Discover the Great Flavors of the Islands
Follow the food enthusiasts and veterans to Kinmen!
Kinmen is a unique archipelago with a rich culture and history, where beautiful architecture and historic sites are well-preserved, and traditional cuisine is passed down through generations. The street food and veterans' favorites, found only in Kinmen, have become unforgettable delicacies for food lovers.
Must-Eats in Kinmen
Guangdong Congee (廣東粥 = Guǎngdōng zhōu)
In Kinmen's Guangdong congee, the rice dissolves after long hours of stewing, creating a smooth and hearty base. This delicious and nutritious congee includes tender pork, fresh pork liver, eggs, handmade fish balls, and pork balls. For an extra treat, pair it with a freshly fried youtiao (deep-fried dough stick). Dip the Youtiao into the congee, letting it soak up the savory broth, and enjoy an unforgettable taste experience with every bite!
Taro Dishes
Lieyu's mineral-rich soil produces taro that is fragrant, fluffy, and soft. Simple cooking techniques highlight its wonderful flavors!
Local food businesses have created a variety of taro dishes, including taro ice as a dessert, deep-fried taro rolls, steamed taro with canned pork, and crispy fried taro balls. These are must-try delicacies in Lieyu!
Noodles in Thick Pork Soup
Kinmen's thick pork soup stands out from those in other regions. Lean pork is coated in sweet potato flour before cooking, transforming into translucent balls. Combined with a rich soup base and springy noodles, this is a dish you'll savor to the last bite.
來金門,一定要到肉羹麵老店試試這一碗!
Rock Oyster Vermicelli
Rock oysters are one of Kinmen's specialty seafoods, naturally growing on rock pillars. Though small, these oysters are sweet and free from any fishy smell. Local stores use a kelp-based stock to cook Kinmen sun-dried vermicelli and generously add a big scoop of oysters into each bowl. Customers can enjoy numerous oysters in every bite!
Veterans' Nostalgic Food
Beef Noodles (牛肉麵 = Niúròu miàn)
In Kinmen, cattle are raised on distiller's grains and have ample space to move, resulting in healthy, strong cattle that produce plump and tender beef. Local cattle owners have developed a variety of beef dishes, with beef noodles being a favorite among gourmets. The rich broth is paired with fresh meat and springy noodles, making it a dish that customers savor to the last drop.
Fried Instant Noodles (炒泡麵 = Chǎo pào miàn)
During the military government rule, grocery stores near the military camps created this popular dish to provide hot meals for soldiers. They cook and drain instant noodles, then stir-fry them with fresh vegetables and shredded pork.
Potstickers (鍋貼 = Guōtiē)
These dumplings are filled with plump meat and cooked in a hot pan with eggs poured over them, then slowly fried over low heat. The result is potstickers with a crispy skin, a hint of egg aroma, and meat juice that bursts out with every bite.
Healing Snacks
Minnan-style Shaobing (Chinese Layered Flatbread)
Kinmen’s Minnan-style Shaobings are different from those commonly found in traditional breakfast stores in Taiwan. These nostalgic snacks come in two flavors: sweet, filled with maltose, and savory, filled with scallions and pork. They make great souvenirs to share with family and friends.
Oyster Fritters
Fresh vegetables and Kinmen oysters are battered and deep-fried until golden brown, then topped with a salty and slightly spicy sauce. The result is a crispy exterior and savory interior that visitors can’t forget after trying.
Yóutiáo (油條)
Often enjoyed with Guangdong congee, Kinmen Youtiaos are chewy and have a texture similar to deep-fried bread. The more you chew, the more aromatic they become. Locals enjoy them in creative ways, such as wrapping them with Gong Tang for a half-savory, half-sweet combination. Visitors should definitely try this if they get a chance.
Danbing with Taiwanese Sausage or Hotdog
This dish is an abbreviation for a Taiwanese omelet wrapped with a scallion pancake and filled with Taiwanese sausage or a hotdog, then deep-fried. Crispy on the outside with a layer of special sauce on the inside, this rich-textured treat is love at first bite.