Still Hungry? More Local Eats on Xiaoliuqiu (Part 2!)

Our original blog, "Where Locals Eat on Xiaoliuqiu: 13 Great Options," quickly became one of our most-read and most-shared posts—thank you! We’ve loved seeing so many of you following our recommendations and showing up at these spots. Since then, even more culinary gems have made it into our regular rotation, and it felt only right to share them with you. So here it is: Part 2—because good food is meant to be shared, and great eateries deserve the spotlight.

An Apron and Bula Kaya Toast

First up is a combo we hit often—two side-by-side street stands right on the main road, both operating mostly at night. But before we dive in, a quick note: I’m gluten intolerant. So while I know there’s a world of wheaty goodness out there, many of our picks lean toward the gluten-free-friendly side.

Let’s start with Bula Kaya Toast—ironically not for the toast (can’t do the Kaya Toast, thanks gluten), but for their chicken skewers. Juicy, tender, and packed with protein, these skewers are a staple in my diet. At NT$110 for three generously sized sticks, they check all my boxes:

• Great value
  
• High in protein
  
• Seriously delicious
  
  

Even one of my freedive students—who’s worked in Michelin-starred kitchens around the world—was blown away.

Right next to Bula is An Apron, where I usually grab a taco or two. The owner is a serious Mexican food enthusiast who even spent time traveling in Mexico to learn the craft. When I first discovered them three years ago, they were serving nachos and hot dogs (couldn’t do the hot dogs… gluten, again). But I was just stoked to see nachos on Xiaoliuqiu. I’m from California—Mexican food runs through my veins.

Fast-forward to now: they’ve expanded their menu to include tacos, and I’ve swapped my usual nacho order for their soft tacos. Less fried, more fresh—my California taste buds approve. And the price? If you’re used to U.S. taco prices, these will feel like a steal.

Check out our IG Reel here.

Bun Takumi 

Bun Takumi is a relatively new addition to the island’s food scene, but it’s already making waves for its focus on quality ingredients. The first thing you’ll notice is the ordering system—sleek, self-service kiosks that accept everything from cash to overseas credit cards. Super convenient, especially for international visitors.

Word on the street is their flour comes from the same supplier used by a certain globally famous xiaolongbao franchise—and you can taste that level of quality in every bite. The ethos here is simple: ingredients good enough for home cooking. From the pork to the soy sauce, everything they use is what they’d serve to family.

The menu is small but thoughtfully curated, offering a few delicious choices: fried mantou, gua bao, or stewed pork served over rice or noodles. Wash it down with one of their two house-made drinks for the full experience.

Gao Ji

Gao Ji started out as just another solid stir-fry joint we’d hit occasionally—but ever since they added roast duck to the menu, we’ve been coming back a whole lot more. These days, my wife and I usually go all in with either a half or whole duck, then save the leftovers for the next day. Honestly, it’s a lot of food for not a lot of money.

Roast duck is a staple in any Hong Konger’s diet, and this one gets two enthusiastic thumbs up from the Hong Kong natives behind this site. Crispy skin, juicy meat—it hits all the right notes.



While you’re there, don’t skip the honeycomb shrimp fried egg. Trust me—you’ve probably never had anything quite like it. Oh, and their fried fish is usually fresh mahi mahi straight from local waters, making it another must-try.

Liuqiu Sushi

Liuqiu Sushi might just be the most authentic Japanese food on the island.

Now, what do I really know about Japanese cuisine?

Well… maybe not in a textbook sense. But I did spend nearly 15 years with a Japanese partner—first as a girlfriend, then wife, now ex-wife—and together we had two kids, took countless trips to Japan, and shared thousands of home-cooked Japanese meals.

So while I won’t claim to be an expert, I will say this place serves the kind of food we’d eat at home or find at a neighborhood spot in Japan. Just my humble opinion—but one shaped by a lot of lived experience 

Ji Sushi aka Sushi Truck

We love eating sushi at the Donggang Fish Market—it’s a must whenever we make the crossing. You just can’t beat the freshness, value, and pure deliciousness. But when that craving hits and we don’t have time to hop over to Donggang, we turn to this trusty little food truck for our fix.



Ji Sushi, or we call it Sushi Truck, serves up quality sashimi over rice at a price that’s hard to beat. It’s simple, satisfying, and seriously fresh. Pro tip: go early. They often sell out toward the end of their operating hours—and for good reason.