Tsao Song Inn Introduction
Near Zhaosong Junior High School in Shuilin Township, there is an inconspicuous little restaurant. Its exterior is decorated with bamboo, and a small sign reads "Zhaosong Tavern." The owner, Huang Wen-jun, returned to his hometown seven years ago to open the shop, which has become a local culinary hotspot known through word-of-mouth. An artist at heart, Huang transformed his traditional three-enclosed courtyard into a countryside restaurant styled in the 1950s, featuring posters of old singers, vinyl music, large red lanterns, vintage furniture, and various promotional boards from earlier government initiatives, making it feel like stepping back in time. The dishes served in the restaurant are all homestyle cuisine. To ensure freshness, Huang insists on using local ingredients, keeping the "food mileage" within five kilometers. Ingredients like eels from Kouhu, Taiwanese tilapia, local chicken, and eels are incorporated into the menu. The backyard even has space for growing vegetables and fruits like eggplants, chili peppers, and papayas for immediate use. With a variety of local ingredients, Huang Wen-jun creatively crafts dishes that evoke nostalgia for seasoned food lovers.
