Discover the everyday delight of delicious food: a popular cold noodle stall hidden in the market

Text and photos byOrange Dog Loves Candy

The search for the most everyday satisfying flavors often lies in the most unassuming corners of traditional markets within the city. Even though I've lived in Taichung for over five years now — and you might say I’ve eaten my way through countless streets and alleys with all the food reviews I’ve written — the truth is, no, I haven’t. That’s because this 【Sun Ji Sichuan Cold Noodles】 is tucked away along Daya Road, a road I pass by almost every two or three days, yet I had no idea. At the three-way intersection where Daya Road meets Meide Road, the most famous shop is Kangbao’s All-Nourishing Herbal Pork Ribs. Sun Ji is hidden inside a small market on the side street at the fork. The shop isn’t big, but customers keep coming. There aren’t many tables and chairs, and inside the small shelter, there are also traditional vegetable and meat vendors. It’s probably the liveliest spot there. Had it not been for someone’s recommendation, I wouldn’t have known about it.

It happened to be the day when a cold front hit, with the first wave of this year dipping down to 17°C. Honestly, I really struggled to go out and eat cold noodles, but the dish looked so tempting… it made me think, “No pain, no gain — no bitter cold, no fragrant cold noodles.”

The address at the intersection of Zhongqing Road and Daya Road completely confused me, and it took some effort to finally find 【Sun Ji Sichuan Cold Noodles】. During lunchtime, there were quite a few people, especially those dining in — probably because of the cold weather, everyone wanted a warm bowl of noodle soup. But actually, it opens at 7 AM and only serves until the afternoon. Thankfully, I made it for the last wave. The cold wind whipped the shop’s windbreak canvas loudly, while the busy noodle-making station steamed nonstop as they rushed to prepare each order. The aunties at Sun Ji were actually quite friendly — they didn’t smile much, but would promptly tell us anything we needed to know. It’s not some big restaurant, but they offer quite a variety of items. The prices aren’t exactly cheap, but looking at the meals of other tables...

And then comparing them with the names on the menu, every dish made us eager to try. In the end, we only ordered two noodle dishes and three side dishes. However, the signature cold noodles were hidden in the middle of the menu, and we searched for a while, almost thinking they were sold out.

【Signature Sichuan Cold Noodles / Small portion / Spicy / 40 NT$】
Although it was cold outside, these cold noodles still stimulated the appetite. A dab of sesame paste, bean sprouts, and a generous spoonful of mustard — even before mixing, the vibrant green and fragrance of the mustard were already impressive. The noodles weren’t thin, but they were firm, springy, and chewy.

After stirring everything together and lifting a strand of noodle, the first thing you taste is the richness and stickiness of the sesame paste. Though it may have seemed like just a casual sprinkle, it delivered a deep, rich aroma that lingered on the lips and teeth with every chew.

Then came the spicy, refreshing kick of the mustard cutting through the richness. With every bite, the two flavors played off each other beautifully. One bowl wasn’t quite enough to satisfy, but it wasn’t particularly Sichuan-flavored either. Still, it was definitely a delicious plate of cold noodles.

【Popular Lean Meat Noodles / Thin noodles / 70 NT$】
“No meat makes you thin,” but this lean meat is truly lovable. It’s basically a plain noodle soup with a few slices of lean meat that have a slight bit of fat. From the clear broth, you scoop up a spoonful of meat sauce, and the generous slices of pork look like they were blanched in the hot broth and are still slightly pink. The broth is light and refreshing, with the savory saltiness of traditional meat sauce. The thin noodles tend to get soft if left soaking too long.

But the lean meat in the bowl is genuinely impressive. It has a bit of thickness to it, but is springy and tender. There are occasionally one or two slices that seem a bit overcooked — a small pity — but the portion size is very satisfying.

When we finished eating, six workers from the neighboring table arrived. They seemed to be regulars, as each ordered a bowl of lean meat noodles, filling the table. This bowl of noodles is probably what 70–80% of the shop’s customers come for, given how filling and satisfying it is.

【Wonton Soup / 40 NT$】
This bowl is also great value, with large, plump wontons wrapped in tender skins and filled with sweet, fresh stuffing. There are about six to seven wontons in the bowl, plus some greens — definitely another recommended dish.

【Blanched Pig Liver / 50 NT$】
Topped with plenty of shredded ginger and pickled vegetables, almost covering the liver, the thick slices of pig liver are bold. The sauce carries a gingery spice and a slight tang. The liver is only blanched to about 70% done, making it soft and tender without any fishy taste. The first bite brings a rich, savory aroma. This dish is also very tasty.

【Blanched Rice Sausage / 50 NT$】
This rice sausage is a bit different from what I expected XD. Though I’ve had this type before — in southern Taiwan, the rice sausages I’ve had are pink with bits of pork inside — this version has a powdery texture from the cooked intestinal lining. I like both types, and for 50 NT$, this one gives you a decent amount, with a slightly chewy, tasty skin.

【Braised Pork Skin / 20 NT$ + Braised Tofu / 10 NT$ + Braised Kelp / 10 NT$】
Once sliced up, these three items make for a huge plate, then covered again with pickled vegetables and shredded ginger. I don’t even need to say how good they are — the ingredients are solid, the price is cheap, and the portions are generous. The tofu is sliced thinly, so the texture isn’t particularly distinct, but the pork skin is well-marinated and flavorful. It’s not super chewy, but the braising sauce is rich and salty.

And this platter of fried tofu and braised egg is what the neighboring table ordered — such a bountiful plate. Also, they’re really generous with the pickled vegetables here, which shows a lot of sincerity.

I think we ordered a bit too much, considering there were only two of us. Basically, that one bowl of lean meat noodles was already a pretty big portion. The rich seasoning of the cold noodles is perfect for satisfying an afternoon craving. Although it might just make you hungrier afterward. I’m not sure if this place is an old shop, but it proves once again: if you’re looking for everyday, affordable, delicious eats, head to the traditional markets.

◎ Shop Introduction: [Sun Ji Sichuan Cold Noodles, Daya Road, Meide Street │ North District]
◎ Address: No. 141, Daya Road, North District, Taichung City (at the intersection opposite Kangbao All-Nourishing Herbal Pork Ribs)
◎ Phone: 0976-548165
◎ Business Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM
◎ Travel Tip: The shop is closed on Mondays. Sichuan cold noodles, mixed noodles, and lean meat noodles are highly recommended.
 

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