A Century-Old Taipei Snack Tour: Shark Sashimi and Brown Sugar Rice Vermicelli Ice

Text and Photos /San Gao Eats Han

Back in the familiar old Taipei area, we visited Chailiao Shark Sashimi on Liangzhou Street—a shop said to be over a hundred years old, likely known only to the older generation in the past. At noon, I picked up a piece of pork rib from Ajiao Braised Pork at Taiping Market,Ajiao Braised Porkthen walked here. Thankfully, on such a hot day, after enjoying the shark sashimi, I could head straight to the nearby Yijiaozi for some ice cream, another old shop.

The neighboring cold noodle snack shop also had quite a few customers, but today at noon, I just wanted to have a plate of shark sashimi. The current owner is probably the nth generation—there were several types of shark parts on the stall. No need to understand them all; the simplest way is to get a mixed plate (NT$100). It would’ve been even better if the owner offered a quick introduction~

Opposite is Nostalgic Pork Rib Noodles, which is under the same management. If you want noodles, you can kill two birds with one stone. Shark sashimi is a uniquely Taiwanese snack. Some snack shops also sell pre-made shark sashimi as a side dish, but I’ve yet to try any that made me go “wow.” Maybe it’s better to (step aside) and leave it to the pros~

The mixed plate turned out to have five ingredients. Just by looking at the color, you can tell how fresh and moist they are, with a faint sweet smokiness on the surface—it’s smoked with a mix of white and brown sugar.

There’s the slippery and easily recognizable monkfish skin, which has absorbed the smoky flavor. A few pieces in the middle resemble a common type of fish, tender and soft with no fishy aftertaste. Next to them are thick, strip-like pieces with chewy skins—I really liked these. Be sure to dip them in the special garlic sauce mixed with mustard and scallions; it’s incredibly flavorful and refreshing.

The guy sitting across was eating while drinking a light yellow beverage. Though the bottle was labeled rice wine, it was probably the shop’s specialty mix (Vitali + rice wine?). This classic local drink is a must for some people, with common combinations including Vitasoy P, Pocari Sweat B, coffee, Sarsaparilla, Yakult, and more~

● ETtoday News Cloud reminds you: Don’t drink and drive, and don’t drive after drinking.

Although the shop has air conditioning, you’ll quickly break into a sweat once you step outside. Yijiaozi is a popular spot in the area, selling ice cream in summer and hot food (from November to April) in winter. The walls inside are designed to look retro.

Rice Vermicelli, Powder | The brown sugar-flavored syrup here is additive-free, with QQ-textured rice vermicelli. The most popular item is NT$5, and if you’re a fan of brown sugar, you’ll love this dessert too.

Chailiao Shark Sashimi
Address: No. 1, Liangzhou Street, Datong District, Taipei City
Business Hours: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

Yijiaozi
Address: No. 34, Gan Zhou Street, Datong District, Taipei City
Business Hours: 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

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