There’s “Fuhang” above and “Spicy Mom” below — Taipei MRT Shandao Temple’s hidden braised delicacies

Reported by Hong Lingju / Taipei

Exploring delicious food around MRT stations has become a popular new way to travel. For example, Huashan Market near Taipei MRT Shandao Temple Station has the widely renowned Fuhang Soy Milk on its second floor — just their Chinese fried dough sticks and flatbread are enough to get anyone out of bed in the morning. But don’t “miss out” on the “Spicy Mom Braised Delicacies” hidden on the first floor of Huashan Market either. Especially its signature braised delicacy broth, which you can drink straight, is not overly salty and has a slightly sweet and pure flavor. And if you add a bit of spiciness, the taste becomes even more thrillingly hot. Regular customers getting takeout always ask the boss lady to add extra broth, so they can use it as soup stock at home later.

▲ Spicy Mom Braised Delicacies, hidden on the first floor of Huashan Market. (Photo / Reporter Hong Lingju)

Spicy Mom Braised Delicacies has been operating in Huashan Market for 10 years and is a favorite braised food stall among nearby office workers and students on regular days. The stall offers about 50 different ingredients, plus 50 and 60 NT dollar combo sets put together by the vendor, giving a wide variety of choices so you won’t have to worry about ordering the “same old” every time. As for what braises best — tastes vary, but items like pork cheek, vegetarian tripe, duck blood, soy eggs, and meatballs are very popular with customers.The boss lady, Pan Linzhen, especially recommends sweet tofu, crystal dumplings, radish, duck blood, and baby corn made purely from fish paste.。

▲ The variety of ingredients at the stall isn’t much different from that of a typical braised food stand — it mainly depends on personal taste when choosing. And for those who don’t want to pick, you can also simply order a combo set. For just 50 or 60 NT dollars, you can have a full meal. Considering Taipei’s price levels, such a wallet-friendly and generous deal is considered cheap and filling. (Photo / Reporter Hong Lingju)

Traditional braised delicacies methods are divided into dry-braising and wet-braising, and Spicy Mom Braised Delicacies belongs to the latter. Its biggest advertised feature is “braising broth you can drink,” so many customers come specifically for the broth. Often, after taking it home, they use the leftover broth as a soup base to cook other ingredients, or use it to season dishes, making full use of every last drop without wasting any. In addition, some customers have shared cold dishes they’ve discovered using the broth — only then did Pan Linzhen realize her braising broth could be used in so many ways.

▲ The tender duck blood, sweet and pure broth, along with a spicy kick that isn’t overpowering, makes you keep eating even as you break into a sweat. Pan Linzhen mentioned that starting from August, the menu will add a “Duck Blood Combo.” (Photo / Reporter Hong Lingju)

As for the secret behind the signature braising broth, Pan Linzhen couldn’t reveal too much, only saying that the recipe for simmering the broth is all self-developed. Aside from using chicken bones to add sweetness, unique ingredients like traditional Chinese medicine are also added to prevent the broth from leaving your mouth dry. It’s recommended to first try the original light flavor. If you dare to eat spicy or prefer strong flavors, Spicy Mom also offers bird’s eye chilies and a uniquely prepared spicy sauce. Whether you want just spicy or a mix of spicy and numbing, you can adjust the level to mild, light, medium, or strong based on your spice preference.

A regular customer, Ms. Lin, said: “I originally found this braised food spot by accident because I saw people queuing up, so I joined in. Compared to other braised food, I especially like the broth with raw chili added. My most frequent order is the mildly spicy one.” However, first-time customers are advised to start with the milder options and then decide whether to level up to medium or strong spice next time, because what is usually considered mildly spicy outside is barely even a hint of spice here.

▲ “Spicy Mom” Pan Linzhen is not only skilled at braising but is also very friendly. Her interactions with customers feel like those with friends. (Photo / Reporter Hong Lingju)

Known as “Spicy Mom,” Pan Linzhen doesn’t actually dress in a provocative way. But in the past, when she sold braised food, she had long hair and wore makeup, and at some point, customers started calling her “Spicy Mom” behind her back— this anecdote became the origin of the stall’s name. Pan Linzhen wins over customers’ hearts and stomachs with her braised food. Not only does it carry the familiar, unchanged traditional flavors, but her braised offerings also contain an invisible yet palpable “human touch.”

【Spicy Mom Braised Delicacies】

Business hours: Monday to Friday 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, closed on Sunday

Contact: (02) 3393-8334 / 0970-603-799 / 0982-186-699

Address: No. 108, Section 1, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei City (Exit 5 of Taipei MRT Shandao Temple Station, Stall 6 inside Huashan Market)
 

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