A warm moment in the late night hours—delicious oden made by a beautiful shop owner that brews the sweetness of life

Text & photos byExcerpted from “Late-Night Private Tastings,” published by Times Publishing

Doing what you like is freedom;liking what you do is happiness.
“Doing what you love is freedom; loving what you do is happiness.” — American illustrator Frank Tyger

Every time I visit Taiko-han and watch the bustling owner Ingrid, this quote always comes to mind. In Taipei, especially among residents of Neihu, there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know this “Miss Lin Chi-ling’s Oden”—aside from the fact that the owner closely resembles the famous model Lin Chi-ling, which is a huge draw, Taiko-han has also warmed countless hearts and stomachs over the years with its steaming bowls of soup.

Ingrid used to work in the media industry as well. As a travel show director, she traveled all over mountains and seas, circling the globe several times. To outsiders, it was an enviable profession, but only she truly understood the hardships behind it. After leaving the grueling TV industry, she started doing what she loved and what she’s passionate about.

Perhaps stepping away from a world she had cultivated for over a decade might seem like caprice to others, but I can’t help but admire her sincerity and boldness. Thoughtful and meticulous in planning, she also has the courage to step out of her comfort zone. And so, on the roadside of a residential area in Jinhu Road, appeared an oden food truck full of stories, warmth, and the gentle smile of its beautiful owner.

Taiko-han moved to its current location a few years ago, and my encounter with it happened three years ago after I started working in Neihu. I still remember the first time I went there with classmates to sip draft beer and bite into crispy fried burdock tempura—how I lamented not having found it sooner. The cozy atmosphere under the dim lights, the wide variety of dishes, consistently good cooking, and reasonable prices made it an instant favorite.

I’ve always believed that Taiko-han perfectly captures what a late-night diner should be in my heart. Whether it’s billionaires, starving college students, or residents in pajamas looking for a midnight snack, people from all walks of life show up here. It’s not just about a business owner accepting everyone—it’s a kind of gentle inclusiveness. Come here happy to drink and celebrate, or come here sad to warm your heart with soup. The thoughtful, sweet smile of Ingrid behind the counter is a rare remedy for soothing the soul in a cold city.

Behind the steamy counter, the staff moves swiftly, plating and chopping ingredients. On the bamboo sieve sit irresistible, must-order burdock tempura with a crisp texture, each bite releasing the earthy aroma unique to burdock. Pickled tomato is soaked in plum juice and fragrance, offering a refreshing sour-sweet tang that awakens the appetite. Fish roe fukusa, cabbage rolls, and simmered radish are also not-to-be-missed dishes. The radish is cooked through yet remains firm, the broth rich but not overly salty—and best of all is that bowl of clear soup, its clean taste cleansing the spirit.

Although it started with oden, the skewer bar adds even more variety. As someone who loves grilled chicken, I’m more than satisfied with just a few yakitori or chicken wing skewers. Golden grilled skewers paired with fragrant and crisp Orion beer from Okinawa or the rich, malty Premium Malt’s with floral notes make for a perfect match.

Later, during a casual chat with Ingrid, I learned that although she used to document life through imagery, she actually envied those who could record stories through words and paper. Hearing her say that made me feel somewhat ashamed. After graduation, I’ve built my career around writing—as an editor, reporter, and later returning to print media—because I’ve always longed for the tangible feel and sense of existence that comes from holding printed words in your hands.

When people are in the midst of the happiness they once longed for, they’re often distracted by trivial things, neglecting to cherish it and forgetting their original intentions—and I’m no exception. Thanks to her, I was reminded to look back at the purpose I almost lost.

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

In the city, everyone is a storyteller—through a song, an article, a dish, using words, scents, and tones to narrate the stories of life. Ingrid brews the captivating sweetness of life through oden, while I bury myself in words. There are many others, too, who are diligently immersed in their own life journeys at this very moment. I never thought my efforts would impact anyone, nor did I know what ripples they might cause along the way—but that’s the beauty of life—when you truly invest yourself and love something, that is happiness.

#DATA
TIME Tuesday to Saturday 18:00–24:00, Sunday 17:30–23:30 (Closed on Mondays)
ADD No. 377, Jinhu Road, Neihu District, Taipei City
TEL 02-2634-5476

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