Egg sausage
Egg sausage is a Taiwanese street food originating from Keelung in northern Taiwan. Almost exclusively found in Keelung, this distinctive hot-pot ingredient is crafted by filling pig intestine casings with seasoned egg liquid. When boiled, the egg expands inside the casing, creating plump, round ends that resemble tiny macarons—hence its colloquial nickname.
Egg sausage is made by whisking eggs with seasonings, then carefully piping the mixture into cleaned pig small-intestine casings. These are then gently boiled until the casing contracts, causing the egg filling to balloon into two rounded ends separated by a slender middle section—resembling a macaron in shape. The exterior offers a light chewiness, while the inside remains tender and sponge-like, soaking up hot-pot broth for a flavorful bite.
Cultural Significance
A dish born of post-war simplicity, egg sausage reflects Keelung’s food traditions. Initially made when ingredients and resources were limited, it utilized affordable eggs and intestines to create a local delicacy. Today, only two specialized artisanal shops continue making it daily; its perishable nature—due to the absence of preservatives—makes it virtually unavailable outside Keelung. Locals call it the “macaron of hot-pot”, popular due to its exciting shape and nostalgic flavor, especially during cooler months when hot-pot dining is popular in the country.
Regional Availability
Unlike ubiquitous hot-pot ingredients, egg sausages remain a rare regional dish. Preservation difficulties—no food additives and short shelf life—have kept its popularity confined to northern Taiwan, especially Keelung. Efforts to market it elsewhere have been limited by logistics and shifting tastes, and many younger locals aren’t accustomed to its unique taste.