Location: Hsinchu Beimen Fried Rice Cakes & Xiao's Dumplings
Travel notes: A grad school junior, Jiankai, recently finished diplomatic alternative service in Africa and traveled solo in South America for months. After returning to Taiwan, he came to Hsinchu to eat with me. Since he'd barely been to Hsinchu, I wanted to show him some local specialties. First, we went to Beimen Fried Rice Cakes, a century-old shop in Hsinchu I wrote about before: Jinmen Gaokeng Beef Jerky & Hsinchu Beimen Fried Rice Cakes. I really like their fried items, especially the oyster pancake and fried garlic—delicious and not greasy. Later, I took him to another place I frequent more: Hsinchu Xiao's Dumplings. I come here so often the owner recognizes me and always greets me. I've tried almost everything on the menu (noodles, dumplings, etc.). I prefer their red bean bun over the famous soup dumplings. The smooth red bean filling is fragrant when freshly steamed. The soup dumplings come with a special spicy sauce that's very appetizing. No wonder customers keep coming despite the inconspicuous storefront.