Tsou Chi Cai Bao (Zhongzheng Road)

Review

Tsou Chi Cai Bao's Zhongzheng Road shop is at No. 49 Zhongzheng Road in Beipu, diagonally across from the Beipu Farmers' Association and a short walk from the old street entrance. It sells what Hakka people call cai bao or cao zai guo, rice buns made from the owner's grandmother's recipe. It joined the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand list in 2025. The interior is warm and nostalgic, and there are seats under the arcade for eating on the spot. Another outlet at the head of Miaoqian Street opens on weekends.

MICHELIN notes the wrapper is made the old way with glutinous and japonica rice, soft and springy. The savoury white radish filling is stir-fried with dried shrimp, minced pork and homemade lard, while the dried radish and diced preserved radish versions are more aromatic. Sweet options include taro paste and red bean, which go well with the mugwort in the skin. Supertaste notes the taro mugwort bun is suitable for vegetarians. The shop also sells shredded radish, preserved radish, pickled mustard and plain wrappers for making buns at home.

Fans praise the soft, chewy skin that does not stick to the teeth and light, non-greasy fillings, with fans of both sweet and savoury, plus options for vegetarians. Critics find the buns small and not especially cheap, with mild seasoning, and some have found popular flavours reserved and had to wait for the next batch.

Supertaste lists the dried radish and taro mugwort buns at NT$35 each and the pickled mustard bun at NT$40, but diners in 2026 mention NT$40 per bun; sources differ, so check on site. According to MICHELIN it opens 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at weekends. Around midday on holidays it gets busy and popular flavours may sell out, so phone ahead if buying many. MICHELIN notes cards are accepted.

Good as a snack while strolling Beipu Old Street, or as a box to take home as a gift. First-timers can pick one savoury and one sweet, such as white radish with taro mugwort; those who like bold flavours should try dried radish or preserved radish. Two or three buns fill one person.