Nameless roadside noodle shop — A mixed seafood and pork liver noodle soup packed in a bowl for just 40 NT

Text & Photos /Maji Xiaotu

Ever since the Little West Gate Time Inn moved to Xinyi Street, we’ve started exploring and rediscovering the nearby food scene. Some are old shops we hadn’t visited in ages, while others were recommended by neighbors and foodies but had never tried. With fewer tourists around, many of these eateries retain an authentic, old-school charm, not to mention incredibly reasonable prices. I highly recommend food hunting around Xinyi Street.

Today’s featured nameless noodle shop is located on Section 1 of Lin’an Road, near the intersection of Wengxian Road and Chenggong Road, right next to the Zhen Shan Mei Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic. It was recommended by an old foodie who loves Tainan cuisine. After hearing about it, I came twice but both times they had already closed (once around 7 PM, the other around 8 PM). This time, I came around 6 PM with my dad, and finally got to try the legendary affordable delicacy. It really was amazingly filling and satisfying.

It’s said that the owner of this nameless noodle stall is locally known as “Eyeglass Guy.” He’s been selling noodles here for a long time and keeps a low profile. But when I went, it was his family running the stall. They mentioned that due to health issues, the boss no longer makes fried rice or stir-fried noodles. Even so, their menu still has more options than your average noodle stall, the flavors are quite good, and the prices — wow — are incredibly cheap. I was genuinely shocked.

First, I must recommend their 【Mixed Seafood Noodle Soup】 ★★★★★
As big fans of veggie-heavy noodles, we were pleasantly surprised by how fresh and generous this bowl of mixed noodle soup was. The broth was sweet and flavorful thanks to the freshness of the squid, oysters, and pork liver. There was also a good amount of pork. A whole bowl full of goodies — and it only cost “40 NT”! My dad kept saying it was outrageously cheap... XD

The plain noodle soup came in a very generous portion — basically a large bowl by normal standards. The noodles were somewhere between plain noodles, oil noodles, and spaghetti, but still had a nice chew. Simple seasoning with lard and soy sauce made it refreshing and very satisfying. And the best part... this huge bowl of dry noodles that I could barely finish was only “25 NT”! Sir/Madam, can you believe how kind this boss is...

I’m a big fan of wontons, so even though I skipped ordering pork liver soup at first, I couldn’t resist getting a serving of dry wontons. About 10 delicious wontons for just 25 NT!
The wonton wrappers were thin and smooth, the flavor excellent — just like the great wontons you get at traditional Tainan noodle stalls. No fishy taste at all. I loved it.
You can also order the Wonton Dry Noodles combo directly — one bowl for 50 NT, which is just dry wontons + dry noodles. Probably lots of people like me order it, because there’s even a sign advertising this dish: 【Wonton Dry Noodles】 50 NT.

The pork liver in the pork liver soup wasn’t skimpy either. Though not every slice was huge, there were still about 10 pieces. The liver was fresh, and the boss actually turns off the heat as soon as the liver goes in, so it stays super tender and fresh. And... and... the pork liver soup was also only “25 NT”! I almost shed a tear drinking it.

The pickled dishes were well-seasoned and tasty, giving off that nostalgic old-school vibe from childhood. Unfortunately, most of them were sold out when I went, so next time I’ll have to come back and feast on the pickles.

Nowadays, the boss isn’t around anymore, but the family still serves great flavors. It’s such a shame there’s no more fried rice or noodles. Wish I’d found this place sooner.

Egg drop soup is 10 NT, plain noodles and soups are mostly 25 NT, and the mixed seafood noodles and rice noodles are just 40 NT. Not only are the flavors great, but the prices are so kind-hearted. I couldn’t help but feel in awe of the boss — how do they even make a living at these prices? But it’s touching to see such shops still around these days. Actually, the boss wanted to keep a low profile because they were afraid tax officers would come knocking. But with prices this fair, can you really blame them if you go after such a small shop?

Though there aren’t many seats, there are plenty of local customers. While I was eating, lots of people came for takeout or dined in. I highly recommend this nameless noodle stall on Lin’an Road. But while supporting them, let’s not overwhelm the shop either.

Tainan City, West Central District — 【Lin’an Road Nameless Noodle Shop / Eyeglass Guy】
Address: No. 208, Section 1, Lin’an Road, West Central District, Tainan City
※ Lin’an Road is near the intersection of Wengxian Road and Chenggong Road, next to Zhen Shan Mei Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic.
Business hours: 11:30 AM – around 8 PM, may close earlier if sold out
 

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