Win over the stomachs of the celebrities alike – Hidden daily specials not on the menu

Text & Photos /KUNI

(The owner Ye Ronggui caught the sweetfish the day before at Wulai)

Anhe Danzai Noodles, endorsed by many celebrities, is located behind the Far Eastern Plaza. Just walk along Heping East Road, pass Dunhua, then turn into Anhe Road to arrive in no time. The decor is simple and typical of common Taiwanese eateries – at first glance, there's nothing particularly special. But step inside and you'll find the white walls covered densely with signatures. It seems that celebrities from politics and business are all vying to lend their endorsements. With high expectations, you take your seat.

Today’s meal includes:
Pork rice
Braised cabbage
Smoked duck
Fiddlehead ferns
Wild-caught sweetfish
Braised pork intestines
Braised shark with garlic sprouts

Many dishes aren’t listed on the menu – you order based on what the kitchen has prepared that day. For instance, hearing there’s no goose today but freshly smoked duck instead, I naturally asked the kitchen to slice some for me. By chance, I met the owner Ye Ronggui, an avid rock fishing enthusiast, who said he had just caught some sweetfish at Wulai the day before, so I also ordered a portion to try something new.

(At the entrance)

(Covered in celebrity signatures)

(Today’s special dishes and side orders)

(For example, the sweetfish the owner caught yesterday at Wulai)

(Regular menu items)

The pork rice made a good first impression – its thick, sticky sauce had a rich umami taste, slightly sweet beneath the saltiness, with a noticeable gelatinous texture. The only downside was that the rice didn’t seem steamed long enough; some grains were slightly undercooked. The braised cabbage had a fragrant aroma, though it wasn’t stewed until soft. Instead, tender fried pork skin added a nice touch.

I chose the duck leg for the smoked duck, and was pleasantly surprised to find it had been thoroughly deboned – every bit of bone was removed. The meat was tender yet retained a lovely bounce and juicy flavor, and paired well with two dipping sauces, especially the sweet-spicy one, which had bold, well-balanced flavors. A strong smoky aroma lingered from start to finish.

(Pork rice)

(Braised cabbage)

The fiddlehead ferns were simply cold tossed and had the perfect tang. The braised pork intestines were the only letdown of the day – flavorful, but very tough. The shark with garlic sprouts was a delight. Though the braising flavor was subtle, the dish intentionally left plenty of thick, rich fish skin and tender gelatin, making it deliciously satisfying.

I’ve always loved sweetfish, but this was my first time trying wild ones. They were a bit smaller, fried to a crispy golden brown, and could be eaten whole – head, bones and all – with a sprinkle of pepper salt. The slight bitterness in the belly followed by a returning sweetness is one of the most distinctive charms of sweetfish, and today was no exception. This dish was simply delightful.

(Braised pork intestines)

(Braised shark with garlic sprouts)

(Cold-tossed fiddlehead ferns)

(Smoked duck leg)

(The owner is passionate about rock fishing)

(Yamame trout caught just yesterday)

(You can eat the whole fish, bones and all — the slightly bitter yet sweet returning flavor of the belly is simply irresistible)

Anhe Danzai Noodles, which have captured the appetites of celebrities, must be said to be far from cheap in terms of price. A friend even joked that it’s snack-level decor with five-star prices, but before leaving, I couldn’t help feeling hungry again as I gazed at a pile of unidentified delicacies beckoning me from beside the counter.

Anhe Danzai Noodles (Anhe Danzai Noodles)
Address: No. 178, Section 2, Anhe Rd., Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2736-9973
Hours: 11:00–00:00

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