Qiu Family Sashimi

Review

Qiu Family Sashimi is on Daguang Road in Hengchun, right by Houbihu fishing harbour in Kenting, near the Taipower southern exhibition centre. The Houbihu area is known for cheap sashimi and Qiu's is the most famous of the lot: bloggers' Hengchun and Kenting food lists call it a must, and it has over ten thousand Google reviews. A second branch nearby helps absorb the crowds.

The signature is the sashimi platter, and according to bloggers NT$200 gets you about 40 slices, a rare portion in Taiwan. The fish depends on the day's catch, often tuna or swordfish, cut thick with a fresh, sweet taste. Beyond sashimi there are plenty of seafood stir-fries; diners often order salted-egg tofu, stir-fried clams, sweet and sour fish, wild mountain greens and clam soup to round out a full seafood meal.

Fans praise the fresh fish, big portions and low prices, and steady stir-fries, with many saying it is a must on every Kenting trip. Complaints mention long waits at mealtimes, cramped seating and a basic setting, occasional flies in summer, and service that is fast rather than attentive.

Google and bloggers list weekday hours of 11:00 to 15:00 and 15:50 to 19:30 with a short break, and 11:00 to 19:30 straight through at weekends. Bloggers mention parking right next door, which helps if you drive. To avoid crowds, aim for two or three in the afternoon or just before evening, or try the second branch nearby.

It suits anyone in Kenting wanting a big sashimi feast at a fair price, as well as families and groups. Two to four people can share a 40-slice platter, add two or three stir-fries and a soup, and eat generously for a few hundred NT dollars each; those who avoid raw fish can fill up on the stir-fries.