Mao Yuan

authentic dishes at affordable prices

By Josie Wu Translated by Ann Lee

185, ChangAn E Rd, Sec 2
(02) 2752-8587
Hours: 11:30 am-2 pm, 5:30-9 pm
Credit cards accepted.
10% service charge.

At Mao Yuan, you won't see a menu listing all the delectable dishes they offer, but you will see hordes of people popping in to order take-out or sitting down for a quick, easy meal. To order here, customers simply line-up at the counter, take a look at the iced seafood selections and peruse the small chalkboard hanging on the wall, eventually bringing it all together for a meal.

Built in 1971, this place became well-known because of the owner's grandfather. Now the restaurant is operated by the original owner's grandchildren and recently underwent a renovation. After reopening in June, the improved Mao Yuan Restaurant has two floors and seats 150 customers, so people won't have to wait long for a table.

Mao Yuan mostly serves affordable Taiwanese delicacies. Although the ingredients are nothing fancy, the restaurant has still won patronage from politicians and celebrities all over the island. Some of the must-order dishes include: Braised Cabbage (NT$280), made with a combination of seafood ingredients like dried shrimp and fish skin; White Salted Chicken (half a chicken NT$450), made with young, mountain free-range chicken; and Smoked Cod Fish (NT$480). The codfish is sliced into pieces and served with dipping sauces and black pepper. Delivered straight from Cihgu in Tainan, the Stir-fried Oysters (NT$180) are a favorite, as are the Pumpkin Stir-fried Rice Noodles (NT$120), Squid Balls (NT$30), Shrimp Rolls (NT$80), and Taiwanese Black Pork Sausages (NT$70).