Damiao Stir-Fried Mutton

Review

Damiao Stir-Fried Mutton is at No. 269 Minsheng Road in Taoyuan District, a few minutes' walk from Jingfu Temple. Supertaste notes that it used to trade around the old Yonghe Market before moving to nearby Minsheng Road and extending its hours, and today it is one of the most talked-about late-night mutton stir-fry spots in central Taoyuan, with close to three thousand online reviews.

The signature wok-fried mutton is cooked fast over fierce heat for plenty of wok aroma, with thick slices and a clear shacha fragrance that does not overpower the meat. Mutton fried noodles and mutton rice with gravy are the single-portion staples, and the noodles can take a spoon of the house chilli. The mutton soup uses an angelica broth with goji berries, rich and warming in winter. Small groups wanting a pot can order the mini mutton hotpot, which works even for one.

Diners praise tender mutton with no gaminess, strong wok aroma, solid portions and late opening hours, making it a good way to end the night; yam also describes it as a fitting final stop on an evening out. Complaints are about mealtime crowds and queues, a small, noisy dining room, and fairly salty, heavy flavours that may not suit anyone who dislikes shacha.

Prices from Supertaste's 2024 report: wok-fried mutton from NT$150 (also NT$180 and NT$230 sizes), mutton fried noodles, rice with gravy and mutton soup NT$90 each, mutton soup for just NT$10 extra with noodles or rice, mini hotpot NT$200 and rice NT$10; prices may change. Google lists daily hours of 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., while yam says weekends open at 11 a.m., so sources differ; check before you go. Parking in the surrounding lanes is hard, so a scooter or walking is easier.

Good for office workers still hungry after dinner or groups of friends wanting stir-fry with their gathering. Solo diners get the best deal with mutton fried noodles plus the NT$10 mutton soup; two or three people can share a plate of wok-fried mutton with rice and add sesame-oil mutton or the mini hotpot. Skip the chilli if you avoid heat, or add some chilli sauce for extra kick.