Zhang Wu Ji Assorted Noodles

Review

Zhang Wu Ji Assorted Noodles is tucked into an alley on Zhongsi Street in Bali and is a well-known local noodle house. The current flagship has been renovated and is roomier and brighter than before. Supertaste lists it among Bali's signature eats, and bloggers often pair it with the Ferry Pier Old Street on the same outing. Sources do not mention an exact founding year.

The name says it all: the assorted noodles are loaded with toppings. The showstopper is the jumbo assorted noodle soup, about 40 cm across, filled with pork liver, shrimp, clams, meatballs, pork skin, fish cake, gizzards and plenty of greens. The shop provides a big ladle and tongs for sharing, and a blogger's photos suggest it feeds more than ten people. Side dishes are Taiwanese home cooking; red yeast rice pork, red yeast eel, soy-poached chicken leg, garlic oysters and preserved radish omelet are favorites.

Diners widely praise the astonishing portions and fair prices, ideal for big family meals, and the nostalgic Taiwanese decor adds atmosphere; the chicken, radish omelet and garlic oysters are often singled out. Complaints say the noodles taste ordinary and the giant bowl is mostly a novelty, the red yeast eel is bony, and some found dishes lukewarm when served or the pork ribs tough.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A blogger recorded assorted noodles from NT$130, the jumbo bowl at NT$739, red yeast pork at NT$240 and garlic oysters at NT$220, with most other sides around NT$100. Weekends are busy, so arrive early; there is some roadside parking in nearby alleys, or use a paid lot and walk.

It suits family gatherings, office groups or big circles of friends: the more people, the better the value. Groups of eight to ten or more can take on the jumbo bowl plus red yeast pork, garlic oysters, radish omelet and stir-fried greens. Smaller groups can order regular assorted noodles with two or three sides. Weekday lunch at opening is best for avoiding crowds.