KeelungEat Recommendations

A-San Ba-Wan is a beloved snack institution founded in 1986 with more than three decades of history, making it a flagship of the ba-wan scene. The stall specializes in deep-fried ba-wan with a crisp, crackly skin and generous fillings, with the classic pork ba-wan, a luxurious version stuffed with Hokkaido scallop, and a combo paired with a clear, sweet dragon-marrow-bone soup. The crust snaps and the filling is juicy; a smear of house-made chili sauce balances the richness. The shop draws both locals and tourists and queues are common. Hours run 10:30 to 19:00 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays); paid parking is available nearby, making it easy to slot into a day-trip plan through Changhua city.

Watanabe Coffee Works is at No. 23, Lane 4, Yi 3rd Road in Keelung's Xinyi District, set inside a two-story Japanese-era house that has been carefully restored. The interior blends Showa-era nostalgia with clean Japanese minimalism, and the menu spans pour-over, cold-drip, and other specialty coffees alongside Sicilian cold-drip, espresso, cinnamon rolls, tiramisu, and curry rice. Seating runs from the bar to the first-floor window seats and upstairs to a slipper-only retro zone — quiet and photogenic throughout. Average spend is around NT$200. Hours run Tuesday 10:00–18:00, Thursday to Saturday 09:00–20:00, Sunday 09:00–18:00, closed Monday and Wednesday. Nearby landmarks include Keelung Hospital, the Keelung night market, and the Xin-Er air-raid shelter; parking is convenient.