Tainan, September 18, 2025 — A man surnamed Su has been sentenced by the Tainan District Court for a string of thefts that included breaking into one of Tainan’s most iconic century-old food shops.
According to the verdict, Su was found guilty of four separate incidents of burglary that took place between December 2023 and January 2024. His most notable target was Zaifahao Centennial Rouzong, a legendary rice dumpling shop founded in the 19th century. Using a screwdriver, Su pried open the store’s iron rolling door and stole NT$10,000 in cash.
Court records show that his crime spree began in December 2023, when he forced open a breakfast shop’s rolling door and stole NT$5,600. The following month, he carried out three more break-ins: the famed Zaifahao shop, a beverage store, and a roast meat shop. Although he succeeded in taking cash from Zaifahao, his attempts at the other two locations failed.
The court determined that each theft constituted a separate offense and sentenced Su to 3 months, 8 months, 4 months, and 2 months in prison, respectively. The combined terms may be converted into fines, and prosecutors are expected to seek a consolidated sentence once all related cases against Su are finalized.
Judges noted that Su had used a screwdriver during two of the break-ins, which classified the offenses as theft with a weapon. They emphasized that his repeated crimes within a short span, coupled with his criminal history, showed he posed a danger to public safety.
A Culinary Landmark
Zaifahao, the shop targeted by Su, holds a special place in Tainan’s food culture. Established in 1872 by founder Wu Can, the business has been passed down through five generations. The shop is best known for its signature Eight Treasures Zongzi, created by the third-generation owner Wu Jinfa, which helped establish its reputation.
During the 1980s, the shop was run by four brothers of the fourth generation, with prices reflecting the times: NT$70 for an Eight Treasures Zongzi, NT$40 for a large meat dumpling, and NT$20 for a small one. Today, under the management of fifth-generation owner Wu Guanting, Zaifahao remains a celebrated symbol of Tainan’s rich culinary tradition.
