Shi Luo Dian Beef Soup (Rich & Hearty)

The broth, slow-cooked with beef bones, brisket, and vegetables, has a charming amber color and a rich, mellow flavor with a sweet aftertaste. The pink beef slices turn incredibly tender after just a few seconds in the soup. The local way to eat it is to add a splash of rice wine for extra flavor, dip the beef in a special chili sauce, and pair it perfectly with a bowl of braised pork rice (Rou Zao Fan).

Photo Source: Michelin Guide

You can also add this Michelin-recommended breakfast to your stay at 3 Door Hotel and have it delivered directly to your room. It’s a great way to skip the morning queues and enjoy a leisurely Tainan travel experience.

Photo Source: 3 Door Hotel

• Recommended Dishes: Beef Soup (with Braised Pork Rice), Special Chili Sauce
• Opening Hours: 05:00 – 13:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)
• Average Price: NT$130 – 200
• Address: No. 98, Gongyuan S. Rd, West Central Dist., Tainan City (3-min ride / 10-min walk from 3 Door Hotel)

A Lian Beef Soup (Light & Sweet Flavor)

Originating from Shanhua and now with a branch on Gongyuan Road, this spot is bright, spacious, and perfect for groups. The soup is made with beef bones and vegetables, with a hint of basil that gives it a refreshingly sweet and distinct flavor. Their signature “Premium Beef Soup” features incredibly tender beef and is a must-try for first-timers.

They also offer an incredible all-you-can-eat braised pork rice buffet with any soup order, and you might even get a complimentary side dish of chilled beef brisket for liking their social media page!

• Recommended Dishes: Premium Beef Soup, Top-Grade Beef Soup, Special-Cut Beef Soup
• Opening Hours: 11:00 – 00:00 (Closed on Mondays)
• Average Price: NT$150 – 250
• Address: No. 57, Gongyuan Rd, West Central Dist., Tainan City (7-min walk from 3 Door Hotel)

A Cun Beef Soup 2nd Generation (Light & Sweet Flavor)

Previously recommended by the Michelin Guide, A Cun offers a light and sweet style. The broth is clear yet full of beef essence, making it a perfect, gentle start to the day. The beef is so delicate and flavorful that it’s delicious on its own, allowing you to taste the pure quality of the meat.

• Recommended Dishes: Beef Soup, Stir-fried Beef with Cabbage, Stir-fried Beef Tongue with Ginger
• Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 04:00-13:00 / 18:00-21:00, Tue 18:00-21:00 (Closed on Mondays)
• Average Price: NT$120 – 200
• Address: No. 41, Bao’an Rd, West Central Dist., Tainan City (6-min ride from 3 Door Hotel, on Guohua Street)

Yue Jin Savory Porridge

Open 24/7, this is a blessing for night owls and early birds alike. Whether you arrive in Tainan at dawn or get hungry late at night, Yue Jin is always there for you. Their “Comprehensive Savory Porridge” is loaded with milkfish, Spanish mackerel, and fresh oysters in a delicious broth. Remember to order a side of youtiao (fried dough stick) to dip in the porridge for a half-crispy, half-soft texture that’s addictively good!

• Recommended Dishes: Comprehensive Savory Porridge, Youtiao (Fried Dough Sticks)
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Average Price: NT$70 – 150
• Address: No. 332, Sec. 2, Ximen Rd, West Central Dist., Tainan City (4-min ride / 15-min walk from 3 Door Hotel)

A Tang Savory Porridge

While locals often joke that this is “for tourists,” it’s undeniably a benchmark of deliciousness for many. The “Comprehensive Savory Porridge” is generously packed with shredded fish, fish skin, and oysters in a rich, garlicky broth. The texture of the rice, halfway between porridge and soup rice (“fan tang”), is a signature of Tainan-style savory porridge. If you want to experience a classic, this is the place to go.

Photo Source: Liberty Times, Google Business

• Recommended Dishes: Comprehensive Savory Porridge
• Opening Hours: 06:00 – 13:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)
• Average Price: NT$150 – 260
• Address: No. 728, Sec. 1, Ximen Rd, West Central Dist., Tainan City (6-min ride from 3 Door Hotel, at the Ximen Road Roundabout)

YaMuLiao Market Dang Gui Duck No. 1

This isn’t dinner or a late-night snack; it’s a “power breakfast” for many old-school Tainan residents! Follow the gentle, herbal aroma of Angelica root (Dang Gui) to find it. The clear, sweet broth is mild and not overpowering, perfectly complementing the tender duck meat. A bite of meat and a sip of soup will warm your entire body. Choose the duck with glass noodles (mian xian) for a fulfilling meal that will energize your day.

Photo Source: AgriHarvest

• Recommended Dishes: Dang Gui Duck with Glass Noodles, Sliced Duck Plate
• Opening Hours: 09:30 – 20:00
• Average Price: NT$70 – 150
• Address: No. 146, Chenggong Rd, North Dist., Tainan City (Inside Ya Mu Liao Market, 7-min walk from 3 Door Hotel)

A Zhen Spring Rolls & The Mysterious “Garbage Noodles”

At the entrance of Du Mu Liao Market (also known as Guangfu Market) on Chenggong Road, you’ll find the “A Zhen Spring Rolls” stall. Now run by the second generation, it still serves up that same passionate, handmade flavor. Choose between the **traditional spring roll** or their signature **green spring roll**. The wrapper is chewy and elastic, filled with cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, pork, tofu, egg, and edamame. You can choose full or half sugar, and they’ll even offer to add sesame powder for aroma if you prefer it less sweet.

Photo Source: Play Tainan

Venture deeper into the market alleys to find the bowl locals affectionately call “Garbage Noodles” (Laji Mian). It’s actually a simple but delicious noodle soup (available dry or with broth), served with wontons or high-quality meatballs, and topped with a savory, house-made braised meat sauce. Don’t be scared by the name; this hearty and flavorful noodle dish is a sincere creation hidden in the market, perfect for warming you up on a cool morning.

Photo Source: IG @skiylin

• Recommended Dishes: A Zhen Spring Rolls, Charcoal Noodles (Garbage Noodles)
• Opening Hours: 08:30 – until sold out (Check Facebook for holidays)
• Average Price: NT$60 – 80
• Address: Intersection of Chenggong Rd & Yumin St, North Dist., Tainan City (Inside Ya Mu Liao Market, 7-min walk from 3 Door Hotel)