Authentic Taiwanese Flavors in the Old City District: 5 Must-Try Restaurants in Dadaocheng

Text & Photos /Viviyu

Taipei’s old city district is quite enchanting, especially the Dadaocheng area, which not only features nostalgic architecture but also serves up authentic Taiwanese cuisine. Recently, the Songshan Line began operations, adding yet another way to get to Dadaocheng — making it an ideal spot for office workers to spontaneously escape work for a visit.

Transportation Guide:

1. Exit No. 2 of Beimen Station on the Songshan-Xindian MRT Line, then walk north along Tacheng Street for ten minutes.
2. Exit No. 2 of Shuanglian Station on the Tamsui-Xinyi MRT Line, transfer to bus 518 and get off at the terminal stop (or one stop before).

First Stop: Minle Flying Fish Rice Noodles

No. 3, Minle Street, Datong District, Taipei City

This is the kind of place that sells out quickly, especially in winter — you might show up for lunch at 12 PM only to find they've already closed. On cold winter days, having a steaming bowl of rice noodle soup can warm you right up. But since it’s summer now, they don’t close as early.

For ordering, the lady on the left handles the flying fish rice noodle soup, while the gentleman on the right serves braised pork and other side dishes.

The noodles here are on the thinner side, and the broth is rich without being greasy — a perfect bite with every slurp. The flying fish pieces are finely sliced, so they’re not dry at all.

Fried oysters.

Fried braised pork. The side dishes here are all very popular, especially this braised pork. Oh, and it’s not just the rice noodle soup that sells out — the sides can be gone too if you come too late.

Second Stop: Yongle Tainan Rice Vermicelli with Fish Balls

No. 1, Minle Street, Datong District, Taipei City

The rice vermicelli with fish balls stall is right next door to the flying fish rice noodles.

Even though there’s a sunshade, it’s still pretty hot.

Since I wanted to try other stalls as well, I only ordered the rice vermicelli with fish balls, and skipped the wheat noodles or rice noodles.

Just look at these delicious fresh fish balls. Even though I was sweating while eating them, it was totally worth it.

Third Stop: Yongle Rice Vermicelli Noodles (Mi Tiao Mu)

No. 7, Yongchang Street, Datong District, Taipei City

Business hours start at 7 AM, until 6 PM on weekdays and 5 PM on weekends.

This is an air-conditioned spot — unlike the previous two where you’ll be sweating buckets.

The menu is posted on the wall, and diners are asked to take a seat first and then fill out the order form to give to the auntie.

I ordered a small bowl of rice vermicelli noodles and pork cheek meat.

To be honest, if I had only come for the rice vermicelli today, I’d say it’s quite tasty. But compared to the flying fish rice noodle soup earlier, these noodles were a bit more plain.

Pork cheek meat. Next time I should order more of the cold cuts — I saw a lady at the next table order five different side dishes by herself.

Fourth Stop: Maofeng Almond Tofu

Room 1204, No. 21, Section 1, Dihua Street, Datong District, Taipei City

Strange, what’s the actual name of this almond milk? Some say it’s Maofeng, Google Maps says it’s Yanji, but anyway, it’s in Yongle Market on Dihua Street — shouldn’t be hard to find.

The cabinet has pre-made almond milk, and if you want to add red or green beans, they’ll drizzle them on top.

Having just finished those hot dishes, of course we’ll end with something cold.

At the very bottom is the almond milk. It has a strong almond flavor — I love it. Friends who aren’t too fond of almond taste can opt for red bean or green bean ice instead. They don’t sell ice in winter, but there’s hot red bean soup, which also draws long lines.

Stop 5: Luoguo Coffee @ Xiaoyicheng

No. 1, Lane 32, Section 1, Dihua Street, Datong District, Taipei City, 2nd Floor
http://www.artyard.tw/#!artyard32/c82m
11:00-19:00

When you come to Dihua Street and see the Watsons Pharmacy building, don’t get the wrong idea — there’s no Watsons inside this building.

This is a renovated historical structure. According to the official website, “Xiaoyicheng” means “selling small arts in Dadaocheng,” with a bookstore “Bookstore 1920s” and a Taiwanese printed cloth workshop “Ink & Print” on the first floor, a specialty coffee shop “Luoguo Coffee” on the second floor, and an exhibition/performance space “Si Theatre” on the third floor.

The buildings in the same block all have quite a retro vibe.

At first glance from the outside, I thought it was some parody post office, but turns out it’s a real one. No kidding.

Back to the Watsons Pharmacy building, the first floor is a retail space.

The second floor is Luoguo Coffee. Find the sign and head up the stairs.

No visitors, please keep quiet.

I really like the interior setup — it feels like someone’s living room. There are lots of vintage little items, and anyone interested in old stuff must come here.

This is the cold drip coffee I ordered today.

Stop 6: Lucy Filming Spot on the 4th Floor of Yongle Market

The 4th floor of Yongle Market still has plenty of food stalls. But I couldn’t eat anymore, so I just came to see the filming location for the movie Lucy.

There’s already a Lucy poster posted outside the elevator doors.

The 2nd and 3rd floors are fabric markets — I didn’t check them out and went straight to the 4th floor.

Once you exit the elevator, follow the signs on the floor and you’ll find the Lucy filming spot.

It’s by the back where Afa Snack Shop is. The 4th floor also has many food stalls, but since I arrived at 11 AM, they all seemed to still be preparing. The swordfish rice noodles and rice vermicelli I went to earlier open from early morning — unlike the 4th-floor vendors, which start at noon.

There are plenty more food stalls around Yongle Market — I believe these long-standing shops all have their unique offerings and loyal customers. I’ll definitely come back next time.

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