Taipei Also Has a Foodie Favorite Snack – Try the Iconic Hong Kong Street Food “Cart Noodles”

Reported by Pu Tianqing / Taipei

The “chop suey noodles” in Stephen Chow’s movie “The God of Cookery” left a deep impression on many viewers. In Hong Kong, these are actuallycalled “cart noodles,” once a beloved street snack among locals. They were originally served from wooden carts equipped with metal compartments holding broth, noodles, and toppings, allowing customers to freely choose their preferred combinations– a large bowl of hearty, filling cart noodles that are both satisfying and affordable, making them one of Hong Kong’s iconic snacks.

▲“Cart noodles” are a common and beloved street food in Hong Kong, loved for their rich ingredients and wallet-friendly prices. (Photo / Reported by Pu Tianqing)

Lu Yongxian, the owner who studied design in the U.S., developed a strong interest in the food industry from a young age because his relatives ran a cart noodle shop in Hong Kong. During a trip to Taiwan, he noticed that authentic cart noodles weren’t available here, which inspired him to open a shop in Taiwan. He quit his design job and apprenticed at his relatives’ shop, learning everything from ingredient prep to broth brewing and beef brisket stewing – mastering the craft over a full year under the guidance of masters at the decades-old store. Then, he came to Taipei alone and opened “Mong Kok Cart Noodles,” emphasizing an authentic taste just like in Hong Kong. Within just a week of opening, the shop has already attracted many foodies eager to try it.

▲Lu Yongxian, owner of “Mong Kok Cart Noodles,” prepares a wide range of toppings daily, allowing customers to enjoy genuine Hong Kong-style cart noodles. (Photo / Reported by Pu Tianqing)

Lu says the key to delicious cart noodles lies in the broth and toppings. He simmers pork bone broth for 3.5 hours every day, creating a fragrant yet non-greasy base that can also be paired with beef brisket sauce or curry for varied flavors. Among the toppings, the trickiest to perfect are the beef brisket and tendons. He revealed that before slow-cooking, he stir-fries them with a high heat and a secret family sauce recipe, locking in the aroma and infusing the meat with deep flavor.

▲(Left) Fish siu mai flown in from Hong Kong is also a highlight. (Right) The family-secret chili sauce is spicy yet not overpowering, pairing perfectly with cart noodles or siu mai. (Photo / Reported by Pu Tianqing)

▲The bowls and utensils in the shop all feature a rooster pattern, which the owner says symbolizes good luck in Hong Kong – the same bowls used in the movie “The God of Cookery.” (Photo / Reported by Pu Tianqing)

Another highlight of cart noodles is the wide variety of toppings. Lu prepares about 28 different options daily, and to cater to Taiwanese tastes, he’s added local favorites like taiyaki and crystal dumplings. Noodle choices go beyond traditional Hong Kong-style lo mein, with options including spaghetti, oil noodles, rice noodles, and vermicelli for even more variety.

Spice lovers must try the chili sauce here. The owner proudly shares that it’s a secret recipe brought from his relatives in Hong Kong. Legend has it that a business once offered HK$1 million for the formula, but he refused – wanting to preserve this flavor that lingers delightfully on the palate. The shop also sells fish siu mai flown in from Hong Kong, made with bouncy fish paste and rich umami, offering a uniquely chewy texture.

▲“Mong Kok Cart Noodles” is located along Taipei’s Civic Boulevard. All signage and interior designs are created by owner Lu Yongxian, giving the space a distinct personality. (Photo / Reported by Pu Tianqing)

[Mong Kok Cart Noodles]

Address: No. 138, Section 4, Civic Boulevard, Taipei City　

Phone: (02) 2752-0313

Business Hours:

Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

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