Moon Moon Food (Qingdao)
Zhongzheng Dist. · Taiwanese
Du Hsiao Yueh Danzai Noodles (Tainan Original Store)
Long-standingLocal favorite
VerdictThe century-old source of danzai noodles: small, refined, rich.
The danzai noodle brand founded in 1895 by fisherman Hong Yu-tou; its Zhongzheng Road shop keeps the red lanterns, low stools and low stove of a street stall. A small bowl of shrimp-broth noodles with the family's minced pork and one fresh shrimp is the classic introduction to Tainan danzai noodles.
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Review
Du Hsiao Yueh's story begins in 1895: unable to fish during the typhoon months between Qingming and Mid-Autumn, fisherman Hong Yu-tou carried a noodle stall on a shoulder pole to make ends meet, hanging a lantern reading Du Hsiao Yueh, roughly 'getting through the lean months', first near Shuixian Temple. The family later split into branches, and sources disagree on which branch carried which name. The shop at No. 16 Zhongzheng Road in West Central District is what the brand calls its Tainan original store, with about 18 seats downstairs and 40 upstairs.
Danzai noodles come in a small bowl: yellow noodles blanched in hot water, topped with the family's mostly lean minced pork, pepper, coriander and a single fresh shrimp, then finished with shrimp broth. Compared with rivals it is more refined, with a richer meat sauce; you can add a braised egg or a pork ball. The interior keeps the red lanterns, low stools and low stove of the old stall, where the cook sits to make the noodles.
Fans describe a vivid layering of garlic, black vinegar and shrimp broth and call it the most memorable bowl of their trip, while others say the old-shop atmosphere is the real draw. Negative reviews focus on small portions and tourist-level prices; some find it too sweet and salty or think the fame outstrips the flavour, and shared benches get cramped.
The official site says it closes at 8:30 p.m. with last orders at 8, while map listings say 7:50 p.m., so sources differ and you should check first. Prices also vary between sources; a recent traveller recorded about NT$90 a bowl, so go by the menu in the shop. It's on Zhongzheng Road near the National Museum of Taiwan Literature and the Confucius Temple, easy to combine with sightseeing; drivers should use a nearby paid car park.
Best for first-time visitors who want to meet danzai noodles at the source. A bowl is snack-sized, so add a braised egg or share several small dishes with companions; if you dislike strong flavours, taste it plain before deciding on vinegar.
Why go
- Danzai noodles come in a snack-sized bowl
- Add a braised egg or pork ball to make it more filling
- The meat sauce is rich; taste it plain if you prefer mild flavours
- The official site lists last orders at 8 p.m.
- Few seats downstairs; about 40 upstairs
- Close to the Museum of Taiwan Literature and Confucius Temple
What people say
Liked
- Clear layers of shrimp broth and meat sauce with an old-time taste
- The old-stall décor carries real history
- Central location that fits easily into sightseeing
Complaints
- Small portions at tourist prices
- Some find it too sweet and salty, more fame than flavour
- Shared benches are cramped
Summarized from the common views of bloggers, media and diners; not direct quotes.
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Location
台南市中西區中正路16號Directions ↗
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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