Let’s dig in on a budget: the super-popular copper-coin rice noodle soup at Dongmen Market

Photos & text by Jingwei Liao, Sightseeing Family
 
The area around Yongkang Street near Dongmen is not only a hub for various foods and snacks, but has also become a must-visit hotspot for Japanese and Korean tourists coming to Taiwan. And hidden within Dongmen Market, adjacent to the Yongkang commercial district, are affordable delights known only to foodies. Today, we’re taking you and our editor Jing to try out this insanely popular rice noodle soup spot.

Huang Mama’s Rice Noodle Soup is the most popular stall in Dongmen Market. During meal times, it’s absolutely packed—finding a seat is nearly impossible—but the upside of street food is the fast turnover, so a spot usually opens up after a short wait. The market streets are narrow, so dining here offers the unique experience of squeezing in with everyone else to enjoy a bowl of rice noodle soup.

The star dish at Huang Mama’s is these unassuming yet incredibly flavorful rice noodles in broth, served with a variety of side dishes. It’s a simple meal that’s surprisingly satisfying. The noodles are quickly cooked in a rich broth, then sprinkled with chopped scallions. Diners can adjust the flavor by adding their choice of condiments from the table. Having a bowl in the winter is pure bliss.

Right next to Huang Mama’s is a braised pork rice stall. Our editor Jing, feeling greedy, thought they’d try both—but ended up a bit disappointed. The flavor was a bit too salty for her taste, and although she didn’t want to waste food, she could only manage to finish it with the help of the side dishes.

Although the braised pork rice wasn’t mind-blowing, the pork belly itself was excellent—perfectly balanced between fat and lean, with great chewiness. Paired with shredded ginger and a dip in soy paste, it completely won over her taste buds. No exaggeration.