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COMPASS MAGAZINE, July 2005

Ruan Vietnamese Rice Noodle Shop   200, LinSen Road (near WuQuan Road) (04) 2375-2957 Hours: 11 am-2 pm, 5-8:30 pm

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By Catherine Liu & Uvia Chang Translated by Annie Liu & Cara Steenstra

Vietnamese bride Ruan Xu-Min and her husband, Liu Wen-Da, together established this authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Prices are very reasonable with everything on the menu between NT$40 and NT$200. Cold dishes with a sour-and-spicy twist include the Cold Mixed Shrimp Roll (two for NT$70). The thin, clear wrapping of the shrimp roll is elastic and wraps a mixture of rice noodles, vegetables and shrimp dipped in fish sauce--sour with a hint of sweetness, refreshing and delicious. Crisp on the outside and soft inside, the Fried Spring Rolls (two for NT$80) are filled with minced meat and vermicelli. Sliced Pickled Papaya (NT$60) is very flavorsome and makes a great appetizer. One rare dish, the Banana Flower Salad (NT$80) has a high iron content and is usually only available at big hotels in Vietnam. A combination of Chinese Basil and chopped peanuts, it is dribbled with shrimp sauce and lemon juice, tastes sensational and is only available during banana flower blossom season. The Vietnamese Rice Noodles and the Sweet and Spicy Rice Noodles contain a soup base that is prepared with bones, ginger, spring onions, cinnamon and other spices. The Vietnamese Pancakes (NT$90) are made from coconut milk, tumeric powder and eggs, mixed together, fried, and eaten with bean sprouts wrapped inside. The Shrimps with Grilled Shredded Pork is eaten with a piece of lettuce and some Chinese basil, dipped in fish sauce for distinctive layers of flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more.