Shun Kou Xiang Pancakes

Review

Shun Kou Xiang is a small stall inside the Third Market, at the corner of Xinyi South Street and Minyi Street, stall number A54. It has no storefront and an easy-to-miss sign, yet it has been selling here for more than 30 years. Several travel outlets include it whenever they round up the market's cheap eats, and locals often pick one up while shopping.

The price board lists only made-to-order griddle pancakes in three flavors: peanut-sesame, cabbage, and red bean, which appears only on weekends and holidays. The most recommended is the cabbage, the only savory option (NT$40). It holds stir-fried cabbage, tofu skin, carrot and cilantro with a touch of pepper, balancing sweet and salty. The pancake is thicker than usual, with crepe-like crisp edges and a firm, chewy center; one reporter likened it to a pan-fried bun made in egg-cake form. The peanut-sesame version is soft and hot, with a filling that is not too sweet and still has some texture.

Media coverage is mostly positive. One writer said the savory version beat every sweet one she had tried, and others praise the sweet, juicy cabbage and generous filling. Some diners, though, find the pancake a bit dry and the flavor merely average, so opinions are mixed. It is a traditional snack, so keep expectations modest.

The stall is open almost every day. Most reports give hours of about 10am to 6pm, while others say it opens at 9:30am on weekends, and it closes early when sold out; sources differ, so check before going. Customers come in waves and the owner barely stops, but pancakes come out quickly. Parking near the market is hard, so walk or ride a scooter. It is takeaway only, with no seating.

It suits anyone browsing the Third Market who wants a hot snack to eat on the go. First-timers should start with the savory cabbage, add a peanut-sesame if you want something sweet, try red bean on weekends, and eat it hot while the edges are still crisp.