Ruifang -- Eat to your Heart's Content

Jiufen Tea Houses

Jiufen Tea Houses

Tourists who walk through the alleys of Jiufen are regularly drawn into the traditional tea house that line the street. These typically have simple designs with elegant touches, such as red lanterns, Japanese woodblock prints and swaying green bamboo. Occasionally the pleasing sounds of wooden wind charms add to the mood. Guests gather with friends or come alone, to enjoy a warm pot of tea and melon seeds while admiring the mountain mist that lingers outside.

Traditional Noodle Shop

At this small noodle shop in front of Houtong Train Station an old couple braves the burning hot stove to cook fresh, chewy noodles. For half a century the shop has been producing savory noodle dishes with favorites such as minced pork and Chinese chives. Other dishes worth trying include the pig's heart or the seaweed. These rich flavors and the shop's springy, fresh meat are a welcome addition to any trip.

Kuanggong Noodles

The restaurants that line the street in front of Houtong Station use their signature dishes to try to draw in customers. At Kuanggong Noodles, which means "miners noodles," the biggest attraction are the meat rolls. A crispy, golden exterior encases the perfect mix of shredded meat, carrots and onions. One bite releases the aroma and meat juices, leaving customers wanting more.

Kuanggong Tea

Mining is an incredibly difficult job. For long hours workers are subjected to a pitch black, stuffy environment. A chilled drink is needed to drive away the heat, which is why Kuanggong Tea, or "miners tea,"became so well known. Locally made grass tea serves as a base to go with a concoction consisting of skullcap, sweet scented basil, mint and dozens of herbs and Chinese medicines. The result is a slightly sweet tea that is refreshing anytime of the year.

Longfeng Leg

From the outside longfeng leg looks a bit like a corn dog or sausage, but the ingredients that compose this Ruifang specialty are very different. Shrimp and chicken are ground up then mixed with cabbage, carrot, crushed water chestnut and onion before being wrapped in pork caul. After the longfeng leg is fried spices are added. The crispy, golden exterior goes perfectly with the juicy filling, leaving customers wanting to eat bite after bite of these tasty snacks.

Gold Museum Miners Lunch Box

Nostalgic feelings take hold when one picks up a Japanese-style-cloth-wrapped, tin lunch box. Using the wooden chopsticks to eat sauce-covered pork with bamboo and preserved fruit makes diners feel like they are in the golden age of coal.

Jinguashi Chicken

Walking along Jinguashi's meandering alleys soon brings one to a wooden yellow building which contrast sharply against the green mountain background. This is the well-known Jinguashi chicken restaurant. Top quality chicken covered in the restaurant's special sauce is the specialty. The meat is juicy but not greasy and leaves a great aftertaste.Besides the chicken, the owner recommends trying the iron skillet ostrich and the special handmade brown sugar mochi.

Houtong Cat-Shaped Pineapple Cakes

Houtong Station has recently begun promoting "cat tours." These feature a wide range of trendy souvenirs that have a car theme, including the highly popular cat-shaped pineapple cakes. The black cat cakes are plum flavored with a memorable sweet taste.