Zhen Pin Snacks

Review

Zhen Pin Snacks sits on Mofan Street in Taichung's West District, near Yingcai Road, and is an old brunch stall that locals rely on. Supertaste describes its flavors as half a century old. The star is what Taichung people call mi fen yu, taro rice noodle soup, backed by small plates such as fried noodles, Fuzhou meatballs, braised tofu and pork blood soup. The menu is simple, but it tastes like old Taichung.

Every write-up focuses on the taro: cut into big chunks, soft and fluffy to bite, with a gentle taro flavor, while the thin rice noodles soak up a broth seasoned with braised pork and fried shallots. A bowl of taro rice noodle soup costs NT$65. The NT$35 fried noodles come topped with the old braised meat sauce and taste best mixed with Dongquan chili sauce; the noodles are neither too soft nor too firm and the flavor leans bold. Two Fuzhou meatballs cost NT$25, with a springy skin and a juicy center; two pieces of braised tofu are NT$20, tender and not overly salty; the pork blood soup is light with a slight crunch. Around NT$100 per person is enough for a full meal.

Media mostly praise the generous taro and friendly prices, and bloggers recommend the fried noodles with meat sauce. Opinions on the broth differ, though: one food blog found it oily and salty, while a TV feature called it clean and sweet, so it comes down to taste. The meatballs and tofu are supporting acts and hold few surprises.

It opens at 6 a.m.; closing times vary by source (anywhere from 1:30 to 2 p.m.), and it is closed Sundays and Mondays, so check before you go. Expect a queue for both dine-in and takeaway at mealtimes, and late arrivals may find things sold out. Parking nearby is hard, so use a paid lot and walk over. Payment methods aren't mentioned in the sources, so bring cash to be safe.

It suits anyone who wants a local Taichung brunch and loves taro. On a first visit, order a bowl of taro rice noodle soup, a plate of fried noodles and two Fuzhou meatballs; if you like heat, stir some chili sauce into the noodles.