The Ultimate "Chen Potato" Universe Only Locals Know! From Auntie Chen's Pancake & Noodles to Top 100 Chen's, Have You Ticked Off These Foodie Favourites?
Chatting with some foodie mates recently, we noticed a pretty cool thing happening—a "Chen Potato" food universe seems to be quietly taking shape all over Taipei. Whether you're into that rich, savoury 'Fen' (potato starch noodles), or you're obsessed with those perfectly crispy savoury pancakes fresh off the grill, you've probably heard of this "Chen" craze. Enough talk—let's put on our local hats and dig into these hidden gems scattered across our neighbourhoods.
A Yongkang Street Surprise: Auntie Chen's Savoury Pancake and Fen
Our story starts with Auntie Chen's Savoury Pancake and Fen, tucked away at the end of Yongkang Street. There's no fancy fit-out here—the sign's even a bit worn—but come meal times, the queue out front is the best advert you could ask for. Auntie Chen's pancake uses her own mix of multigrain batter, fried on the grill until golden and crispy. It's stuffed full of cabbage, glass noodles, and dried tofu. One bite—crunchy outside, juicy inside—and you'll know why it's pure magic. Their Fen comes in a light, flavoursome broth that's got real depth, paired with silky smooth noodles. It's that familiar taste of home for many locals, from their school days right through to their working lives.
Creative Genius at "Oh My Potato": Chen's Snack Station
If Auntie Chen stands for tradition, then Chen's Snack Station Oh My Potato, which started in a night market, is all about creativity and surprises. The young owner here has reimagined the classic Fen in brilliant new ways. The signature dish, "Oh My Potato", has a playful name and an even more surprising combo. You think it's just a simple dry noodle with sauce, but underneath lies a special tangy chilli sauce, all topped with a layer of grilled cheese. This East-meets-West creation just works—especially when you twirl that melted cheese and the noodles onto your fork. It's that gloriously indulgent hit that's made it an Insta-famous sensation.
Big Flavours at Nanjichang Night Market: Chen's Little Fen
Over at Nanjichang Night Market, a real foodie battleground, you'll find another legend—Chen's Little Fen. The owner here is a larger-than-life character, famous for serving up generous portions at friendly prices. Their Fen is a hearty serve, swimming in a rich broth packed with savoury minced meat flavour—the kind of traditional goodness that makes you want to slurp up every last drop. The owner's especially proud of his homemade chilli oil and always reminds customers, "Just add a little—trust me, it makes all the difference!" That numbing, aromatic kick keeps loyal customers coming back for more, queueing up just for that satisfying, belly-filling feed.
Top 100 Precinct's Crowd Favourite: Top 100 Chen's Fen
Of course, when you're talking about the extended Chen Potato family, you can't go past Top 100 Chen's Fen, a firm favourite in the bustling Top 100 shopping precinct. It's the go-to lunch spot for heaps of office workers and students, with tables turning over faster than you can say "order up!" Their Fen is the more refined side of the family—from plating to toppings, they pay attention to the details. Besides the classic original, their most popular is the "Sliced Pork with Garlic Sauce Fen". Freshly blanched pork slices are laid over the noodles, then doused in a special garlic soy dressing. The moment it hits the table, that garlic aroma hits you and suddenly you're starving. Mix it all together so every noodle soaks up that flavour-packed sauce—it's light, fresh, and the perfect pick-me-up on a warm afternoon.
- 【Auntie Chen's Savoury Pancake and Fen】 Traditional flavours, epic savoury pancakes—perfect for the nostalgic foodie.
- 【Chen's Snack Station Oh My Potato】 Endless creativity, that naughty-but-nice cheese & Fen combo—a hit with the younger crowd.
- 【Chen's Little Fen】 Generous serves, rich minced meat broth—the king of Nanjichang Night Market.
- 【Top 100 Chen's Fen】 Refined and fresh, the garlic pork slice flavour is office-worker gold.
- 【Chen Fatty's Potato Shop】 Low-key and mysterious—rumour has it there's a secret menu waiting to be discovered.
The Hidden Legend Down a Quiet Lane: Chen Fatty's Potato Shop
Last but not least, there's the more under-the-radar Chen Fatty's Potato Shop, tucked away down a lane. You'd never find this place without a local guide. The owner's a man of few words, but what he creates speaks volumes. Their Fen is said to be completely natural, with no MSG added—the broth is simply simmered from veges and bones for a clean, sweet flavour. The special thing here? Occasionally, you'll find off-menu "secret dishes", like a Fen made with seasonal seafood, or the owner's homemade spicy pickled radish. Every visit feels like a delicious adventure, and that's exactly why the regulars are so devoted.
From tradition to innovation, from hearty to refined—each of these "Chen" brands is a perfect snapshot of what makes Taiwanese snacks so captivating. They're all brilliant in their own right, yet loosely connected by that one thread—the humble 'Fen'—weaving together a Chen Potato food map unique to Taipei. If you're curious about this whole phenomenon, why not pick a weekend, follow the map, and taste your way through them one by one? You might just discover your own personal favourite.