可香巢

Ke Xiang Chao is located next to Tainan Jiaqi High School and is a popular affordable shop recommended by many students and office workers. The stall isn’t large, but you can always smell the delicious aroma of grilled food wafting through the alley. Each portion is made to order, carrying the simplicity and warmth of street food, but be prepared to wait a while!

“Mashed Potato Grilled Pork with Cheese”
This time I ordered the "Mashed Potato Grilled Pork with Cheese." At first glance, the portion seems substantial, with layers of fillings stacked high that almost make it hard to hold with one hand. The cheesy outer layer is the soul of this dish, fried to a golden crisp with a slightly charred aroma on the edges, and the salty flavor from the caramelized cheese successfully adds depth to the overall taste.

The mashed potato itself is quite standard—smooth in texture but lacking in surprise, with a relatively mild seasoning that places it firmly as a reliable side dish. The grilled pork, however, is somewhat disappointing; while the meat is tender, it is a bit on the sweet side, failing to fully blend with the savory notes of the cheese, making the whole experience slightly unbalanced. If the grilled pork were replaced with a meat that had more saltiness or a smoky flavor, it would enhance the overall balance.

Despite the main highlight, the grilled pork, being rather average, the cheesy outer layer significantly elevates the overall quality. The most charming moment at Ke Xiang Chao is the sound of sizzling cheese on the griddle. The steaming aroma brings out a rich dairy scent, with crispy edges that remind one of both Japanese grilled buns and Korean cheese pancakes—a delightful fusion. Such details make even those dissatisfied with the main filling willing to return to try other flavors “paired with cheese.”

Overall, if you’re visiting Ke Xiang Chao for the first time, this dish can serve as a reference experience for the cheesy outer layer. If you're looking for a more harmonious flavor, consider trying other combinations next time.