The 'Chen Potato' Universe Only Locals Know About! From Aunty Chen's Veggie Pancake to Baida Chen's Glass Noodles, Have You Tried All These Foodie Favourites?
Chatting with some fellow foodie mates recently, I noticed a pretty cool trend—a 'Chen Potato' food universe seems to be quietly taking shape across Taipei. Whether you're into that rich, savoury glass noodle soup or you're a sucker for veggie pancakes fried to perfection on the hotplate, you've probably heard whispers of this 'Chen' craze. Anyway, spare you the spiel—today we're putting you onto these absolute gems tucked away in our neighbourhoods, giving you the local's guide.
Hidden Gem at the End of Yongkang Street: Aunty Chen's Veggie Pancake & Glass Noodles
Our story starts with Aunty Chen's Veggie Pancake & Glass Noodles down the end of Yongkang Street. The shop itself is nothing flash—its sign's a bit faded, even—but come meal times, the queue out front is the only advertisement you need. Aunty Chen's veggie pancakes use her own secret mix of multigrain batter, fried on the grill until golden and crisp. They're packed full of cabbage, glass noodles, and dried tofu. One bite, and that crunchy exterior giving way to the juicy filling is pure soul food. And her glass noodle soup? The broth is clear but packed with flavour. Served with those silky-smooth noodles, it's a taste of nostalgia for many locals who've grown up eating here.
Creative Spark at 'Oh! Potato': Chen's Snack Station
If Aunty Chen represents tradition and sticking to your guns, then Chen's Snack Station Oh! Potato, which started in the night market, is all about creativity and surprises. The young bloke running this place has taken the humble glass noodle and given it a proper twist. Their signature 'Oh! Potato' is a bit of a laugh—the name's cheeky, and what arrives is even more unexpected. You think it's just a simple dry noodle dish, but hidden underneath is a special sweet and spicy sauce, all topped with a layer of torched cheese. This East-meets-West creation surprisingly works a treat. Twirling that melted cheese with the noodles on your fork? It's pure indulgence, and it's no wonder it's become an Insta-famous sensation.
The Heavy Hitter at Nanjichang Night Market: Chen's Small Glass Noodles
Head over to the foodie battleground of Nanjichang Night Market, and you'll find another legend—Chen's Small Glass Noodles. The bloke running this joint is a true-blue character, and his philosophy is simple: massive portions, bargain prices. Their glass noodle soup is incredibly generous, with a rich, savoury broth packed with the flavour of minced pork. It's that classic, comforting taste that makes you want to slurp up every last drop. The boss is dead proud of his homemade chilli oil and always gives you the tip: "Just add a little, see if it doesn't hit the spot!" That numbing, fragrant kick keeps the regulars coming back, lining up just for that satisfying, hearty feed.
The King of Baida Shopping District: Baida Chen's Glass Noodles
Now, when you're talking about the extended Chen Potato family, you absolutely can't go past Baida Chen's Glass Noodles, a firm favourite in the Baida shopping precinct. This is the go-to lunch spot for heaps of office workers and students—the tables turn over fast. Their glass noodle dishes are a bit more refined, with real attention to detail in the presentation and toppings. Besides the classic original, their most popular is the "Sliced Pork with Garlic Sauce" glass noodles. Freshly blanched pork slices are laid over the noodles, then drenched in a special garlic soy sauce. The aroma that hits you when it arrives is enough to make your mouth water instantly. Once you mix it all together, every single noodle is coated in that delicious sauce. It's light, fresh, and not greasy at all—the perfect pick-me-up on a warm afternoon.
- 【Aunty Chen's Veggie Pancake & Glass Noodles】 Traditional flavours, amazing veggie pancakes. Perfect for the nostalgic soul.
- 【Chen's Snack Station Oh! Potato】 Loads of creativity. The ultimate guilty pleasure of cheese + glass noodles. A hit with the younger crowd.
- 【Chen's Small Glass Noodles】 Generous and hearty. Rich minced pork broth. The king of Nanjichang Night Market.
- 【Baida Chen's Glass Noodles】 Refined and fresh. The garlic pork version is a firm favourite with office workers.
- 【Fatty Chen's Potato Shop】 Quiet and mysterious. Rumour has it there's a secret menu. Your move.
The Legend Down the Lane: Fatty Chen's Potato Shop
Last but not least, there's the more low-key Fatty Chen's Potato Shop, tucked away down a side alley. You'd never find this place without a local to show you the way. The boss is a man of few words, but what he creates has real heart. Their glass noodle soup is supposedly completely natural—no artificial MSG added. The broth gets its clean, sweet flavour purely from simmering vegetables and bones. The other cool thing? Occasionally, you'll find 'secret menu' items not listed anywhere—like a glass noodle soup using seasonal seafood, or the boss's house-pickled spicy radish. Every visit is a bit of a tasty adventure, and that's exactly why the regulars are so fiercely loyal.
From tradition to innovation, from hearty to refined—each of these 'Chen' brand shops is a perfect snapshot of what makes Taiwanese小吃 so captivating. They each have their own unique vibe, yet they're all subtly connected by a single thread—the humble glass noodle—weaving together a Chen Potato food map of Taipei. If you're curious about this phenomenon, pick a weekend, follow the map, and eat your way through them one by one. Who knows, you might just find your own personal favourite among them.