Zheng Ji Liuqiu Sausage

Review

Zheng Ji Liuqiu Sausage is on Zhongshan Road in Xiaoliuqiu and is one of the island's oldest sausage makers. A travel site says it was founded in 1954, and Supertaste's Xiaoliuqiu souvenir roundup calls it the island's first sausage specialist, an original shop of more than fifty years that comes up often when people shop for gifts.

The sausages are made entirely by hand from fresh pork hind leg and loin with no preservatives. Flavours include original, black pepper, chili bean paste, red yeast and the most island-style of all, flying fish roe, plus glutinous rice sausage. Diners say the roe pops in the mouth, while the original has a hint of Chinese cured sausage; each sausage is one long unbroken length with a firm bite. A stall around the old-street area of Zhongshan Road sells them freshly grilled, served with raw garlic. None of the sources give exact prices.

Fans praise the meaty handmade sausage and distinctive roe flavour, and say the vacuum packs are easy to take back to Taiwan's main island for grilling, perfect for Mid-Autumn barbecues. Complaints mention prices higher than ordinary sausage, a dry or salty taste for some, roe flavour weaker than expected, and occasional sausages left on the grill too long before being wrapped.

The travel site lists hours of roughly 07:00 to 21:00, but check on site. The shop sells raw sausages and gift boxes, while the grilling stall is around the corner, so ask before buying. Scooters are the easiest way around Xiaoliuqiu, and parking a scooter in the Zhongshan Road shopping area is fairly easy. Home delivery is also available.

It suits anyone in Xiaoliuqiu looking for a local food gift, or travellers wanting something savoury while strolling the old street. Try a freshly grilled flying fish roe sausage at the stall first, then buy vacuum gift boxes if you like it, taking some original and some roe to grill or pan-fry at home.