beef broth is both pure and sweet,” raves Yang. While you’re there, make sure to try the highly raved braised beef rice and come during off-peak hours to avoid too long a queue. 

A-Yu Beef Shabu Shabu
Address: No. 733-1, Kunlun Road, Rende District, Tainan City, Taiwan 717

Distilling the inimitable warmth of Taiwanese hospitality into its quirky menu of comfort food and world-class cocktails, The Han-Jia Pairing Dinner is a firm favourite among locals. Whet your appetite with a slick selection of modern European tapas and mains from crispy fried beef tripe and moreish garlic oil shrimp to the juicy Iberico pork rack. Thirsty for a tipple? Besides classics, the bar stirs up an inventive slew that showcases the layering of clean and refreshing flavours. 

The Han-Jia Pairing Dinner
Address: No. 669, Section 1, Ximen Road, South District, Tainan City, Taiwan 702

Opening till the wee hours, this fruit and vegetable shop doubles as a dessert shop that is popular among locals. Touted as one of Yang’s favourite spots for supper in Tainan, the humble jaunt not only sells the freshest high-quality ingredients, they also serves them together as an ice dessert topped with sweet pudding. While there’s a myriad of combinations to choose from, the crowd favourite is definitely the plump strawberries with milk ice slathered with condensed milk and sweet pudding. 

Qingji Fruit
Address: No. 294, Section 1, Fuqian Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Modelled after a charming tea house, Moonrock is a trendy zen-inducing cocktail bar that managed to snag a place of No.71 on the Asia 50 Best Bars 2023 awards. Expect elegantly straightforward drinks but also ones that cleverly weave in culinary techniques: think bold combinations of blending rum with cardamom and Sichuan pepper; or infusing tequila with blue cheese and chardonnay. Besides the cocktails, the food at the bar is equally as satisfying and intriguing. “The foie gras dumpling with old hen broth is highly recommended,” declares Yang. 

Moonrock
Address: No. 13, Alley 42, Lane 22, Chenggong Road, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704

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