Kenting: Taiwan's Terrible Food Landfill. Seriously, Just Don't.
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Sure, here's the translation into easy-to-understand English for foreign friends, while emphasizing the core point!
To be honest, I had a great experience eating all over Taiwan, but it seems that the further south I went, everything started to taste different, especially in Kenting, one of the most popular coastal destinations!
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About the Coconut Merchant and the Owner:
- The roadside stall sells coconuts by weight - something unique to note as coconuts are generally sold by piece in many places.
- I asked the merchant how much one costs, but he shook his head and said each one would be different. I couldn’t understand what could make such a difference, so I let him cut one and weigh it on the scale - it cost me NT$150 (approximately $5 CAD).
- There was then also this pineapple with a strange, fermented alcohol taste - all while the merchant gave off an unpleasant impression. Can you imagine?
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Bosses' Bizarre Responses:
- After I expressed my displeasure with the food, the boss at this restaurant responded, "I am pleased to provide remedies for your stomach." (Sounds kind of sarcastic?).
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A Terrible 'Seafood' Experience:
- One restaurant I visited served what was, without exaggerating, the worst meal of my life - with the feeling of being left emotionally scarred…
- After all, Kenting is by the sea; right next to a harbor, a place where fishing boats dock and trade seafood, so the fresh catch of the day would be expected, right?
- But when I asked what seafood dishes they had, he just waved me over to some pre-packaged frozen fish in their freezer... it was not going well.
- We bravely ordered several home-style dishes:
Chicken with Three Cups(a typical Taiwanese dish of chicken cooked with soy sauce, sesame paste, and Chinese rice wine): The fishy smell was very strong; I had doubts about whether the chickens were involved in some unsavory activity before life...Bitter Melon Pineapple Chicken Soup: The chicken was as hard as stone and the soup resembled hot water soaked with ingredients. The worst part was the pineapple, which carried the stench of fermented alcohol and tasted like an intoxicated old man had breathed on them…Red Braised Fish: Just seemed like an already roasted meal that had been prepared beforehand and only needed heating up before being served. It tasted much like sweet-and-sour fish, rather than freshly cooked.- As for the bitterness of the bitter melon… let’s say that’s about how bad I felt during my visit.
- These three dishes cost us NT$930 (approximately $30 CAD).
- I did some searching through Google reviews and found out that almost all negative critiques were responded to by the owner, who often took on an aggressive tone.
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Travel Tips & Warnings:
- Please be cautious with the food, as the culinary experience in Kenting is less satisfactory than anticipated. Reading reviews before deciding on a restaurant may help.
- Additionally, please beware of cold attitudes in this area. They don't seem as warm and welcoming as other regions of Taiwan.
- Make sure to confirm whether the price of coconuts is calculated by weight or by piece prior to purchasing to avoid surprises at checkout.
- Last but not least, don’t assume that seafood by the beach will always be fresh. Keep an eye out while ordering especially if they offer a choice between fresh and frozen.
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Conclusion
- Despite the above, there are still advantages to visiting Kenting - its scenery and landscape do not disappoint and are definitely worth a short stopover.
- However, those expecting to have delightful dining experiences and to feel genuinely welcomed by locals may very well leave disappointed and frustrated after getting sick over the food.
- There are many more peculiar encounters inKenting that I shall share another time to save you from being disappointed yet again!
#TaiwanTravel #TaiwanCuisine #Kenting #KentingTravel #TaiwanStreetFood #TouristGuide
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Forget about Kenting; it's a place even many Taiwanese locals avoid now.
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Actually, plenty of Taiwanese people still go – why else would it be so crowded? Though, it's true some prefer Okinawa.
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In Hengchun, definitely try Shanshang Renjia (山下人家), Xiangcun Duck Noodles (鄉村鴨肉麵), and Qiu's Sashimi (邱家生魚片) at Houbihu. Highly recommended!
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I saw this too late!
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Setting aside whether it tastes good or not, chicken feet aren't supposed to be skinned, right? You eat them for that chewy, collagen texture, don't you?
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No, that's not it. Chicken feet do have an outer layer of skin (that's often blanched off).
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Kenting and Shilin Night Market are prime examples of tourist spots ruined by locals themselves.
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I was just at Shilin yesterday, and I fell for every tourist trap you mentioned.
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Even Taiwanese people say they get ripped off in Kenting and Hengchun. You often hear them complain about 'tourist traps' and say things like, 'The quality of domestic travel is so bad, you're better off going to Japan.'
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When I go to Kenting, I skip Kenting Main Street. I'd rather go for a hotel buffet or find well-known eateries in Hengchun.
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Kenting is a total rip-off... just don't go.
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I've already been scammed there. Next time I drive to Taitung, I'm definitely speeding right through Kenting without a moment's stop.
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This must be Kenting Main Street. When we took a taxi, the driver warned us that this street is expensive and the food is bad. He said locals all eat in Hengchun and suggested we stay there too.
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That was in Hengchun.
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When I'm in Kenting, 7-Eleven is the only place I trust (for food).
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People in the know rent a scooter and head to Hengchun for meals.
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That's exactly where we ate, in Hengchun.
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Go eat at Ali Seafood (阿利海產); the seafood at Houbihu isn't as fresh.