Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle — Restaurant in Wanhua District

麵線 Mee Sua (Small) = TWD65 No Service Charge

This is a Very Famous Taiwan Mee Sua Franchise located right in the Heart of Ximending. Its a Large Eatery that has No Dine-In Facilities. Everything sold here is Only for Takeaway. As you can see from the Massive Amounts of People in the Photos, it is the type of Famous "Social Media 网红 Food" that People will proudly take Selfies with.

I also appreciated that despite how Busy it was, the Staffs were still able to maintain a Reasonable Level of Customer Service to all Customers. They don't smile, but they still try their best to behave as Polite as they can.

麵線 Mee Sua (Small) = TWD65

What is Mee Sua? I've actually made this Dish before so I'm here to taste the Authentic Version. Its actually a Bowl of Rice Vermicelli 面线 cooked and Boiled in a Soup Base that is primarily Powered with Japanese Bonito Flakes and Thickened with Cornstarch.

Other Major Ingredients added within this would be Pieces of Pig Intestines and/or Oysters. Sometimes this Dish is also called "Orh Ah Mee Sua" if Oysters are added. The Result is a Gloopy Soft and Thick Soup Stew with a Smokey Fishy Presence due to the Bonito Flakes mixed with a Bit of Porkiness from the Pig Intestines while you're slurping the Soft Thin and Smooth Vermicelli Noodles and Occasional Hits of Oysterly Seafoodyness from the Oysters.

How does Ay-Chung's Mee Sua actually taste like?

The 1st Taste I immediately got was a Very Strong, Very In-Your-Face Presence of Bonito Flakes in the Thickened Soup. Usually, Bonito Flakes is something that People like Alot of, but for some reason, I thought it came on abit Too Strongly for me and asserts its Dominance Way too Much. The Broth itself is Savoury Sweetish.

There are a Few Very Small Pieces of Pig Intestines that while injected an Acceptable Amount of Porkiness into the Dish, I thought the Amount of Intestines was Too Thin to be able to actually enjoy eating them.

The Mee Sua itself is Soft and Smooth and Easily Slides Down my Throat, but if I am to be Very Honest, I feel this Quality is quite Average comparable to the Mee Sua sold at "Shilin Taiwan Snacks" in Singapore or Malaysia. If you were to Blindfold me, I will probably not be able to taste any difference.

You can add whatever Condiments you want to it with Vinegar being the Most Common but I thought the Default Taste of this Mee Sua itself is actually acceptable enough to not require any Extra Condiments.

Conclusion and Closing Thoughts

At the Price of TWD65 (S$2.70), I would say yes it is Tasty and is an Acceptable Tasting Bowl of Mee Sua, IF this is the First Time you're tasting this Dish and have No Prior Expectations of how a Taiwanese Mee Sua tastes like.

Personally though, as I've eaten and cooked Mee Sua before, I feel the Bonito Flakes really was Too Strong and Overpowered Everything Else. The Small Slivers of the Pork Intestines are also very Typical of the Type of Touristy Foods 偷工减料 that Most Locals would also probably won't go for.

From the way I see how they operate this Stall, I can tell the Staffs here, while Polite are here doing this as a Regular Job and don't really have any Passion for it. This Bowl of Mee Sua tastes Very By-The-Book, Very Mechanical and Coldly Manufactured for the Masses if it makes any sense. But I also won't blame them too much because at the end of the Day, this is the Price of Success when a Place gets Too Famous.

I'm also sure the Rental for such a Prime Location in Ximending is sure not Cheap hence thats why 吃得出来 their Obvious Attempt at Cost Cutting. This Mee Sua feels More Famous in Name than Actual Taste in my Opinion, but thats just my Personal Thoughts about it.

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Review for Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle (阿宗麵線)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle (阿宗麵線) is an iconic eatery that lives up to its legendary reputation. Here’s my detailed review:

Food Quality: The flour-rice noodles (麵線) at Ay-Chung are absolutely phenomenal. The broth is rich and flavorful, infused with a perfect blend of spices that create a deep, savory taste. The noodles themselves are soft and smooth, perfectly complementing the broth. The addition of tender, melt-in-your-mouth intestines and a touch of fresh cilantro and garlic enhances the overall flavor, making each bite a delightful experience.

Service: Despite the constant flow of customers, the service at Ay-Chung is efficient and friendly. The staff are quick and organized, ensuring that you get your bowl of noodles without a long wait. Their friendly demeanor adds to the overall positive experience, making you feel welcome even in a bustling environment.

Atmosphere: Ay-Chung offers a unique and lively atmosphere. Located in the heart of a busy street, the eatery has a vibrant energy that adds to the charm of the dining experience. While there’s no seating inside, the standing-room-only setup encourages a communal and casual dining style that’s both fun and engaging.

Location: Conveniently situated in a popular area, Ay-Chung is easily accessible and hard to miss. Its central location makes it a perfect stop for a quick, delicious meal while exploring the city. The surrounding area is also full of shops and attractions, making it a great spot to grab a bite in between sightseeing or shopping.

Value for Money: Ay-Chung offers great value for money. The portions are generous, and the quality of the food is exceptional given the reasonable prices. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Overall Experience: My visit to Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle was nothing short of excellent. The combination of delicious, high-quality noodles, efficient service, and a lively atmosphere makes it a must-visit spot. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Ay-Chung offers a quintessential taste of Taiwanese street food that you won’t want to miss. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience some of the best noodles...

Let me tell you about this amazing little stall I stumbled upon in Ximending, Taipei - Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodles. Ximending is this crazy busy shopping district, but this stall was on another level. There was a line out the door, and everyone seemed to be slurping down noodles with pure joy. I figured, why not?

Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect. The noodles themself were unlike anything I'd ever had before - super smooth and almost translucent. The broth was thick and packed with flavor, savory and a little sweet at the same time. It wasn't for the faint of heart though - there were these little intestine bits in there that had a bit of a funky taste. I ended up picking them out, but for the adventurous eaters out there, I bet they were delicious.

The best part for me was all the toppings. Fresh cilantro and basil added a pop of freshness, the garlic paste gave it a nice kick, and the dark vinegar totally transformed the whole thing. Each bite was a flavor explosion!

Now, be warned - there's no seating, so you're basically eating on the street. But honestly, that just adds to the experience. It's all about grabbing a piping hot bowl of noodles and soaking up the lively atmosphere of Ximending. For a ridiculously cheap price, you get a truly unique and delicious Taiwanese snack. I'd definitely recommend...