Cat House · Video 1YouTube

Cat House

Not enough ratingsNT$150–300 / per personChinese
11:00–20:00Closed TuesdaysHsinchu City East Dist.
Michelin-listedLocal favorite

VerdictBib Gourmand herbal noodles; get the tofu-skin roll

A light herbal noodle shop listed in the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand. Broths are simmered with Chinese herbs and vegetables, low in oil and salt yet not bland. The signature crispy tofu-skin roll is pan-fried golden; cash only, and it fills up at mealtimes.

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Review

Cat House stands at No. 63 Xida Road in Hsinchu's East District, not far from the City God Temple area. The name comes from the owner's mother's nickname and carries on her care about food. It entered the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand list in 2025 and remains in the 2026 guide, and both United Daily News and Supertaste include it in their Hsinchu Bib Gourmand round-ups as a place for light herbal cooking.

MICHELIN describes a menu built around mainland-style noodles, with broths simmered from Chinese herbs and vegetables that taste naturally sweet, served with healthy vegetable sides. The guide singles out the crispy tofu-skin roll: tofu skin wrapped around a basil omelette, vegetables and pork cartilage, then pan-fried until golden. Diners also often order tomato beef noodles, Sichuan pepper beef noodles and pork cartilage noodles, with knife-cut noodles as an option and generous portions.

Praise centres on food that is low in oil and salt without being bland, with a gentle herbal aroma; the broth changes between winter and summer, and the winter version is more warming. The tofu-skin roll is firm, relatively light in calories and a must for many. On the critical side, some feel the reputation outruns the food, others warn that even mild spice is quite hot and masks the broth, and since it became popular there is often a wait at mealtimes.

According to online information, it opens roughly 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., closed on Tuesdays, so confirm before going. MICHELIN notes cash only, and the room is air-conditioned. You order by scanning the QR code on the table and pay at the counter. Street parking along Xida Road is limited, so use a nearby paid car park and walk.

It suits anyone who wants a lighter bowl of noodles or avoids heavy flavours, and it works well with older relatives. On a first visit, order tomato beef noodles or Sichuan pepper beef noodles with knife-cut noodles and share a crispy tofu-skin roll; if you dislike heat, choose no spice or the lightest level. Expect to spend about NT$200 to NT$300 per person.

Why go

  • Signature crispy tofu-skin roll with egg and cartilage
  • Broth of herbs and vegetables, low oil and salt
  • Knife-cut noodles available, big portions
  • Mild is already hot; choose no spice if unsure
  • Cash only; order by QR code, then pay
  • Closed Tuesdays; expect waits at mealtimes

What people say

Liked

  • Low in oil and salt but not bland, with a light herbal aroma
  • The tofu-skin roll is hearty yet not heavy
  • Big noodle portions and generous sides

Complaints

  • Some think the fame exceeds the food
  • Even mild spice is strong and masks the broth
  • Waits are common at mealtimes

Summarized from the common views of bloggers, media and diners; not direct quotes.

Location

新竹市東區西大路63號Directions ↗

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Sources

This page is compiled from the articles below and rewritten in our own words. Hours and prices change, so check before you go.

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