Ying Yang Oysters

Review

Ying Yang Oysters is at No. 33 Huanggang Road in Beitou District, stalls 437 and 438 in Section D of the Beitou temporary market. Beitou Market is a long-established local market, and its vendors moved to this temporary site while it is rebuilt. Supertaste lists Ying Yang Oysters alongside Ai Zai Cai braised pork rice in the same market as a must-eat around Beitou Market, and includes it in a round-up of market food across Taiwan, so it is a familiar oyster stall for locals.

The signature is the blanched oysters, which Supertaste says come as a large NT$100 serving dressed with a light sauce and sesame oil, letting the natural sweetness of the oysters come through. The stall also serves oyster rice noodles, oyster vermicelli and oyster soup, plus dry noodles at NT$35 a bowl, which pair well with a plate of oysters for brunch. Diners mention a broth that tastes of oyster and shredded ginger, and some particularly recommend the pork liver.

Praise centres on fresh, plump oysters, a clean, sweet broth, honest prices, a friendly, smiling owner and the atmosphere of the market. Complaints are few, mostly about short hours and unusual closing days that catch people out; some find the oysters lightly seasoned, so fans of bold flavours should add sauce, and seating and surroundings are basic, as in any traditional market.

According to Supertaste, it opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., closed Mondays and Thursdays, though the stall's own notices take precedence. Stall positions may change once the rebuilt Beitou Market opens, so confirm the location before you go. It is a few minutes' walk from Beitou MRT Station, parking nearby is tight.

Good for anyone exploring Beitou Market or wanting a local brunch before soaking in the Xinbeitou hot springs. On a first visit, a plate of blanched oysters with dry noodles or oyster soup is satisfying; two people can add oyster rice noodles or pork liver to share. Ai Zai Cai braised pork rice is in the same market, so snack lovers can try both stalls in one trip.