新港鴨肉羹

# Open During the New Year

The "Xingang Duck Meat Soup" in front of the Xingang Mazu Temple is considered one of the famous shops, especially since many people come to worship and it's reasonable for them to enjoy a bowl of soup and take a break. I visited on the first day of the Lunar New Year, and the scene was packed with people, with the line extending outside the covered walkway. It felt like everyone came to eat a bowl of soup right after praying to Mazu.

The menu here is very simple; they only sell duck meat soup, with a bowl priced at 45 NT dollars. To start with the positives, the soup is slightly sweet but not overly sweet, and the thickness of the broth is just right, not like some soups that turn into a lump. There's a decent amount of duck meat—not shredded bits, but actual pieces of meat; however, it’s not overly generous either, considering the bowl itself isn’t large. When eating, just having the soup can feel a bit bland, so I recommend adding vinegar, as the acidity can greatly enhance the overall flavor, and adding some chili powder will give it an extra kick.

However, I must say that the portion size of the soup is quite small; generally, a regular guy might need two bowls to feel satisfied. Moreover, due to the large number of customers, the waiting time is quite long. Unless you really want to eat there, it might be worth considering whether it’s worthwhile to wait when the crowds explode.

Overall, the taste is quite good, the duck meat is fresh, but the portion is small, and there are many people in line. It's more suitable as a snack after visiting the Xingang Mazu Temple rather than a full meal. If you want to eat there, I suggest avoiding peak hours to minimize waiting time.