Gao Double-Intestine Four-Herb Soup

Review

Gao Double-Intestine Four-Herb Soup is on Jingmei Street and is one of the oldest stalls in Jingmei Night Market; media records date it to 1966. The "double" in the name refers to its signature technique of threading small intestine inside large intestine, giving two layers of texture in each bite; locals call it intestine-through-intestine, and it is what sets the stall apart from other four-herb soup vendors.

The double-intestine soup was reported at NT$70 a bowl in recent coverage and NT$60 in earlier guides, so check on site. The broth is simmered with Job's tears and other herbs and tastes mellow without overpowering, while the intestines are cleanly prepared and pleasantly springy. Oyster soup, oyster vermicelli and sticky rice are also popular, with most items around NT$50 to NT$110. Many regulars pair the soup with sticky rice drizzled in the house sauce, a big reason people come back.

Praise centres on the unique double-intestine texture, a smooth broth, fresh, plump oysters and low prices that make even a queue feel worthwhile; some say one bowl is never enough. On the negative side, some mention poor service, a few report finding a foreign object or feel the offal could be cleaned more carefully, and people unused to offal may not enjoy it.

Hours are 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., closed Mondays. Evenings bring the biggest night-market crowds and weekends may mean a short wait, though it rarely takes long. It is a simple night-market stall with limited seating. Parking around the market is difficult, so walk five to ten minutes from MRT Jingmei Station.

It suits lovers of offal and Taiwanese street food, and anyone wanting a hot soup while browsing Jingmei Night Market. First-timers should order the double-intestine soup with a bowl of sticky rice, and two people can add oyster vermicelli to share. For something lighter, choose the oyster soup instead.