Taoyuan Waffle Shop serves "Chicken Cutlet + New Noble Pie" combo ! 29 creative flavors at max price of NT$70

▲ The prices at Smiling Fish Waffle Shop are quite reasonable, ranging from NT$45 to NT$70. (Photo/Netizenchir_ieatProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Following the trend of adding inventive fillings to wheel cakes and sponge cakes, waffles are now also getting popular with additions like chicken cutlets, marshmallows, and even OREO as the star topping. In Zhongli, Taoyuan, there's a specialty waffle shop called “Smiling Fish” offering 29 creative flavor combinations that blend sweet and savory, priced between NT$45~70, rapidly gaining popularity on Instagram.

▲ Smiling Fish Waffle Shop offers 19 sweet flavors and 10 savory ones — not only delicious but very photogenic. (Photo/NetizenzongggstagramProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Located near Yuan Ze University in Zhongli, Smiling Fish Waffle Shop has 19 sweet and 10 savory flavors. In addition to classic options like corn & vegetables and matcha, there are also New Noble Pie, OREO, and marshmallows. Seasonal specials like strawberry condensed milk and strawberry chocolate are also instant hits — delicious and very photo-worthy.

▲ At Smiling Fish, you can try creative flavors like “New Noble Pie” and “Tartar Chicken Cutlet.” (Photo/Netizenyy___limProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Notably, to accommodate customers who have trouble choosing, the shop allows free mixing of any two flavors at your choice, priced according to the more expensive one. Owner Mr. Huang said most customers like to try something new, and the sweet-and-savory combo is especially popular. Popular sweet choices include chocolate banana and peanut sesame, while savory favorites are Japanese teriyaki pork cutlet and tartar chicken cutlet.

▲ Sweet options like chocolate banana and peanut sesame are top sellers, while savory favorites are Japanese teriyaki pork cutlet and tartar chicken cutlet. (Photo/Courtesy ofSmiling Fish’s official fanpage, same below)

The “New Noble Pie” flavor is sure to pique curiosity. The owner explained that thick waffles are filled with chocolate sauce and chunky peanut butter, resulting in a sweet and salty taste similar to the actual New Noble Pie. As items are made to order, the average wait time is 15–20 minutes. You can also call ahead to reserve your order if you want to skip the wait.

▲ To prevent hands from getting sticky and help keep waffles warm, the shop uses aluminum foil packaging for easy on-the-go eating.

To prevent sticking and maintain warmth, the shop wraps waffles carefully in aluminum foil, which also helps keep fillings from spilling or falling out — making them perfect for eating while walking.

Owner Mr. Huang, a Yuan Ze University graduate, said that “Smiling Fish” started as just a roadside stall in 2009. After a year of studying service spirit in Japan, he opened his first store near his alma mater in 2011. Excitedly, he shared that the Hsinchu branch will open on June 14, located near National Tsing Hua University, with more creative flavors in development.

▲ The Smiling Fish Zhongli store has been beloved by local students since opening in 2011, and the second Hsinchu branch will open on June 14.

Smiling Fish
Taoyuan Store: No. 6, Lane 8, Xing’an 1st St., Zhongli District, Taoyuan City
Phone: 0930-36812
Business Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11:30–24:00 (Closed Mondays)

Hsinchu Store: No. 19, Lane 7, Alley 298, Section 2, Guangfu Rd., Hsinchu City (Opening June 14, 2017)