Tainan shrimp rolls (蝦捲) are fresh shrimp and minced pork wrapped in pork caul fat (豬網膜), the thin, lacy membrane that holds the filling together, then battered and deep-fried until the outside shatters. They come to the table hot, with something sharp on the side. They're the easiest Tainan snack to love on the first bite, and a good one to share.
What's inside
The classic roll is simple. Du Hsiao Yueh describes its golden shrimp roll as minced pork and fresh shrimp wrapped in caul.
Each shop has its own take. At Huang Chia, the filling is shrimp with cabbage, coated in potato starch batter and fried to order for a light, airy crust, served with thin slices of radish to cut the richness.
A short history
Huang Chia Shrimp Rolls (府城黃家蝦捲) is the smaller, older-feeling counterpart. The MICHELIN Guide says it's more than 60 years old and has moved four times, and its regulars still queue before it opens every day.
How to eat them
- Eat them straight away. A shrimp roll is at its best in the first few minutes, while the crust is still crisp.
- Try a piece plain, then with whatever comes on the side.
- Add a soup. A light broth balances the fried roll.
- Share. One plate between two leaves room for the next snack.
Where to try them
Huang Chia Shrimp Rolls holds a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand. It sits on Xihe Road in West Central, between the old town and Anping, so it fits on the way to an afternoon in Anping. Get there for opening time. No. 268, Xihe Rd., West Central District. Monday to Thursday 14:30 to 19:00, closed Friday to Sunday.
Anping Old Street (延平街) has shrimp rolls among its snack stalls. It's touristy, but fine for a snack while you walk. → Anping guide
Shrimp rolls also turn up on menus beyond Anping, including Du Hsiao Yueh's flagship, where they go well with a bowl of noodles. → Danzai noodles
Good to know
- When: lunch or afternoon. Huang Chia doesn't open until 14:30.
- Closed days: Huang Chia is closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Pairs with: an Anping afternoon. → Half a day in Anping
- Hours change: check Google Maps before you go.
Sources
Huang Chia's filling, batter, history and hours from the MICHELIN Guide. Du Hsiao Yueh's shrimp roll from its flagship menu. Checked October 2026.