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Craving authentic Taiwanese intestine vermicelli in Ximending? Discover Chen Ji Chang Ke, a local favorite offering generous oyster and intestine toppings with a unique, milder broth. Perfect for a late-night bite!
A Must-Try in Taipei's Ximending
Chen Ji Chang Ke: Intestine Vermicelli
Words & Photos ©Haibubu
When you think of essential Taiwanese dishes, intestine vermicelli (Mian Xian) often tops the list. It's a beloved street food that captures the hearts of travelers and locals alike.
During my first trip to Taipei, I instantly fell in love with its unique charm. On my latest adventure to Taiwan, I made it my mission to uncover another fantastic spot for this iconic dish.
Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Chen Ji Chang Ke Zhuan Ye Mian Xian, a fantastic intestine vermicelli restaurant located right in the heart of Ximending, yet still a bit of a hidden gem!
First, let's get down to the essential details of this spot.
Chen Ji Chang Ke Ximending (陳記腸蚵專業麵線西門町店) |
Hours: 9:00 AM ~ 12:00 AM Closed: Never Location: Approx. 7-minute walk (about 0.3 miles) from Ximen Station |
Chen Ji Chang Ke is a chain with locations in both Ximending and Longshan Temple. The Ximending branch is conveniently situated about 0.3 miles from Ximen Station.
It's located about four blocks away from the bustling core of Ximending, making the street relatively quieter. This spot is a lifesaver because it's open until midnight every day, so you can grab a delicious bowl even when other popular intestine vermicelli spots like Ah Chung Mian Xian have already closed for the night.
Let's dive into the restaurant's vibe and what's on the menu.
The restaurant itself is a compact, stall-like setup with no indoor seating. However, they do have a couple of small tables set up outside, enough for two groups to enjoy their meal.
Interestingly, Fuxing Park is located just to the left of the stall. The restaurant's sign even points this out, saying, 'There are benches next to the park.' The implication is clear: grab your noodles and enjoy them al fresco on a park bench!
Now, let's talk about the menu offerings.
📌 Chen Ji Chang Ke Menu
Intestine Vermicelli: ~$3
Intestine & Oyster Vermicelli: ~$3
Oyster Vermicelli: ~$3
Plain Vermicelli: ~$1
Taiwanese Sausage: ~$2
The plain vermicelli costs ~$1, and if you opt for oyster or intestine toppings, an additional ~$1 is added to the price. At around ~$3 a bowl for the full experience, it's a perfect, light late-night snack or a satisfying meal on a budget.
The vermicelli is prepared and served immediately upon order, with the oysters and intestines added as separate toppings. This differs slightly from some other intestine vermicelli shops where the large intestines are often pre-mixed into the noodles.
While the noodles came out almost instantly, the Taiwanese sausage took a bit longer to prepare after ordering. The local gentlemen in the photo, who ordered before us, waited over 5 minutes for their sausage, so keep that in mind if you're in a hurry!
Now for the most important part: the flavor of the vermicelli!
Since all the main noodle dishes were the same price, we decided to go for the Intestine & Oyster Vermicelli to get the best of both worlds. The bowl was roughly the size of an 8.5 fl oz cup, and the portion was quite substantial.
Because the intestines and oysters are added as separate toppings, both ingredients maintained their texture beautifully. They weren't overly soft or mushy, retaining a pleasant chewiness. This might be a matter of personal preference; while the plump oysters were absolutely delicious, I personally felt the intestines could have been simmered a little longer to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
The vermicelli broth had a bonito (katsuobushi) base, similar to other intestine vermicelli shops, but the bonito flavor was noticeably milder here. While the initial taste might seem a little understated, this actually made it incredibly easy to keep eating without feeling overwhelmed by a strong flavor.
While ~$3 might not seem like the cheapest price for intestine vermicelli, the amount of intestine and oyster toppings was incredibly generous. Especially the oysters – they just kept coming! This made the bowl feel like excellent value for money.
Furthermore, the slightly milder bonito flavor allowed the rich taste of the toppings to shine through and harmonize beautifully with the broth.
I stumbled upon Chen Ji Chang Ke Zhuan Ye Mian Xian while searching for a late-night snack in Ximending, and it turned out to be a fantastic discovery. It's not yet widely known among tourists and stays open late, making it a great option for a delicious meal at any time.
What sets it apart is its milder bonito broth, making it an excellent choice for first-timers to intestine vermicelli who might find the stronger flavors of other shops a bit overwhelming.
If you're looking for a new intestine vermicelli spot in Ximending or prefer a less intense bonito flavor, I highly recommend giving Chen Ji Chang Ke a try!
▼ Curious about more Ximending intestine vermicelli spots? ▼
Yes, Jinjizhang Guanzhong Mianxian Ximending branch is open from 9 AM to 12 AM (midnight). There are no closing days, making it convenient to visit even late in the evening.
The restaurant operates as a simple street stall with no dedicated indoor seating. There are makeshift tables in front of the shop where about two groups can eat, and a sign at the restaurant advises using the benches next to Fuxing Park on the left.
The Intestine Vermicelli, Intestine and Oyster Vermicelli, and Oyster Vermicelli are all 90 TWD. Toppings like oysters or intestines are added to the basic vermicelli (45 TWD) for an additional 45 TWD.
Here, oysters and intestines are added as separate toppings, preserving their distinct textures. While the soup base is katsuobushi, its bonito flavor is relatively subtle. The initial taste might seem mild, but it's not tiresome and harmonizes well with the toppings.
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