GU JIE (OLD STREET) CLAM NOODLES 261, ShueiShr (HsuehShih) Road

With the economic slowdown continuing, Gu Jie decided to change its business model, to offer the best Taiwanese food at low prices. Its spacious new ShueiShr Road outlet, located near Jinhua North Road, is an interesting showcase for vintage Taiwanese memorabilia, from old store signs to a collection of Tatung dolls.

The menu includes baked seafood congee (NT$80), which is a unique twist on the more common steamed form. The specialty, as indicated by the name, is the clam noodles (large bowl NT$80; small bowl NT$50). Seafood (NT$80) noodles are also available. From Monday to Friday, there are business lunch specials with set meals ranging from NT$150 to NT$180. Teas range in price from NT$80 to NT$120. Afternoon tea is served from 2 to 5 p.m. During that time, all teas are only NT$68 and come with a piece of apple pie or Taiwanese-style wheat pancake.