Chien Yi Tang Herbal Pharmacy

Review

Chien Yi Tang Herbal Pharmacy is on Zhongyang Street in Magong, right next to the Four-Eye Well on the Central Old Street, and has been in business for more than a century. Bunnyann notes the building is a Penghu County historic site, and Yam Travel says the shop is over a hundred years old; the owner has told visitors it was founded in 1918. Almost everyone strolling the old street and Tianhou Temple stops at the door for an herbal egg.

Supertaste calls the signature egg a ten-tonic egg, simmered for twenty-four hours with ten Chinese herbs. The shells carry dark marbling, the whites and yolks are deeply seasoned, and the herbal aroma is clear but not bitter. Both Supertaste and Yam Travel list an egg at NT$15 and two pieces of tofu at NT$15; check current prices on site. The shop also sells herbal quail eggs, house-ground pepper, preserved fruits and herbs.

Fans praise the strong herbal fragrance, the well-seasoned eggs and tofu, and the low price, perfect for snacking while you walk. Some enjoy hearing the owner talk about the historic building and the pharmacy's story. Critics say it is just a braised egg, find it on the salty side, and note that people sensitive to herbal flavors may not like it. On holidays the old street is crowded and there may be a short wait at the stall.

Online listings and Bunnyann give hours of about 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Supertaste says until 7:30 p.m.; sources differ, so confirm before you go. It is mainly takeaway with no proper seating, so eat beside the Four-Eye Well and take photos. The Central Old Street is a pedestrian area, so park in a nearby lot and walk in.

It suits anyone wanting a small snack while exploring the old street, or who is interested in Penghu's historic buildings. One egg and a portion of tofu per person costs under NT$50. If you like herbal aromas, pick up some pepper or an herbal soup pack to take home, and visit the Four-Eye Well and Tianhou Temple nearby.