Chen Dong Herbal Pork Ribs

Review

Chen Dong at No. 160 Raohe Street bills itself as the first herbal-soup stall in Raohe Night Market and has been in business for about thirty years. It earned a Bib Gourmand in Taipei's first Michelin Guide and has been listed for many years since. Unlike a typical roadside stall, it has a fixed shopfront with seating, so you can sit down for a hot bowl of soup when the market tires you out.

The signatures are herbal pork ribs and herbal lamb. The broth is slow-simmered with more than ten herbs such as red dates, goji berries and longan; it looks light but tastes sweet and mellow, with a gentle herbal note that even people who dislike medicinal soups can handle. The ribs are braised very soft, the lamb has no gaminess, and you can dip it in the house spicy bean paste. There is also a braised pork rice with pickled cucumber that isn't greasy. Earlier reports list ribs at NT$75 and lamb at NT$85, while recent diners mention roughly NT$90 to 100; sources differ, so check the price on site.

Most diners and media praise the clear, sweet broth, honest portions and quick service, and it is especially popular in winter. Complaints mainly say the ribs are more bone than meat or sometimes not tender enough; some find the broth too mild or feel it's less of a bargain after price rises.

Hours are roughly 4:30 to 11 p.m., closed Tuesdays, though sources occasionally differ. There is often a line right after opening, but tables turn over fast. Once seated, mark the quantities on the menu yourself and hand it to the staff, then pay cash when the food arrives. Tables are close together and often shared, with bags beside them for bones.

It suits anyone wanting a warming soup at the night market, or travelling with older family members. One person can order a bowl of herbal ribs with braised pork rice; if you don't mind lamb, it's worth trying too, and two people can each order one to share.