Lao Dongtai Mi Tai Mu

Review

Lao Dongtai is one of the oldest mi tai mu (rice noodle) shops in Taitung City. In 1955 the first generation, Wu Lianjin and his wife, sold noodles from a cart under a banyan tree outside the Dongtai Theater on Zhengqi Road. Regulars spread the name "Dongtai mi tai mu" and it stuck. The theater was demolished long ago and the shop moved to Datong Road; today two third-generation brothers run it, the elder cooking and the younger renovating the space.

The noodles are mostly rice with a little sweet potato starch, so they stay chewy and springy even after soaking. The broth is simmered from thick slabs of whole bonito for a clean, savoury sweetness, then topped with minced pork sauce. A 2026 report lists the mala dry-mixed mi tai mu at NT$60, mildly spicy with a touch of sweetness; mi tai mu mixed shaved ice with house brown sugar at NT$65; Luye red oolong cold brew at NT$50; and a jar of house chili sauce at NT$160. Side dishes include flying fish roe squid and garlic pork slices.

Fans like that the noodles are thicker and the broth less salty than at the famous shop down the street, and that the room is clean and comfortable; some also recommend the iced black tea and rich milk tea. On the downside, some find the flavour just okay and not very different from other mi tai mu shops, seats are limited at peak times, and some side dishes feel pricey.

The 2026 report gives hours of 11:00–15:00 and 17:00–20:30 with Fridays closed, while Google shows Tuesday to Thursday closed, so sources differ; check before going. There are only a few scooter spaces outside, so drivers should use the Nanjing Road car park, about a five to eight minute walk. No reservations on holidays, so groups should avoid noon to 1 p.m. Electronic payment is accepted, and raw noodles and chili sauce can be taken home.

Good for anyone wanting classic Taitung mi tai mu without a long queue, or for bringing older relatives to relive old flavours. Solo diners can get a bowl of soup noodles and a side dish, plus mi tai mu shaved ice in summer. Two or more can order one dry and one soup bowl to compare, with a splash of black vinegar and chili.