What a fantastic Japanese-style izakaya with a Taiwanese twist — enjoy braised snacks and congee, skewers, and beer!

Text and photos by /A Man’s Daily Life
(Written by: Man E. Photography by: Man J)

“Boss, I’d like a plate of dried tofu, marinated egg, and seaweed.” As a kid, I was always happy with these basic side dishes. When I grew up and had a bit more spending power, I’d splurge on liver slices or pork cheek. It’s not exactly a lavish feast, but after a long day at work, you sometimes just crave that flavor. In April 2016, we found that same traditional taste at the foot of Taipei’s Xiangshan Mountain — a Taiwanese-style braised snack izakaya called “Chanan Bar,” where until 1 AM every night, whether you’re alone, with a friend, or in a big group, everyone is welcome to grab a drink, some small plates, and unwind after a long day.

As soon as you step into Chanan Bar, you’re greeted by a central wooden bar reminiscent of Japanese sushi restaurants, lined with all kinds of classic Taiwanese side dishes. Behind it, bartenders who also double as chefs are busily chopping up marinated treats.

Chanan Bar also offers a wide variety of drinks that are hard to conquer all in one go. Their drink menu humorously boasts:

Chanan Specials – As the name suggests, they’ve got every kind of cocktail you can think of.
Japanese imports – Whether you fancy sake, plum wine, or premium pure rice brews like Hakusan, they’ve got you covered.
Taiwan’s Best Beers – Chanan Bar scoured Taiwan to handpick craft beers from local microbreweries. That night, “Rain Beer” won me over.
Imported Brews – It’s not just Heineken and Corona; you can also try Eagle Eye and Stone.
Spirits – One whisky not enough? Go for Taiwan’s manly favorite: Kinmen Kaoliang.
Wine – Romantic Western wines pair surprisingly well with Taiwanese braised snacks.
Not Drinking Tonight? – Chanan Bar also offers six non-alcoholic drinks for those who prefer to stay sober.

Don’t drink and drive. Underage drinking is prohibited.

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

Next up, the food. First up: Sweet Potato Porridge – NT$30

Working away from home, it’s rare to get a chance to eat this, so of course I had to order a bowl. The sweet potato porridge at Chanan Bar has a light, not-too-thick texture, with simple porridge that carries a hint of sweet potato aroma.

Crispy Pig’s Blood Cake – NT$60

A tower of crispy pig’s blood cake is piled high with plenty of peanut powder and the shop’s homemade sauce. The slightly crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, tender inside — absolutely delicious.

Ginger Tomato – NT$60

At Chanan Bar, they slice semi-ripe, fresh locally grown tomatoes and sprinkle them with sweet-and-sour plum powder, drizzle them with soy paste, and add a rare-for-the-north ginger juice twist. This creative side dish is refreshing and a signature of the house.

Beef Trio Platter – NT$360

Enjoy silky, bouncy marinated beef shin, chewy and crisp thick slices of beef tripe, and fragrant beef tendons, all drizzled with a touch of sauce — three textures in one go.

Rain Beer – NT$180 / Single – NT$180

Rain Beer from Beer Head has hints of Jin Xuan tea aroma, shifting between rich and light. Independent Beer from Northern Taiwan Brewery, a veteran of Taiwan’s craft beer scene, is a collaboration with the band Chthonic, using local Taiwanese fruits and German yeast — the fruitiness really stands out.

Braised Snack Platter – NT$360 / For two

Pork trotter, dried tofu, marinated egg, seaweed, fish cake, dried tofu, and duck gizzard — all braised in the shop’s special 11-spice marinade. They’re flavorful even without sauce, and when paired with chopped scallions and ginger, they mix with a hint of fresh, spicy vegetable notes.

Chicken Wings – NT$120 / Order of two

The chicken wings have a slightly gelatinous skin that’s coated in savory sesame salt — four just isn’t enough, though the price is a little on the high side.

Corn shoots with skin – $120

Corn shoots coated in salt, sweet, crisp, and juicy, even more satisfying when eaten with the silky tassels attached. Just be mindful of how much skin you leave on — too much and it can get overly salty.

Pig’s tail – $120

A beautifully plated, rare pig’s tail dish and also a signature drinking snack at the restaurant. Packed with collagen, it’s smooth yet firm to bite, with tender lean meat offering two textures in one bite. You haven’t truly visited Zhan Nan Wine Bar until you’ve tried this.

Oolong miso soup noodles – $120

Udon noodles in a miso soup base, topped with marinated egg, scallions, seaweed, and pork belly. It’s not as salty as typical Japanese ramen, with just the right flavor — perfect for customers wanting a simple, filling meal.

Lychee plum sake – $180

Not had enough to drink by the intermission? Here’s one for the ladies who didn’t plan on drinking — sweet and tangy, but still pretty strong. A toast to the girls with a bit of an alcohol tolerance.

● 《ET News Cloud》 reminds you: Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive after drinking.

Smoked cherry duck – $120

Red oil shredded pig ear – $60

Pig ears with a slight spicy kick, chewy yet tender and crispy.

Large intestine head – $120

Roasted large intestine head served on lettuce, slightly oily but not dry. Dip it in the side of pepper salt — a must-have for drinking.

Afterword

Zhan Nan Wine Bar Taiwan Bistro isanother Taiwanese cuisine brand from New Orleans Kitchen, offering a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, with bar seating and group tables. Bathed in romantic dim lighting, the interior features wooden tables made from recycled materials, with ceramic dishes serving Chinese snacks. Every table and wall tells a story, elevating traditional Taiwanese braised snacks into izakaya-style dining — an unforgettable taste of old-school nostalgia.

' Zhan Nan Wine Bar Taiwan Bistro Reminder '
' No service charge ' Cash only ' Minimum order: one drink

Zhan Nan Wine Bar Taiwan Bistro
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Address: No. 12, Lane 315, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Taipei City (About a 15–20 minute walk from Xiangshan MRT Station)
Phone: 02-2720-9820
Business hours: Monday – Sunday: 17:30 – 01:30

Two guys from Taipei
One thinks with the left brain, the other with the right.
Guy E is the rational free spirit, Guy J is the stubbornly spontaneous one.
When life is not crazy, it is not life.
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