Caishen Tainan Danzai Noodles

Review

Caishen Tainan Danzai Noodles is at No. 1, Lane 6, Xinzhong Street in Songshan District, hidden in the lanes of the Minsheng Community. There is hardly a proper sign, only a red lantern reading danzai noodles. Noodles are cooked over low traditional stoves and diners sit at low wooden tables on small stools, like a street stall in southern Taiwan. Media report that actress Brigitte Lin comes every time she returns to Taiwan and that actor Yutaka Matsushige is a fan, which has made the old shop famous among film fans and tourists.

The signature danzai noodles cost NT$40 a bowl, with a generous, fragrant meat sauce, a light pork-bone broth, springy noodles, bean sprouts and coriander, and not much sweetness. Sticky rice is NT$35, plump grains topped with savoury meat sauce, peanuts, cucumber and fish floss. A plate of assorted cold cuts runs about NT$100–160 with ginger, cabbage and a scallion chilli sauce, and the offal is fresh; pan-fried milkfish is NT$160, with golden crisp skin and no muddy taste. Diners also recommend the braised pork rice and milkfish soup.

Fans love the rare old-time atmosphere, the fragrant meat sauce, fresh cold cuts and fast service, and solo diners or whole families can order a table of small plates. Complaints are mainly small portions that mean ordering several dishes to get full, side dishes that feel pricey, and recent price rises that make it less of a bargain than before; at mealtimes the tiny shop is packed, so expect a short wait or shared tables.

Hours are Tuesday to Saturday 11:30–14:30 and 16:00–20:30, closed Sundays and Mondays. The shop is small and the noon rush is heavy, so avoiding midday makes seating easier, and takeaway is available. The nearest MRT station is Nanjing Sanmin, about a 15-minute walk; street parking in the Minsheng lanes is scarce, so a scooter or bus is easier.

It suits anyone who wants southern-style danzai noodles in Taipei or loves old-school snack-shop atmosphere. On a first visit, order a bowl of danzai noodles with sticky rice, then share a plate of cold cuts or the pan-fried milkfish; big eaters should add a soup or braised pork rice, since every portion is small.