Meng Ji Breakfast

Review

Meng Ji Breakfast sits in the market area on the far side of the Guomao community roundabout in Zuoying, right across from Mei Hong Soy Milk. It is one of the quieter Guomao military-village breakfast shops, but it has plenty of long-time customers. Supertaste's Guomao food round-up lists it among the must-eat breakfasts, a local blogger has returned many times and compares it with Lai Lai, and online reviewers say its queue is usually a little shorter than the other two famous shops.

Wheat snacks are the focus: flatbread with egg, baked flower rolls, cabbage buns and chive pockets are regulars' picks, the chive pockets thin-skinned and generously filled. The peanut cake has a strong peanut flavour and a crisp crust. The pan-fried chive buns are large, fragrant with chives and glass noodles yet not greasy. The shop serves its own scallion soy sauce to go with the buns and baked breads. As for drinks, the black tea is smooth and moderately sweet, and the soy milk tastes clean.

Praise centres on low prices, freshly made egg crepes with a chewy, tender skin, less oiliness than nearby famous shops, and a tidy dining area; you place your order with staff while queuing. Critics say the steamed buns are only average in dough and filling, some feel the egg crepe is a notch below Lai Lai's, and the radish pastry is more like a bun, which divides opinion.

Sources differ on hours: Supertaste says it opens at 5 a.m. and many items sell out around 9 a.m., the blogger says it opens at 6 a.m. and wraps up before noon, and map listings show 05:00 to 12:00 with Thursdays closed, so check before you go. The blogger recorded the chive bun at NT$12, and most other items are similarly coin-cheap. Cash only; take bus 301 to Cuifeng Road stop, about a two-minute walk.

Great for anyone who wants to sample Guomao's military-village breakfasts without a long wait. First-timers can order flatbread with egg or a chive pocket, plus a chive bun and a soy milk; peanut cakes make a good take-home treat. Arrive before 9 a.m. for the full range, then wander over to Mei Hong or Lai Lai across the way to compare styles.