Zhu Ji Squid Thick Soup

Review

Zhu Ji Squid Thick Soup trades under the arcade at No. 51 Zhengyi North Road in Sanchong, right beside a convenience store, and Supertaste calls it a well-known Sanchong old shop with regular queues. Its menu has only two items, cuttlefish thick soup and fried rice vermicelli, yet it stays busy from just after 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and many locals have eaten here since childhood.

The cuttlefish is cut into big, thick pieces that are chewy, sweet and free of fishiness. The soup is only lightly thickened and tastes clean and sweet, and a sprinkle of fried garlic goes on before serving; add black vinegar if you like it punchier. The fried vermicelli is a simple home-style version with bean sprouts and fried shallots, moist and easy to eat. Locals ask for a set, meaning one of each, which makes a neat meal.

Diners mostly praise the generous cuttlefish, honest ingredients and a broth that is perfect on cold days, and many like the moist vermicelli. Complaints focus on price, since a bowl of soup is not cheap, on the handful of tables that often means waiting, and on service that some find curt or impatient, so visitors should be ready to order quickly.

Supertaste lists the cuttlefish soup at NT$80 and the vermicelli at NT$40, and you can ask for more broth. Hours are about 08:10 to 22:30, closed Tuesdays; closing times vary slightly between sources, so do not leave it too late in the evening. Seating is under the arcade, about three tables and a dozen seats, with waits at peak times. There is a car park within a two-minute walk, so coming by scooter or car is fine.

It suits anyone craving a hearty bowl of cuttlefish soup, whether for breakfast, lunch or before a late snack run. On a first visit, order the set like the locals, soup plus vermicelli, and big eaters can add another bowl. Keep it plain for a clean taste or add black vinegar for tang. At busy times, takeaway is a good option.