Pho Tau Home Base Kaohsiung Taiwan

Kaohsiung's BEST Pho: Tau Home Base Revealed!

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Kaohsiung's BEST Pho: Tau Home Base Revealed! – and let me tell you, writing this review is like reliving a whirlwind romance with a bowl of steaming, fragrant pho. You know, the kind that hits you right in the feels? Yeah, that's the kind. Forget the polished travel brochure fluff; this is the real deal, warts and all. And trust me, I’ve got tales to tell…

Let's get this show on the road, shall we? (clears throat, adjusts glasses)

First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility & Services, and…OMG, the Car Park!):

Right, so, arriving in Kaohsiung. Let's be real, navigating a new city can be a circus act. And here, we're talking about accessibility:

Accessibility: The hotel's pretty darn good. Elevators, ramps, the works. Seems like the owner actually cares about making the place inclusive, which is a massive win in my book.
Airport Transfer: Book it. Seriously. Saves a ton of stress. They were waiting with a smile (and a sign that actually spelled my name right, a small victory in this chaotic world), which makes you instantly feel welcome, a solid start to the trip.
Car Parking: Free! And on-site! It's like winning the lottery if you're driving and you'll NEVER be parking too far from the hotel. It was a chaotic free for all for a while, but they got a hold of it after the third day.
Check-in/out [express/private]: They had an express option; didn't bother with it. I wanted the full experience. The private option sounds fancy, I'll let you know next time.
Valet Parking: They had it too. I think I might have accidentally given my car to a dog one time, they were still nice about it even if the dog did manage to eat all the snacks in one sitting…

Rooms & Resting Your Weary Head (Cleanliness, Comfort & ALL THAT JAZZ):

Okay, the rooms. Listen, I’m a snob. A recovering one, but still. And Tau Home Base? They delivered.

Cleanliness & Safety: Top marks. Seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks (this was during… a certain global situation, let's just say), and the rooms felt genuinely clean. They say they use antiviral cleaning products, and I’m inclined to believe them. I checked under the bed. Twice. All good (phew!)
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I just wanted to be left alone. Was great.
Rooms: I went for one with a view. (Highly recommend! See below).
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The View: I splurged for a high floor (because, why not?). Unbelievable. Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, I spent a solid hour just staring out the window, contemplating the meaning of life (or maybe just deciding what to order for dinner. Details!). It's THAT good.
Bedding: Oh, the bed! Like sinking into a cloud made of marshmallows. Comfort levels were off the charts. I swear, I slept a solid 12 hours the first night. Jetlag? What jetlag?
The Little Things: Mini bar was stocked. Plenty of plugs. Good Wi-Fi. (That's Wi-Fi [Free] by the way). And a proper, working coffee maker. Bless.

Dining, Drinking & Snacking (Pho! Pho! Pho! & More):

Alright, let's get to the good stuff. The food. Because, let's be honest, a hotel can have the comfiest beds in the world, but if the food sucks, you’re doomed.

The Pho (Duh!): Okay, okay, I know this is about the hotel, but trust me on this: the pho is insane. I think this is why they called it home base, the pho is their pride and joy. I'm a pho fanatic. I've eaten pho in… well, let's just say a lot of places. Tau's pho? Absolutely top tier. Broth so rich and flavorful you could drink it like a cup of tea (and I may or may not have done that). The noodles? Perfect texture. The meat? Tender and melt-in-your-mouth. It was a religious experience, I swear. I literally ordered it every single day. Don't even think about skipping it.
Restaurants: They had a few, I'm sad to admit I only really ate pho. There was also this other spot, with international food… I'm not going to lie, it wasn't my scene.
Asian Breakfast: Their breakfast was… okay. The pastries were a bit dry.
Breakfast [Buffet]: Look, buffets are always a gamble, aren't they? This one was… adequate. Nothing to write home about, but sufficient to fuel you up for a day of exploring. Maybe just skip breakfast altogether.
Other Dining: They have room service… 24/7… (that’s Room service [24-hour]). Which makes you feel like a king or queen. (I may have ordered a pizza at 3 AM… don't judge!)
Poolside Bar: Didn't see this. Did hear it was a good place.
Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yep. Available.
Happy hour: I didn't partake. Too busy eating pho.
Bottle of water: This was nice.

Things To Do & Ways to Relax (Spa, Gym & Contemplating the Universe):

Okay, so you're not just there for the Pho (though, let's be real, that's a major draw). You need to unwind, right?

Pool with view: They had a pool. Nice.
Fitness center: It's there.
Spa/sauna: No clue.

Internet Access (because, duh):

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes. Fast. Reliable. Essential. I was able to stream without any issues. (That's Internet access – wireless in room).

For the Kids (Family-Friendly?):

Family/child friendly: They seemed it. There was a kids pool.
Babysitting service: Didn't use it.

Services and Conveniences (The Nitty Gritty):

Contactless check-in/out: That's the future, folks!
Concierge: Helpful. Friendly. Knew where to find the best local street food. WIN.
Daily housekeeping: Immaculate. I'm talking, like, hospital-grade clean.
Laundry service: Used it. Efficient.
Cash withdrawal: Yup. ATM on-site.
Gift/souvenir shop: Don't expect a ton, but they have the basics.
Facilities for disabled guests: Yes.
Smile: This is a bit more than convenient but it's what you'll get staying here.
Invoice provided: It's their duty.

The Quirks, The Imperfections, The Bits They Don’t Tell You (The Honest Truth):

Okay, here’s where I get real.

The Noise: Some rooms might get a bit noisy, depending on the location. Ask for a room away from the street if you're a light sleeper.
The Style: The decor is… let's call it "functional." Not exactly minimalist chic, but clean and comfortable.
The Service (Generally): It's all about the people.

Summary: Is This the Right Hotel for You?

Tau Home Base isn't perfect, but it's got heart. It feels like a place built by people who actually care about making their guests happy

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Pho Tau Home Base Kaohsiung Taiwan

Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary is less "smooth sailing" and more "drunk toddler navigating a minefield of deliciousness." This is not your polished travel guide. This is my brain, post-caffeine, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Pho Tau Home Base is our anchor… or, at least, the place where I'm supposed to be sleeping.

Kaohsiung Chaos: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (aka, "Where Are My Chopsticks?!")

Morning (Like, Very Early, Because Jet Lag): Land at Kaohsiung International Airport. The air hits you – a wall of humidity. Instant regret about that second layer of clothing. Grab a taxi. The driver looks like he's seen some things. So have I, airport bathrooms, specifically. My internal monologue is a cocktail of "Wow, Taiwan!" and "Did I pack enough underwear?"
Check-in Pho Tau Home Base: Okay, the dorm room is… well, it's a dorm room. The aircon is blasting, which, thank the gods. The vibe is definitely "backpackers who've accepted they'll be smelling like a mix of questionable street food and questionable decisions by day three." I dump my stuff and immediately start hunting for the most crucial survival tool: my chopsticks. I swear, if I have to eat noodles with a fork…
Afternoon: First Impressions and (Likely) Disappointment:
- Pier-2 Art Center: Everyone says check this out. So I check it out. The giant, colorful installations are cool, I guess. But then I see another couple taking Instagram photos, the humidity is making my hair do this weird frizz thing, and I'm suddenly convinced art is overrated. Walked around, saw some installations.
- Lunch at a Random Street Food Stall: This is where it gets interesting. Found a place down the street that looked promising. Ordered something I think was beef noodles (the language barrier is real, y'all). One bite… and I entered noodle heaven. The broth! The tender meat! The chili oil that makes you sweat and smile simultaneously! I ate so much I could barely move. This is a good sign.
Evening: Night Market Mayhem (and Questionable Karaoke Choices): Head to Ruifeng Night Market. Pure chaos. Glorious, delicious, overwhelming chaos. I eat everything that looks vaguely edible, and some things that definitely should not be. I see a man juggle flaming knives while selling skewers, which, okay, Kaohsiung. I'm thinking, 'How does he stay alive?'
Unexpected Encounter: Stumbled on a tiny karaoke bar. Thought, “Why not?” Ordered a Taiwan beer. After a few drinks, the karaoke became mandatory. I sang "Bohemian Rhapsody" in a surprisingly passable (and enthusiastically terrible) performance. Met a group of locals who were absolutely delighted by my efforts, even though I butcher the words. Laughter, hand gestures, all that stuff.

Day 2: Temple Time, Seafood Dreams, and Existential Crises

Morning: Fo Guang Shan Monastery: Okay, this place is seriously impressive. The giant Buddha statue is so huge, it makes you feel small. Real small. Maybe too small. Realized I have zero spiritual knowledge… and probably a slight fear of heights when I saw other people climbing the stairs. Lots of gold. Lots of serenity. I lasted about two hours before I needed to escape the zen and, you know, eat something.
Lunch: Seafood Extravaganza at Cijin Island: Ferry to Cijin Island. The view? Gorgeous. The fish? Even more gorgeous. Went to a seafood restaurant with a name I couldn't pronounce. Chose my own ocean creatures straight from a display. I pointed at something that looked delicious and ended up having a whole fried fish staring back at me. That was a moment. It was so good, though. So very, very good. The wind, the fried food, the ocean… all perfect.
Afternoon: Contemplation and a Bit of Panic: Walked along the beach, the sun beating down on me. Got a little too much time to think. Started stressing about, you know, life. Questioned my job, my choices, my ability to wear a pair of normal pants. Decided the solution was more noodles and a gelato.
- Gelato Incident: The gelato shop… was closed. The despair was real.
Evening: Back to the Night Market for Redemption (and More Noodles) Back at Ruifeng. Found a place where they grilled squid on a stick. Absolute perfection. Realized that maybe… just maybe… everything was going to be okay.

Day 3: A Day of Decisions

Morning: Coffee and a pastry from a local bakery. Actually, I’ll admit… the coffee in Taiwan is surprisingly good. Sat and people-watched, wondering about the existential importance of bread.
Afternoon: MRT Adventure: Deciding to explore the city using the MRT. The MRT is clean, efficient, and air-conditioned… which is basically paradise. Headed to… somewhere. No plan. Just going. Got slightly lost, but it was fine. Saw some beautiful architecture, stumbled upon a park, and then got REALLY hungry.
Lunch: Stumbled upon a random dumpling. Just a place and the world felt right.
Evening: Return to Pho Tau Home Base: The vibe is different. The air is stuffier. Contemplate my life over the next 2 hours. Should I stay another day? Should I leave? Did I leave my underwear out? I don't know.

Day 4: The Exit

Wake up.
Have doubts.
Should I change my flight?
Pack.
Leave.
Remember to buy a snack for the airplane.

Observations & Ramblings:

The scooters. Everywhere. They weave through traffic like a caffeinated swarm of bees. I'm pretty sure I almost got run over three times.
The food is incredible. Seriously. I'm pretty sure I've gained five pounds. Worth it.
The people are so friendly. Even when I butchered the language (which was constantly).
Humidity. It is the enemy.
I need to learn some Mandarin. (Maybe next time.)

Final Verdict:

Kaohsiung is a whirlwind. It’s messy. It’s delicious. It's challenging. It’s a place you make a memory that will stick with you for a long while. Would I go back? Absolutely. Though next time, I’m bringing a phrasebook and a bigger stomach. And maybe earplugs, because karaoke is not for the faint of heart. And, if I’m being honest… a therapist. But that’s another story.

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Pho Tau Home Base Kaohsiung Taiwan

Kaohsiung's Pho Obsession: Tau Home Base - The REAL Deal? (Let's Get Messy!)

Okay, seriously, is Tau Home Base actually the best pho in Kaohsiung? Because the hype is... intense.

Look, I'm going to be brutally honest. That question? It's a minefield, my friend. Food opinions are like... well, you know. Everyone has one. And Tau Home Base? It's definitely *up there*. My first visit? It was a total accident. I was starving, stumbling around, rain pelting down like angry little needles, and BAM! Smoke and fragrant steam just smacked me in the face. Instantly, I was sold. I walked in, dripping, and ordered a bowl... and I swear, I nearly cried. It was that good. But is it the *best*? See, here's the deal…

I've had some *rough* pho experiences in my time. Broth so bland it tasted like dishwater, noodles that resembled rubber bands, and bean sprouts that were clearly past their prime. Tau Home Base is NOT that. It's... potent. The broth is rich, complex, with that depth that only comes from hours (days?) of simmering. The meat? Meltingly tender. The noodles? Perfectly textured. BUT... there are days, I swear, when the broth is *slightly* saltier than others. And sometimes? The basil feels a little… tired. (Gasp, I KNOW!) The point is, perfection is a myth. But most days? It's DAMN near perfect.

What makes Tau Home Base pho different? Is it the secret ingredient? (Spill the tea!)

Secret ingredient? Oh, if I knew! I've spent hours, DAYS, staring into that steaming cauldron like a lovelorn fool, trying to decipher the magic. I suspect it's love. Or maybe a particularly grumpy, yet incredibly skilled, chef who spends his days perfecting the craft. Or possibly a combination of both, plus a hefty dose of umami.

But seriously, I think it's the *balance*. So many pho places go overboard on one particular flavor – too much star anise, too much cinnamon, etc. At Tau Home Base, it's all harmonious. The spices are there, weaving their magic, but it's the overall feeling, that symphony of flavor that really gets you.
The other thing is the quality of the ingredients. They use good meat. You can *taste* the difference. And the portions are… generous. I've left feeling stuffed and happy more times than I care to admit. (Don't judge me!)

How much will it cost? (Because, let's be real, budget is crucial.)

Okay, buckle up, because it won't break the bank! It’s not *cheap*, but it's definitely affordable. I usually get the regular size (which is plenty, mind you!), and it's a reasonable price. There are different sizes and various meat options, so the final bill can vary. Honestly, for the quality and the sheer *joy* it brings, it's worth every penny. Food in Kaohsiung is generally pretty reasonable, but this is one I actively budget for! I’m actually saving up now for my next visit, because that pho is calling my name… and you can bet I'll order extra chili sauce!

Is there a best time to go to avoid a massive queue? I HATE waiting!

Ah, the quest for the perfect, queue-free pho experience! This is a skill, people. It's an art. Here's the honest truth: Tau Home Base is popular. So, waiting is often inevitable. But! My (highly scientific) research suggests the following:

* **Lunch hour (12-1 pm):** Forget about it. Unless you like standing shoulder-to-shoulder with hungry hordes. * **Dinner (6-8 pm):** This is prime pho time. Expect a wait, but it's usually worth it. * **Weekdays vs. Weekends:** Weekends are generally busier. Early on a weekday, or late, like around 8:30pm, might be your best bet.

My *personal* strategy? I go on a Tuesday or Wednesday around 2:30 pm. It's a gamble, sure. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But hey, the anticipation just adds to the flavor, right? (I tell myself that to justify the wait!) Pro-tip: Take a book. Or scroll through your phone and make up stories about the other people waiting with you. It's surprisingly entertaining. (And, yes, I often do this…)

What else can I order besides pho? Is this a one-trick pony?

Okay, listen. I am SO focused on the pho, I’ve barely looked at the rest of the menu. I *think* they have other things. I *believe* I’ve seen spring rolls mentioned. But honestly? I’m there for the pho. It’s a laser focus, people. I'm sure the other dishes are perfectly fine, probably even good! But when you're standing in front of the pho, a steaming bowl whispering promises of deliciousness... who cares about anything else?
Though, once... *one* time... I was with a friend who got something with grilled pork and vermicelli. He kept going on and on about it. I did, shamelessly, steal a bite. It was... excellent. Slightly jealous, I admit. So, yes, explore the menu. But be warned: you'll probably still end up craving the pho. Accept this destiny.

Any tips for first-timers? I want to pho-nomenalize my experience!

Okay, rookie… listen up! Here’s the insider’s guide to a Tau Home Base pho triumph:

1. **Go hungry.** Seriously. Leave room. You’ll thank me. 2. **Embrace the chaos.** It can be a little hectic. Don't expect white-glove service. Just focus on the end goal: pho nirvana. 3. **Master the chili sauce.** They have a chili sauce that elevates the whole experience to a new level. Start small, though. It's got some serious kick. (And ask for extra. Always.) 4. **Don't be afraid to slurp.** It's part of the experience. Loudly. Proudly. 5. **Bring cash.** They may not accept credit cards. (Or maybe they do now? Honestly, I haven't checked. Always have cash!) 6. **And this is key:** Be patientHotel Finder Reviews