【Food Review ● Tainan】West Central District Guohua Street Qicheng Rice Cake｜A Rising Star for Tainan’s Traditional Rice Cakes, Preserving the Local Rice Aroma and Street Food Heritage!
Among Taiwan’s many traditional street foods, “rice cake (米粿)” stands out as a humble yet deeply local dish. Originating from early agrarian societies, where rice was a dietary staple, this dish was developed by grinding local rice into a slurry and steaming it into a solid form. Different regions eventually formed their own distinctive versions. In Tainan, the traditional approach has been preserved, and the dish is known for its rich toppings and flavorful sauces.
Qicheng Rice Cake was established in 2014. Although relatively new compared to Tainan’s many long-standing eateries, its unique flavor has attracted a steady stream of customers, making it one of the rising stars in the local food scene.
Qicheng Rice Cake: Location & Environment
Qicheng Rice Cake is located on the bustling Guohua Street, a haven for food lovers. Its brightly lit signboard is especially eye-catching at night.
The interior is bright and clean, though seating is limited. Fortunately, we visited during off-peak hours and didn’t have to wait.
The restaurant operates a self-service system. Diners are expected to return their trays and dishes to the collection station by the entrance after eating.
A counter to the side provides condiments and utensils for customers to help themselves.
Qicheng Rice Cake: Menu
Menu Date: 2025/05/21
Qicheng Rice Cake offers customizable portions and an optional egg addition. Aside from its signature rice cakes, the shop also serves rice, noodles, and a variety of fried snacks that come highly recommended by online reviewers.
Qicheng Rice Cake: Dish Review
Signature Rice Cake (with egg) ★★★★☆
This rice cake is made with rice slurry mixed with braised pork and fried shallots. It’s first semi-steamed then pan-fried in pork lard, resulting in a crispy outer layer and a soft, moist interior.
It’s served with a soup-like starchy sauce made from bamboo shoots, enoki mushrooms, and pork, offering a light, balanced flavor and moderate thickness.
For added depth, spicy oil and mashed garlic can be mixed into the sauce.
The egg version wraps the rice cake in a thin omelet, adding a pleasant aroma and layered flavor when combined with the special sauce. This is one of the shop’s signature serving styles.
Stir-Fried Rice Cake (with egg) ★★★★☆
Compared to the signature dish with sauce, the stir-fried version may not be as popular—but it’s my personal favorite.
Contrary to what I initially thought, the dish isn’t stir-fried after the rice cake is cooked. Instead, the rice cake is pan-fried and then topped with stir-fried bean sprouts and pork slices.
The soy sauce–flavored stir-fry resembles teppanyaki-style cooking, yet feels cleaner and more delicate in taste.
The crispy exterior and slight char give the rice cake a smoky finish. Combined with the egg and bean sprouts, the dish delivers a perfect flavor balance.
While it lacks the richness of the starchy sauce, it lets the natural flavor and texture of the rice cake shine through—soft, delicate, and absolutely delicious.
Side Dish ★★★★☆
Side dishes vary daily, and you’ll need to ask the staff. On our visit, it was broccoli.
The broccoli was lightly dressed in sesame sauce—savory, slightly sweet, and a refreshing complement to the heavier main dishes.
Qicheng Rice Cake: Dining Impressions
In conclusion, Qicheng Rice Cake may be a relatively new player among Tainan’s old establishments, but its distinctive flavors and honest cooking style have made it stand out on Guohua Street. Whether you choose the signature rice cake with sauce or the smoky stir-fried version, both are excellent choices.
If you want to taste authentic Tainan rice cake or are exploring Guohua Street’s food scene, Qicheng Rice Cake is definitely worth a visit.
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===Overall Rating===
Food: ★★★★☆
Service: ★★★☆☆
Environment: ★★★☆☆
Address: No. 105, Section 3, Guohua St., West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 0913-986-965
Business Hours: 07:30 – 20:00