Shacha Squid Geng

Review

Shacha Squid Geng sits at No. 94 Zhongxiao Road in Taichung's South District, on the western stretch of Zhongxiao Night Market not far from the Guoguang Road junction. The name says it all. Supertaste included it in its list of Zhongxiao stalls worth queuing for, and a travel site called its squid soup noodles one of the best on this market street. It is a regular dinner stop for nearby residents and National Chung Hsing University students.

The signature shacha squid thick soup costs NT$75 a bowl. The squid pieces are plentiful, and the broth gets its aroma from shacha sauce yet stays light, not too thick and never greasy. Most people add noodles, which turns one bowl into a full meal, and diners often mention the braised pork rice as a good partner for the soup. It is a no-frills budget eatery without fancy toppings.

Praise centres on generous portions, low prices and a clear shacha fragrance that does not overpower, and many treat it as a fixture of any Zhongxiao visit. Complaints are mostly about service: some find the lady at the counter curt and rushed at peak times, and a few think the broth is on the mild side, so those who like bold flavours should season it themselves.

The Supertaste info card and a blog post list closing time as 10 p.m., closed Sundays, while other listings show it shutting at 9 p.m.; sources differ, so check before you go. The after-work and after-school rush from 5 to 6 p.m. is the busiest, so come outside that window to wait less. Parking along Zhongxiao Road is difficult, so a scooter or a walk from Taichung Station works best, and the small shop fills up quickly at peak times.

Good for anyone wanting a hot dinner for under NT$150, or a base layer before exploring the night market. First-timers should order the shacha squid soup with noodles plus a bowl of braised pork rice. If it tastes too mild, add chili or black vinegar from the table, then carry on to the eastern end of the market for more snacks.