Mai Yen Shun

Review

Mai Yen Shun is at No. 173 Qinghai Road in Gushan, not far from the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts. When MICHELIN added it to the Bib Gourmand list in 2024, its stir-fried chicken thigh with old ginger was named one of the inspectors' favourite dishes, and the 2026 guide still lists the restaurant. Retro decor gives the room a nostalgic, cosy feel that the inspectors call ideal for gatherings with family and friends.

The menu sticks to traditional home-style Taiwanese cooking. The signature chicken borrows the three-cup method but uses more ginger: plenty of old ginger slices are fried until fragrant, then tossed with bite-sized thigh meat, sesame oil and soy sauce, finished with basil. MICHELIN calls it labour-intensive but worth the wait, a real rice killer.

Diners praise fresh ingredients, classic dishes, the nostalgic setting and friendly, efficient service, noting that groups of four or more can try more plates. On the downside, some find certain dishes too salty, others think portions are small for the price, or feel other places nearby are better value.

Lunch runs 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner 5:30 to 9 p.m., closed Mondays. The MICHELIN page says it is cash only and air-conditioned; book by phone, as weekends without a reservation can mean a queue. The menu is mainly in Chinese, so overseas visitors can order from photos posted online. The restaurant is listed as family friendly.

It suits anyone after traditional Taiwanese food, family dinners or meals with older relatives. Do not skip the ginger chicken and order extra rice, then add a seafood dish, greens and a soup; sharing among three or four people gives the best value. If you are sensitive to salt, tell the staff when ordering.