Traditional-style budget snacks: Q-textured pork lard rice vermicelli, intestines, and fish cakes

Text & Photos /Old K

Old K is a rather peculiar person—not a big fan of rice, but quite partial to rice-based foods like rice noodles, rice vermicelli, and flat rice noodles XD He eats rice noodles and flat rice noodles quite often, though rice vermicelli is a bit rarer in Taipei. The Tianjin Street Rice Vermicelli place he visited today comes highly recommended. It’s called Tianjin Street Rice Vermicelli because it used to be located at the entrance of Tianjin Street, but later moved here to Qitiao Street.

Right next door is the famously popular Hizenya. When he arrived around one-thirty that day, there was no line at Hizenya—originally, he thought about going in for some eel rice. But then he remembered that E had said if he wanted to eat at Hizenya, he had to go with him, otherwise “Old K would be dead.” So, Old K obediently went to the Tianjin Street Rice Vermicelli place next door XD Oh my eel rice...

As soon as he walked in, he noticed they also sell shaved ice… This year he’s really had way too much ice already—better save it for next year, or else he won’t have any shaved ice left to write about XD

Even though it was almost one-thirty, there were still quite a few people dining.

The prices look very affordable—the most expensive item is just NT$50. He just casually ordered a few things and ended up with another full table of dishes XD

Dry Rice Vermicelli (NT$40)

For this price range, it’s pretty average, but surprisingly comes with meat slices, and the bowl is filled with rice vermicelli—a real bargain. There are several slices of meat, which are soft and Q-textured without being dry. A very sincere bowl of rice vermicelli. The texture is nice and Q, simply tossed with soy paste, mashed garlic, a bit of pork lard, and dried bonito flakes—it all comes together perfectly. With the bonito, it has a slight Japanese flair. Truly, simple is delicious.

Blanched Sweet Potato Leaves (NT$30)

The blanched sweet potato leaves are lightly dressed with soy sauce, pork lard, garlic, and fried shallots. Just as simple, but mixing it all together smells amazing. It’s been ages since he last ordered greens when eating out XD

Fish Cakes (NT$10), Fried Tofu (NT$10)

The fish cakes are just NT$10 for two pieces—pretty cheap. Both the fish cakes and fried tofu are decent. It’s kind of the idea of saving money while still filling you up XD

Pork Skin (NT$20)

The pork skin is a bit on the tougher side, but the portion size is good, and their chili sauce is also quite flavorful.

Intestines (NT$50)

The intestines are braised, but they’re also a bit tough and need more chewing. They’re the most expensive item here. Old K thinks they’re just average—probably not worth ordering.

Pork Cheek Soup (NT$40)

Their pork bone broth is delicious—rich and flavorful, likely the essence from cooking various pork cuts. The pork cheek meat is also quite tender.

Old K’s Little Tips: He thinks the rice vermicelli and soup here are both really tasty. The side dishes, except for the intestines, are all quite cheap, flavorful, and there are plenty of choices. They even have shaved ice here. It’s a great spot to enjoy good food without breaking the bank.

Old K’s Personal Rating (out of 10, higher is better)
Taste: 8/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Dining Environment: 5/10
Price: 8/10

Tianjin Street Rice Vermicelli
Address: No. 15-1, Lane 121, Section 1, Zhongshan N. Rd., Zhongshan District, Taipei City (next to Hizenya)
Phone: 02-2521-2511
Business hours: 9:00–19:00 (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

Lao K
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