Arkansas Diner

Taiwan’s bustling port city of Kaohsiung might not seem the ideal place to dig into American southern comfort food. But in the city’s Zuoying District, this Arkansan-run diner dishes up the real deal. Since 2015, it has become a popular destination for locals and homesick expats alike.

Dishes include a wide range of burgers, from the relatively traditional bacon cheeseburger to such delectably over-the-top offerings as “the Robin” and “the Coot.” Other offerings include deep-fried hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, Frito pies, meatloaf, chicken fried steak, barbecue ribs, and “Arkansas Bowls.”

For breakfast, customers can select from a variety of scrambles, pancakes, waffle plates, and biscuits and gravy. Dessert is a must, with classic American offerings such as apple and pecan pie, banana splits, and sundaes, as well as possum pie and raccoon pie. Drinks include beers, a selection of decently priced cocktails, and a wide variety of milkshakes.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is a charming homage to Arkansas and American pop culture: shelves lined with numerous toy cars and action figures, many still in their original packaging, Arkansas Razorbacks paraphernalia, antique comic books, southern folk instruments, dollar-store art, and an Elvis tour poster.

Tongue-in-cheek signs hang on the door to the kitchen, warning customers to keep out in typical country fashion: one reads “Warning. No Tresspassing. Violators Will Be Shot. Survivors Will Be Shot Again.” The kitchen counter is hidden from view by a wooden flap, but the sound of a crowing rooster lets the waiting staff know when food is ready to serve.