The taste of sesame paste on the tip of your tongue—timeless flavors with subtle layers and a light mouthfeel

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In the bustling downtown area of Pingtung, nestled quietly under a large tree, there’s a decades-old eatery serving cuisine with mainland Chinese flavors called “Uncle Hu’s Noodle Shop.” I only recently learned about this shop through a “Foodie Adventure” feature and realized that my hometown had a sesame paste noodle soup I absolutely loved. During my trip back to Pingtung, I visited it with my family.

As the lights came on and the sky darkened, the shop was already bustling with steady foot traffic. Despite the crowd, there was no loud noise—everyone spoke softly or was absorbed in their noodles, giving the place a uniquely calm atmosphere.

Uncle Hu’s has reportedly been passed down to the second generation. We’ve lived in Pingtung for so long yet remained unaware of this gem. Thankfully, it’s not too late to experience it now. The white porcelain bowls with blue rims have an old-fashioned charm, some even featuring cartoon cherubs from our childhood.

The noodles used here aren’t the wide, thick kind common in mainland-style cuisine; instead, they use the most common type found in Taiwanese noodle shops—plain wheat noodles. Before opening, the fresh noodles are portioned and stacked in balls for quick cooking once the shop opens.

All noodle dishes come in either dry or wet versions, with flavor options including sesame paste and spicy Sichuan peppercorn, creating a variety of tastes. Unfortunately, the pig’s trotter noodles I wanted to try were sold out that day. The owner suggested coming at lunchtime when we’d be more likely to get them.

A few side dishes are available, though not many—you can always ask the staff if you want more.

The seaweed had just the right texture, seasoned well with a moderate saltiness. It wasn’t anything exceptional but still quite tasty. I didn’t ask the price per plate, but based on the total bill, it was probably around NT$20.

The pork skin was prepared in a rustic style without fuss. After adding soy sauce paste, the overall taste turned out pretty good, and the texture was delightfully chewy.

Dry Sesame Paste Noodles – NT$45

Visually, the portion isn’t very large, and there’s a bit of broth left at the bottom to keep the noodles from drying out when mixed. There are only a few strands of shredded pork and pickled mustard greens as toppings.

With a modest amount of sesame paste, even when fully mixed, the noodles only take on a faint brown hue. The aroma of the sesame paste isn’t strong—it subtly wafts from the noodles.

Shredded Pork Soup Noodles – NT$45

With no fancy or abundant toppings, just pickled mustard greens and shredded pork, this is a very simple soup noodle dish. The broth, simmered from bones, is clear and not greasy—perfect for those who prefer lighter flavors.

Sesame Paste Soup Noodles – NT$45

I remember noodle shops near my childhood home used to serve sesame paste soup noodles. After leaving my hometown, I rarely had the chance to eat them. This time, I came specifically for the sesame paste soup noodles. With such simple ingredients and presentation, it’s impressive how much people love them—there must be something special about them.

The shop’s soup noodles are naturally light in flavor. Even after adding a small spoonful of sesame paste, which enhances the aroma, the broth remains refreshing and not at all heavy—a pleasant surprise.

Spicy Wonton Dry Noodles – NT$60

For those who enjoy bold flavors, this spicy option is definitely for you. It still keeps the simple pickled mustard greens and shredded pork, but the spiciness adds complexity and layers of flavor. The wontons are not very large and are filled with minced pork, maintaining the shop’s consistent light seasoning style.

Uncle Hu’s Noodle Shop may not be what we typically think of as “mainland-style” cuisine. Among the many heavily flavored noodle stalls, this shop is a breath of fresh air. Though the flavors are light, they’re never bland. Whether you prefer strong flavors or mild ones, you’ll find something to your liking here. This rustic countryside-style noodle shop comes highly recommended.

【Uncle Hu’s Noodle Shop】

Address: No. 32, Beiping Road, Pingtung City
Phone: 08-7330175
Business Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Closed on Sundays

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