Traveling in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. While famous tourist spots are great, the true essence of travel lies in stumbling upon a local noodle shop that turns out to be unexpectedly delicious.
In this post, Iβll share my lunch experience at "Yu Mian Guan," a hidden gem located in the Sanduo Shopping District of Kaohsiung.
A Clean and Welcoming Atmosphere
I found this place on Google Maps. Rather than a tourist-oriented spot, it has that "can't-go-wrong" vibe, with local business people and neighborhood residents constantly streaming in.
The interior is very clean, making it a comfortable choice even for first-time visitors. In addition to table seating, there are about five counter seats for solo diners, so you can enjoy your meal without any hesitation. Because of its location, it doesn't feel overwhelmed by tourists, allowing for a peaceful dining experience.
Easy Ordering with the "Checklist System"!
For those worried about the language barrier, you'll be glad to know they use an ordering sheet!
- Mark the quantity on the provided sheet with a pen.
- Take it to the register and pay in advance.
This style allows you to take your time choosing your menu items. The staff at the register seemed comfortable with basic English, making the process very smooth.
The Dishes We Had!
The total for this lunch was only 150 NTD (approx. $4.50 USD / 700 JPY)! Such high satisfaction at these prices is exactly what Taiwanese local pricing is all about.
1. Zha Jiang Mian (Minced Pork Noodles)
The "Zha Jiang Mian" comes with a generous serving of rich savory meat miso. The noodles are firm, flat noodles that pair perfectly with the sauce. After mixing it thoroughly, the first bite fills your mouth with the deep, aromatic flavor of the meat miso. The crunchy texture of the accompanying cucumbers and bean sprouts provides a nice accent, making it a dish you can enjoy until the very last bite.
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2. Suan Ni Bai Rou (Boiled Pork with Garlic Sauce)
For a side dish, we ordered this "Bai Rou." Tender boiled pork belly topped with a punchy garlic soy sauce! This garlic flavor is addictive and makes you want to keep eating more noodles. It's a simple yet powerful taste that represents the best of Taiwanese local food.
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β¨ Try the Shop's Specialty "Xiaocai" (Side Dishes)
One of the joys of Taiwanese noodle shops is picking your own "Xiaocai" from the shelf. The braised eggs and tofu, which soak up all the flavor, are perfect as a small side to your noodles.
Access: A Bit Off the Beaten Path, But...
To be honest, it's not a location that screams "convenient access" for tourists. It's a bit of a walk from the nearest LRT station, so it takes a little effort to get there.
However, I discovered something interesting by taking a different route on the way back.
The path from the LRT "Jichang" station was a plain residential area, but the path to the neighboring "Lizainei" station was lined with restaurants and felt very lively!
If you visit, I recommend using the Lizainei Station route, as it allows you to enjoy the local atmosphere while you walk.
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Verdict: Well Worth the Trip!
"Yu Mian Guan" is a place where you can taste the "real" daily life of Kaohsiung because it isn't commercialized for tourists. While the access requires a bit of planning, the clean interior and delicious, reasonably priced noodles make it well worth the visit.
If you're staying in the Sanduo Shopping District or looking for authentic Kaohsiung food, be sure to check it out.