Yi Ding Ramen
warms the stomach and heart
By Niang Chen
Translated by Angel Pu
95-3, XiangShang Rd, Sec 1, West Dist.
(04) 2301-9569
Hours: 5:30 pm-12 am (last order 11 pm)
Credit cards not accepted.
No service charge.
Although this little ramen restaurant doesn't boast a fancy appearance, as soon as you open its door you'll feel like you've been transported into a random ramen eatery in Kyoto, Japan. It is quite remarkable how much that wooden door separates between the atmosphere inside and outside this establishment.
Yi Ding is a bit like a neighborhood pub, where you can relax and chill out at the dining bar and chat with the owner or friends while enjoying some chilled beer or Japanese sake. Anything that may have been making you unhappy when you walked in will have magically dissipated by the time you walk out.
The restaurant focuses on ramen and rice, with popular choices including Salmon and Salmon Roe Rice (NT$240) and Seafood Rice (NT$300), which is topped with fresh, sweet salmon and shrimp. There are basically three ramen flavors here--pork bone, salty flavor, and spicy flavor--which all go well with the restaurant's handmade chewy noodles. Japanese Eggrolls (NT$40), surprisingly, are a good match with Taiwan Beer (NT$100-150). Side dishes include Assorted Sashimi (NT$220) and the Shrimp and Asparagus Roll (NT$50).
The broth for the Spicy Ramen (NT$140) is made with pork bones and its spiciness comes from the special hot sauce; it also goes extremely well with the half-cooked egg (NT$10, half egg). With such mouth-watering fare, Yi-ding is a top spot for relaxation and filling your stomach and heart with warm contentment.
 
Left: Seafood Rice (NT$300)
Right: Salmon and Salmon Roe Rice (NT$240)
 
Left: Pork Bone Ramen(NT$130)
Right: Spicy Ramen (NT$140)
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January 2013 
