Ai Zai Cheng Shrimp Rice

Ai Zai Cheng is a Tainan institution that's been perfecting their shrimp rice for generations, and it's the kind of place that reminds you why this ancient capital is considered Taiwan's food capital. The dish is deceptively simple - fresh local shrimp piled over perfectly cooked rice with a special savory-sweet sauce - but the execution is flawless. The shrimp are plump and sweet, clearly fresh from the nearby fishing ports, and the sauce has that umami richness that keeps you coming back for more. Locals often pair it with their fish soup and braised items for a complete southern Taiwan dining experience. It's casual, it's authentic, and it's the kind of meal that makes you understand why Tainan people are so proud of their food culture.