The "Chen Potato" Universe Only Locals Know! From Sister Chen's Veggie Pancake to Top 100 Chen Ji Potato Noodles: Have You Collected All These Foodie Favourites?

Chatting with some foodie friends recently, we noticed a really interesting phenomenon—hidden in the streets and lanes of Taipei, a food universe called "Chen Potato" seems to have quietly formed. Whether you love that rich, savoury potato noodle fix or are obsessed with veggie pancakes fried to golden perfection on the grill, you've likely heard of this "Chen" trend one way or another. Today, we're not delving into complex theories; we're just taking a local's perspective to uncover these treasure shops tucked away in our daily lives.

Hidden Gem at the End of Yongkang Street: Sister Chen's Veggie Pancake & Potato Noodles

The story begins with Sister Chen's Veggie Pancake & Potato Noodles at the end of Yongkang Street. The shop has no fancy décor, and its signboard is a little faded, but come meal times, the long queue of people is the best advertisement there is. Sister Chen's veggie pancake uses a house-blend multigrain batter, fried on the grill until golden and crispy, stuffed with generous amounts of cabbage, glass noodles, and dried tofu. One bite gives you that classic crispy exterior and juicy interior—it's truly "soul-stirring" stuff. Their potato noodles feature a light yet deeply flavourful broth, paired with smooth, silky noodles—a familiar taste for many local residents who've grown up eating it from their school days into adulthood.

The Creative Burst of "Aiyah·Potato": Chen Ji Snack Station

If Sister Chen represents tradition and dedication, then Chen Ji Snack Station Aiyah·Potato, which started in a night market, is all about creativity and surprises. The owner of this shop is a young guy who has ingeniously reinvented the familiar potato noodle. The signature "Aiyah·Potato" has a playful name and even more surprising contents—you think it's a plain mixed noodle, but underneath hides a special sweet and spicy sauce, topped with a layer of torched cheese. This East-meets-West combination is unexpectedly harmonious. Twirling the cheese and potato noodles together on your fork, that wonderfully indulgent and satisfying taste explains why it's become a viral Instagram food sensation.

The Bold Flavours of Nanjichang Night Market: Chen Ji Small Potato Noodles

Moving to the fiercely competitive Nanjichang Night Market, we find another legend—Chen Ji Small Potato Noodles. The owner here is a hearty guy, whose mantra is "affordable and generous portions." Their potato noodles come in a hefty serving, with a rich broth infused with the aromatic flavour of minced meat—a classic, comforting taste that makes you want to finish every last drop of soup. The owner is especially proud of his homemade chili oil, always reminding customers, "Try a little, it makes a world of difference!" That numbing, spicy kick leaves many regulars willingly queuing up just for that one fulfilling, hearty bowl.

The Crowd Favourite in the Top 100 Shopping District: Top 100 Chen Ji Potato Noodles

Of course, when talking about the Chen Potato family, you absolutely cannot miss Top 100 Chen Ji Potato Noodles, which has firmly established itself in the Top 100 Shopping District. This is the go-to lunch spot for many office workers and students, with a very high turnover rate. Their potato noodles lean towards a more refined style, from the plating to the ingredients. Besides the classic original flavour, their most popular is the "Sliced Garlic Pork Potato Noodle." Freshly blanched pork slices are laid over the noodles, topped with a special garlic soy sauce dressing. The aroma of garlic that hits you as it's served is enough to instantly whet your appetite. After mixing well, every strand of noodle is coated in the essence of the sauce, tasting fresh and not greasy—the perfect comfort food for a summer afternoon.

• 【Sister Chen's Veggie Pancake & Potato Noodles】 Traditional flavours, unbeatable veggie pancake, perfect for those who cherish nostalgia.
• 【Chen Ji Snack Station Aiyah·Potato】 Boundless creativity, the indulgent combo of cheese and potato noodles, a favourite among youngsters.
• 【Chen Ji Small Potato Noodles】 Bold and generous, rich minced meat broth, the king of Nanjichang Night Market.
• 【Top 100 Chen Ji Potato Noodles】 Refined and refreshing, the sliced garlic pork flavour is an office worker's delight.
• 【Chen Fatty's Potato Shop】 Mysterious and low-key, rumoured to have a secret menu waiting to be discovered.

The Legend Down the Alley: Chen Fatty's Potato Shop

Finally, there's a more low-key one, Chen Fatty's Potato Shop, tucked away in a back alley. You'd really need a regular to bring you here. The owner is a quiet guy, but the food he makes is full of warmth. Their potato noodles are touted as all-natural, with no added MSG, the broth's clean sweetness coming purely from vegetables and bones. What's special is that occasionally, they have "off-menu" items not listed, like potato noodles with seasonal seafood, or the owner's homemade spicy pickled radish. Every visit feels like a delicious adventure full of surprises, which is why regulars remain so loyal to this place.

From tradition to innovation, from boldness to refinement, each of these "Chen"招牌s (signboards) truly represents a captivating microcosm of Taiwanese小吃 (snacks). They each shine in their own way, yet seem subtly connected by a single thread—the potato noodle—weaving together a Chen Potato food map unique to Taipei. If you're curious about this magic, why not pick a weekend, follow this guide, and make your way through the shops one by one. You might just find your own personal favourite bowl among them.