Tainan’s Design-Centric Café Hides an Amazing Century Egg Cold Noodles!

Text & Photos /Sean

I’ve had The Third Place (I always pronounce it as Sandaime XD) on my list for ages, but the first time I wanted to try their noodles, they were closed–I can’t remember if it was just a temporary break or if I showed up too early. Either way, I didn’t get to eat there that time, so it just stayed on the list. It wasn’t until several friends mentioned it to me independently that I thought, this must be fate. So I brought my kid along, and they loved the taste right away. Later, I took Sandra too, and she also enjoyed it, so we decided to add it to our rotating dinner list at home.

Sources say that most of The Third Place–from decoration to the clay elements–was done by the boss himself, which I found super impressive.

Looking at the interior design, I’d believe someone hired a professional designer for it.

Even the second-floor restroom is styled really well.

The latest version of the menu.

Tomato Beef Brisket– the brisket is tender and flavorful, and one bite will make you go “Oh~”. It pairs perfectly with plain rice.

Mentaiko Chicken Vegetable Salad.

If you’re like me and care about your daily fiber intake, I think this is a great match with cold noodles. It doesn’t hit you as strongly as the beef, just a gentle, pleasant salad.

Boneless Chicken BallsCrispy but not greasy, served with a yuzu-flavored sauce that makes it feel light.

The signature sesame sauce cold noodles.

AndCentury Egg Cold Noodles– both the texture of the noodles and the richness and balance of the sauce rank among the best cold noodles I’ve ever had. Both the sesame sauce and century egg sauces are incredibly fragrant.

If you like spicy food, you can add a bit more chili for extra flavor. One big bowl of cold noodles still won’t feel like enough.

Pair it with a sunny-side-up egg for even more satiety and protein.

I think The Third Place is a perfect spot to dine in the summer. The AC is strong, and the food is ideal for hot weather. But keep in mind the boss lady runs the whole place by herself, so there might be some wait during busy times (though I think the service speed is already quite fast). Also, the location is a bit hidden, down a narrow alley. The owner strongly recommends parking on Yongfu Road and walking in. I’ll add… please check the map, because it really is tucked away. Here’s sharing a great café with you all. What else should you eat in the summer if not cold noodles?!

The Third Place
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Address: No. 2, Lane 158, Section 2, Yongfu Rd., West Central District, Tainan City (parking is difficult inside the alley, recommended to park on Yongfu Rd. and walk in)
Phone: 06-221-7342
Business Hours: 14:00–20:30 (last order at 19:30, closed Mon-Tue)

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