Tainan’s Best-Kept Seafood Secret
Minde Milkfish Porridge Hiding in a Tin Shack 

By Lin Hsien-Yun / Tainan

AUG 2025

For Tainan locals, milkfish isn’t just another dish—it’s part of the region’s cultural and culinary DNA. Long cultivated in the brackish ponds of southern Taiwan, milkfish (Chanos chanos) has been a cornerstone of Tainan’s aquaculture economy for generations. Fishermen rise before dawn to tend to these silver-scaled fish, whose resilience and subtle flavor have made them a beloved staple on the Taiwanese table.

From crispy pan-fried fillets to velvety fish soups and porridge, milkfish is woven into the fabric of everyday meals and festive banquets alike. It’s the taste of home, of heritage, and of a deep connection between land, water, and people. In Tainan, to eat milkfish is to savor a living tradition—one that speaks of patience, pride, and the sea.

Tucked away in a humble corrugated iron shack on Minde Road, Minde Milkfish Porridge is the kind of place locals whisper about with knowing smiles—and the kind of gem travelers dream of stumbling upon. During peak hours, even the scorching southern sun can’t deter the determined lines snaking outside. Patrons stand patiently, sweat on their brows and anticipation in their eyes, all for one thing: that first steaming spoonful of rich, sweet milkfish porridge.

Inside, the atmosphere is utilitarian but efficient—think clattering ladles, well-worn tables, and a kitchen that hums with the precision of practiced hands. The menu is a celebration of Tainan’s seafood traditions: creamy milkfish congee, silky fish-skin soup, a variety of seafood rice and noodles, and the ever-reliable blanched seasonal greens. It’s a no-frills food haven that satisfies both the city’s working crowd and culinary pilgrims.

To truly savor the experience, avoid the lunchtime crush. Come in mid-morning or mid-afternoon and you’ll have a better chance of finding a seat—and a bit of peace to relish every bite.

Bonus Points:
Portions here are generous. Flavor, freshness, and fullness—all without breaking the bank.

Cleanliness is another unexpected highlight. Even near closing time, the kitchen glistens. The chefs move with graceful precision, turning out bowl after bowl with calm mastery that speaks to years of devotion.

In many ways, Minde Milkfish Porridge isn’t just a meal—it’s a window into Tainan’s culinary soul. A place where everyday ingredients become something extraordinary through care, tradition, and a whole lot of heart.

📍 Minde Milkfish Porridge
Address: No. 11, Minde Road, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan
Phone: +886-6-225-5701
Opening Hours: Follow store’s latest announcement (hours may vary)