Wanhe Road Traditional Breakfast

Review

This traditional breakfast shop at No. 104, Sec. 1, Wanhe Road in Nantun has no signboard at all; online it's usually just called the Wanhe Road Traditional Breakfast Shop, and searching that name on a map will find it. It's fairly well known around Nantun Old Street and sells old-style morning fare like batter egg crepes, rice balls, pan-fried buns and gua bao. Public information is limited and comes mainly from Supertaste's Nantun Old Street food guide.

The signature batter egg crepe is fairly thick, with edges fried to a light golden crisp; eaten hot, the crepe is soft with clear notes of egg and scallion. The plain version is NT$25, with pork floss and corn options too. The rice ball is about NT$40 and holds fried dough stick, cucumber, dried tofu, braised pork belly and lean pork slices. The lean pork is generous and the rice on the soft side, yet you still get the crunch of the dough stick and the savory braised pork; the writer especially recommends the spicy cucumber inside for the lift it gives.

For the price, the report considers the portions and ingredients a real bargain. So far, though, only one detailed write-up exists and online opinions either way are scarce. The soft rice and traditional flavors may or may not suit you, and items like the pan-fried buns and gua bao aren't described in detail.

There's simple indoor seating, and the shop closes early once food sells out, so come early for the full selection. Exact hours, closing days, parking and payment aren't mentioned in the report, so check before you go; Wanhe Temple, on the same road, has a parking lot nearby.

Suited to anyone exploring Wanhe Temple and Nantun Old Street in the morning who wants a cheap traditional breakfast. Order a plain egg crepe and a rice ball to share between two — and don't miss the spicy cucumber in the rice ball.