The Flavor of Old Taipei: 5 Must-Try Local Delicacies at Yongle Market

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Originally, Taipei’s Dihua Street only drew crowds during the annual New Year Goods Street event, but in recent years, local and government efforts to promote cultural creativity have transformed many old buildings into creative hubs. Cafés and cultural brands have moved in, making the area around Yongle Market a year-round destination. It’s also a foodie hotspot, home to five must-try local delicacies: flying fish rice noodle soup, cuttlefish thick soup, rice vermicelli, fried glutinous oil rice, and chicken rice bento.

Minle Flying Fish Rice Noodle Soup
Located opposite Yongle Fabric Market, Minle Flying Fish Rice Noodle has been serving its signature dish for over 80 years. Now in its third generation, the shop boasts a loyal following thanks to its delicious and consistent flavors. The broth, made by simmering flying fish, is nutritious and flavorful. Topped with stir-fried garlic infused with pork lard and served with rice noodles soaked in the rich soup, it’s incredibly smooth and satisfying. Beyond the noodle soup, the shop’s fried snacks are also beloved budget bites. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, the fried tofu is a fan favorite. For the fried red braised pork, you can choose lean, fatty, or a mix—enjoying multiple textures in one bite.

▲ Minle Flying Fish Rice Noodles (Photo by Reporter Xie Tingting)

Address: No. 3, Minle St., Datong District, Taipei City
Phone: 0933-870-901
Business Hours: 06:00–12:30, irregular holidays

Yongle Tainan Cuttlefish Thick Soup
As a long-standing eatery operating for over 40 years, Yongle Tainan Cuttlefish Thick Soup has perfected its craft. Each piece of cuttlefish is marinated and then deep-fried until crispy, paired with a thick, velvety soup made from cabbage that glides smoothly down your throat. Aside from the cuttlefish, their braised pork is also a highlight. The shop specifically uses pork belly with a high fat content, allowing the fat to melt into the braising liquid during cooking. This enhances the aroma while balancing the richness of the meat. Served with dry noodles, each bite is bursting with savory goodness.

▲ Yongle Tainan Cuttlefish Thick Soup (Photo by Reporter Xie Tingting)

Address: No. 1, Minle St., Datong District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2558-8658
Business Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30–20:30, Sat–Sun 7:30–18:00

Yongle Rice Vermicelli
What started as a small street vendor, Yongle Rice Vermicelli has been around for nearly 50 years since opening in 1967. Even its plain pork intestines and pig’s heart, without any added seasoning, have a dedicated fan base. The ingredients are carefully selected from the market as early as 3 or 4 a.m. every day, and the shop has always used pigs slaughtered the same day. The pig’s heart is blanched in boiling water for no more than 30 seconds, ensuring it stays crisp yet tender—a must-order delicacy for foodies. The pork intestines are meticulously cleaned, free of any off-putting smell, and offer a pleasantly chewy, tender texture that leaves a lasting impression.


▲ Qiqiang rice vermicelli paired with steaming hot broth is a nostalgic taste for many. (Archive photo)

Address: No. 7, Yongchang St., Datong District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2559-9603
Business Hours: 07:00–18:00

Linhefa Fried Glutinous Oil Rice
A long-established name in Yongle Market, Linhefa Fried Glutinous Oil Rice was even chosen by Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou when his daughter was born. However, its modest storefront gives no hint of its renowned status. Though it stops selling at noon, the oil rice often sells out well before then.

Address: 1F, No. 21, Section 1, Dihua St., Datong District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2559-2888
Business Hours: 07:30–12:00

Yongle Danzai Noodles
The Japanese food show *The Solitary Gourmet* recently filmed in Taiwan, visiting spots including Dadaocheng, Ningxia Night Market, and Yilan. During its time in Dadaocheng, netizens spotted “Goro” (the show’s protagonist) standing outside a food stall. It was later identified as Yongle Danzai Noodles, located right next to Yongle Market. The menu here is diverse, offering not just Tainan-style Danzai noodles, but also braised pork rice, chicken rice, spaghetti, various side dishes, and bento boxes. On this occasion, Goro opted for the “chicken rice bento,” a favorite among local office workers.


▲ The chicken rice bento from Yongle Danzai Noodles. (Photo by Huang Shiyuan)

Address: No. 20, Lane 233, Nanjing West Road, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2556-7736
Business Hours: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

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