A refreshing "cold noodle" appetizer in New Taipei, followed by a bowl of miso soup simmered with pork bones!

Text & Photos /Mazzy Bunny

I've lived in Xizhi for over a decade. When I first moved here, I tried this place once, but the memory has faded. Recently, seeing a post from a fellow foodie in the 'Taipei Foodies' group brought it back to mind—summer cold noodles are the most appetizing. Coincidentally, I moved closer this year, just a five-minute bike ride away, so I chose to visit on a clear morning before work.

Online reviews said there were always long queues, but perhaps I visited at an off-peak time. The staff kindly showed me to a seat. There was a menu nearby—I just filled in my order with the table number and paid after eating.

The cold noodles come in three sizes and prices: large, medium, and small. I was full with the small portion, which was actually quite generous. The combo soup is miso soup with meatballs and egg drop/egg drop "pack." I prefer the egg pack, so I just noted "pack" at the end. And there’s my beloved old-fashioned iced black tea, which I often have for breakfast.

I’m also quite interested in their pork blood soup, but I was alone that day and couldn’t order too much. I’ll make up for it next time.

I really love the combo soup that Taipei cold noodle shops often serve—usually miso soup with meatballs and egg drop/egg pack. Tainan doesn’t have this kind of soup, so when my sister saw an X Beef ad before, she found it strange. I’m an egg pack fan, so I love how many Taipei soups include egg packs.

To be honest, what I liked most about Shen’s Cold Noodles was this bowl of miso soup. The miso flavor is rich but not overly salty. I really hate when miso soup is either too watery or too salty, but Shen’s broth is fragrant and mellow. I heard it’s made with a pork bone base—no wonder it tastes so good.

The egg pack was perfectly cooked—soft, fragrant, and tender. I was so delicious I forgot to take a photo. I’d visit often just for this soup.

The meatballs were also bouncy and chewy. I don’t know where they source them from, but I’ll ask the owner next time.

The small cold noodle portion is 40 NT$, and the portion is actually quite big. Add the generous combo soup, and I was already full with this.

The noodles are very chewy. What I loved most was their sesame sauce—it’s fragrant but refreshing. I actually hate garlic paste, but luckily Shen’s sesame sauce only has a hint of garlic, so there’s garlic aroma without the smell. The shredded cucumber is cut into thick strips, giving a nice texture. Overall, it’s refreshingly delicious. Being so close to home is just great—I can visit often.

The sesame sauce is both fragrant and refreshing, and it doesn’t feel too heavy. It’s quite a tasty cold noodle dish, no wonder the business is so good.

There’s mustard sauce, chili sauce, and chili oil on the table—feel free to add as you like.

There are seats inside and in the covered porch. Though there was no queue, customers kept coming in—takeout and dine-in were non-stop. Truly a popular spot.

They seem to offer delivery at noon too—I’ll ask next time if they deliver to my office.

There are actually many cold noodle shops in Xizhi. I’ve tried a few others that were pretty good, but Shen’s stands out because of its nice environment and quality—I think that’s why they succeed.

It’s scorching hot in summer these days, and I often can only eat cold noodles. Shen’s cold noodles and combo soup are both great, and there’s no dreaded garlic smell. It’s just a five-minute ride from home—this place is now on my go-to list.

Xizhi [Shen’s Cold Noodles]
Address: No. 186, Fude 1st Rd., Xizhi District, New Taipei City
Phone: 02-2694-9673
Hours: 06:00–14:00 (until sold out), closed on Mondays

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