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COMPASS MAGAZINE, September 2007

	Taiwanese snack-style dishes recommended by expats By Daniel C. Luthi, N.E., C.D.C. Nutritionist, Chinese Herbalist Translated by Ann Lee
Some of the ingredients mentioned in these articles are internal organs of animals and/or parts that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol. As such, they should be eaten in moderation and with utmost pleasure! Meat of any animal is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals, but it should always be consumed with plenty of fresh vegetables in order to provide the fiber needed to facilitate the timely evacuation of the digested food leftovers. Bon Appetit!
	Taipei Mi Fen Tang (Taipei Rice Noodle Soup) Corner of DaDun 4th St and WenXin Rd. (If you enter DaDun 4th St from WenXin Rd it will be the second shop on your left.) 0933-401-966 Hours: 11 am-6:30 pm (closed Sundays) One of the first shops that comes to mind for serving delicious, multi-cultural Taiwanese snacks offers a trademark dish consisting of a bowl of very unique yet traditional Taipei-style rice noodles (NT$20). The noodles are simmered in a large pot filled to the rim with pigs' parts (NT$20-40/piece). These "parts" include: small intestines, large intestines, powdered intestine ("fen chang"), hearts, lungs, tracheas, and skin, as well as my favorite, a tissue that connects the liver and the gallbladder called "Ge Jian Rou". Mi Fen Tang also offers a delicious Tofu Cake (NT$10) and several boiled vegetables (NT$20) such as water spinach, sweet potato leaves, and cabbage. The boss-lady and her two lovely daughters are all smiles and efficient; the meat cuts are well-washed and the prices are very reasonable! For a nutritious meal for two, try two bowls of rice noodles, two plates of meat, one plate of soy bean cake, one plate of sweet potato leaves and one of cabbage—the grand total is NT$150.
	Du Xiao Yue 396, YongXing St (corner of JianXing Rd) 0910-698-939 Hours: 3 pm-3 am (closed Mondays) Around the red lanterns and bamboo plants near China Medical University is a great place to sample southern Taiwanese snacks. Du Xiao Yue's signature dish is Braised Pig's Feet (NT$50-60) which are topped with freshly-sliced ginger. Unlike many other places that serve these tasty treats, Du Xian Yue's feet are chopped into manageable chunks. For a meal, add on some rice noodles (NT$35) and a plate of boiled vegetables like bean sprouts (NT$40) or water spinach. A nutritiously balanced and delightfully satisfying meal like this feeds two people and goes for right around NT$280. They also offer thinly sliced octopus (NT$60), bamboo shoots (NT$100), and several other cuts like pig's ear, dried tofu, and intestines. This busy and well-managed place is run by a very personable and chatty couple with great personalities and a real flair for food and hospitality.
	Pong Ji 107, Chung Ching Rd (off QingHai Rd) 0935-038-452 Hours: 4-11:30 pm (closed Saturdays) An old favorite amongst locals in Xitun district is the Pong Ji Shop. Well known for its fine goose meat and Angelica Root Soup, this establishment, run by a well-oiled dynamo of a couple, is always busy. Their must-order dish is the Boiled Goose Meat (NT$70), which is tender yet meaty and superbly juicy. The goose is served with bean noodles in a bowl of delicious herb soup. Their other best-seller is Braised Pigs' Feet with Thin Wheat Noodles (NT$60), served in the same herb soup. Their side dishes include Goose Intestines (NT$50), a delicate, lightly-chewy and slightly-crunchy treat, Goose Liver and Head, Braised Vegetables (NT$30), various noodles, seaweed, and tofu. Angelica Root Soup is an ancient formula that's believed to promote blood circulation. A balanced meal for two here could consist of one bowl of Boiled Goose Meat, one bowl of Pig's Feet with Wheat Noodles, a plate of Goose Intestines, and two plates of boiled vegetables—all of this comes to about NT$240.
	Tian Ci Vegetarian Buddhist (ChangPing branch) 12-1, ChangPing Rd, Sec 2 (One block south of the intersection with SongZhu Rd, on the right if coming from WenXin Rd.) (04) 2246-3366 Hours: 6 am-1 pm (closed Sundays) This shop, one in a chain of vegetarian Buddhist restaurants, is a must-try when you're hankering for Taiwanese snacks. Tian Ci serves up a large variety of dishes, including soups like Four Substance Noodle Soup (NT$25), Angelica Root Soup (NT$20), and Bamboo Shoot Soup (NT$15). They also offer assorted noodle dishes (NT$15-25) including my favorite, called "Yi Mian," which is a kind of wheat noodle that's boiled quickly and served al dente. If eating vegetarian, make sure to get enough protein, which supports the immune system and hormone production. Luckily, Tian Ci features a table full of dishes made from soy beans and wheat gluten (NT$6-15), as well as several vegetables (NT$20) ready for a quick boil. The herbal soups are delicious and nutritious, the assorted tofu dishes are silky and gorgeous, and the veggies fresh and crisp. The service is courteous and lightning-fast, their team spirit and kindness are palpable, and the prices suit even the lowest budget. A nutritious meal for two could be: one bowl of soup each, one bowl of noodles each, two tofu dishes, and one vegetable dish—all for NT$125.