Nan Guang Da Fan Dian

Review

Nan Guang Da Fan Dian sits on Chenggong Street in Xinying right beside the No. 2 Market. The name sounds like a grand restaurant, but it is a traditional noodle stall open only for breakfast and lunch, and the contrast makes it a talking point online. Supertaste places it near the top of its Xinying food list, noting the daily queue of locals, and a blogger's dedicated post mentions the crowds around mealtimes, calling it everyday budget brunch for Xinying residents.

Price is the big draw, with most items between NT$10 and 45. The signature braised pork rice is NT$15, with soft rice and sweet-savoury minced pork; dry yi mein is about NT$30, springy and smooth with garlic and pork sauce; the priciest dish, wonton noodles, is NT$45. There is also black tea and braised side dishes; the blogger's mixed braised platter was about NT$85, glossed with soy paste. Diners say the oyster soup is generous and cheap, and two people can eat a full table for under NT$200.

Fans praise the low prices, fair portions and appetising sides, agreeing it is a rare coin-priced meal in Xinying. Complaints mostly concern long queues, with some saying ordering and serving are slow and the line barely moves; others find the pork topping sparse or dislike melamine dishes for rice and soup. Older posts list braised pork rice at NT$10, now NT$15, so prices may change again.

Hours run from about 7 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. Sources disagree on the closing day: the media and blogger say Thursdays, while online maps show Sundays closed, so check before going. The routine is to queue for your main dish, then order sides, find a seat and pay after eating. The stall is at the end of an alley, so park on the main road and walk in; a scooter is easiest around the market.

It suits anyone wanting to eat well for pocket change and enjoying the atmosphere of a traditional noodle stall, and works as a brunch stop while visiting Xinying's markets. First-timers can order dry yi mein with braised pork rice, add an oyster or wonton soup and share a braised platter, spending about NT$50 to 90 per person.