Long Tou Shark Balls (Long Tou Yu Wan Dian 龙头鱼丸店)

When Kulangsu locals miss the flavors of their hometown, many of them miss most of all the shark-ball soup from this little, locally run shop, which has been on the island for several decades. As you can see from the woman hand-rolling the shark balls at a counter at the front of the restaurant, there’s […]

Kang Family Oyster Omelette (Kang Jia Long Tou Hai Li Jian 康家龙头海蛎煎)

This sidewalk stand is an ideal place for a mid-afternoon pit stop to sample one of the island’s classic local specialties: the oyster omelette. Here, the delicious dish is turned out with speed and consistency while you stand by on the sidewalk. Watch and appreciate the artistry in the street chef’s careful construction of the […]

Stinky Tofu (Pao Cai Chou Dou Fu 泡菜臭豆腐)

Your nose can’t miss this busy street food stall right in the middle of the buzz of the Long Tou Street Food Market (Long Tou Xiao Chi Yi Tiao Jie 龙头路小吃一条街): you can smell the stinky tofu emanating from the shop from a full block away. People generally either love or hate stinky tofu—there’s almost […]

Huang Sheng Pork Jerky (Huang Sheng Ji Rou Pu 黄胜记肉铺)

On an island of legendary jerky, none may be more legendary in the eyes of locals than Huang Sheng Ji, which was once just a tiny street stand but after decades of success has now expanded into an almost equally tiny shop next door. Within arm’s reach you’ll find numerous versions of beef, pork, squid, […]

Grandma Lu’s (Lu Ama 卢阿嬷)

My 89-year-old grandmother’s name is Lu, and so is the mastermind behind this very local Minnan sweets and pastry shop, Lu Nai Nai (Lu Ama 卢阿嬷, in Minnan dialect). In our own family dialect, I call my Italian grandmother Nonnie, which is close enough to Nai Nai to complete the sweep. There are two Grandma […]