Han-A-Lai Check-r Noodles - the delicious noodles shop in Taipei, Sanxia

Xiuchuan Street is an inconspicuous little lane by the bank of Sanxia River. People have the impression that there are always treasures hidden within lanes. In the winding lane, Han-A-Lai Noodles may seem simple, but it’s got stories to tell. It exists because the owner and his wife have a sense of reminiscence for their hometown.

Aunt A-Chin took over the store from her mother-in-law, and because she could not forget the traditional flavors, she insisted on continuing to serve the “signature dishes” passed down by her mother-in-law. Every day at six in the morning, the owner and his wife would go to the early market to buy ingredients. Aunt A-Chin said, “We only use the freshest ingredients every day so that customers can taste the original flavors of the foods.” The condiments, including shallots and chili, are all made by Aunt A-Chin personally. The broth is cooked with pork bones every morning. Noodles are cooked, put into a bowl, and topped with shallots for customers to enjoy the rich yet non-greasy broth. Take a bite of the thin noodles to taste the authentic flavor. Blade shoulders of Berkshire pigs are marinated, covered with powder and deep fried to make the fried pork, which is sliced and served with shredded ginger and the homemade signature sauce. You can see the effort of Aunt A-Chin in every ingredient.

Han-A-Lai does not have a glamorous sign or wide space. It is just a simple store with several old vintage style tables and chairs. The customers who wait in line for the food are all regulars from the local area. The store does not have a price list, but the dishes are affordable so you don’t have to worry about not bringing enough money. The check-r noodles, fried pork and fried bean curd are $30, $50 and $20 per serving, respectively. The friendly owner said, “Our customers are regulars who have been eating here for decades, so the prices have never changed. Customers always return for more. They all say that this is the authentic flavor of hometown.” If you want to try out grandma’s “signature dishes”, you have to come to Han-A-Lai Check-r Noodles. Does this little store at the entrance of the lane also remind you of your hometown?

▲ Signature Dry Noodles ($30)

▲ Add a little of Aunt A-Chin’s homemade chili sauce that has a nice kick!

▲ Signature dish – Fried Pork ($50)

▲ This is really the delicious flavor that only locals who are true “specialist” would know.

【Store Information】

Address: No. 23, Xiuchuan St., Sanxia Dist., New Taipei City

TEL: 02-2671-3017

Business Hours: AM08:30 ~ PM3:00 while ingredients last (closed on Sundays)