If you’re a fan of authentic Taiwanese cuisine, you absolutely can’t miss out on Cheng Wei Zhen (程味珍) when you visit Taipei. This charming restaurant has been serving up mouthwatering noodles and lu wei dishes since 1974, and it’s no wonder they’ve become a local favourite.
Experience the Best of Both Worlds at Cheng Wei Zhen
Menu (image source: Cheng Wei Zhen’s FB page)
Cheng Wei Zhen is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that combines noodle dishes with lu wei, a type of braised food. Their menu showcases a range of Taiwanese classics that are beloved by the locals. From yi mian and their signature dry noodles to wonton noodles, there’s something to satisfy every palate. And if you’re not in the mood for noodles, they also offer other options like meatball soup and braised meat rice.
But what truly sets Cheng Wei Zhen apart is their incredible lu wei dishes. These delightful creations are prepared by simmering a variety of ingredients, such as pig ears, intestines, trotters, kelp, tofu, radish, chicken wing, duck tongue, and blood rice cake, in a flavourful broth made from soy sauce, garlic, and spices. All of these items are cooked to perfection, soaking up the delicious flavours of the broth.
Dining at Cheng Wei Zhen
During our first visit, Cheng Wei Zhen was located in its old outlet. However, they have since moved to a modernly renovated shop next door and renamed themselves Cheng Wei Zhen Noodle House (程味珍麵食館).
Image source: Google Maps
The new Cheng Wei Zhen (image source: Cheng Wei Zhen’s FB page)
Eating at Cheng Wei Zhen is an experience in itself. The restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a quick lunch or dinner. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
If you plan to visit Cheng Wei Zhen, it’s best to arrive early or be prepared to wait in line, as this popular restaurant can get crowded during peak hours. But rest assured, the food is well worth the wait.
Here’s what we ordered:
Dry Yi Mian 乾意麵
At first glance, the Dry Yi Mian seemed like an ordinary dish, but as soon as I dug in with my chopsticks and gave it a good toss, I discovered a hidden treasure trove of flavours. The savoury and sweet minced meat sauce was the real star of the show, perfectly complementing the al dente noodles which were cooked to perfection. Each bite had a nice, satisfying chew to it. Truly enjoyable.
Braised Meat Rice 魯肉飯
The Braised Meat Rice was a real delight. The diced fatty meat with its irresistible skin was perfectly braised to create a tender and juicy texture that melted in my mouth. Sure, it was greasy and oily, but it was also incredibly flavourful and downright delicious. The braised meat sauce paired beautifully with the perfectly cooked rice, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
Meatball Soup 貢丸湯
Simple yet satisfying. The meatballs were springy and tender, providing a nice texture. The soup was light and refreshing.
Braised Egg & Dried Beancurd 滷蛋 + 大黑豆干
The braising sauce was a perfect balance of subtle herbs and rich flavours, with just the right amount of saltiness. But it was the texture of the dried beancurd that really stole the show – it was scrumptious!
Radish 蘿蔔
Moving on to the radish, it was a pleasant surprise with its natural sweetness that blended seamlessly with the braising sauce. The radish was soft and tender, and it soaked up all the savoury goodness of the sauce.
Tempura & Tofu Skin 甜不辣 + 豆皮
The textures of both were tender and delicious, and they both had a delicate flavour that perfectly complemented the braising sauce.
Tofu Puff 花干
These little pockets of joy had absorbed all the flavours of the braising sauce, making them burst with liquid with every bite.
Overall, the braised dishes we ordered were excellent. The flavours were robust and rich, yet not too overpowering, and each dish had a unique texture and taste that made it stand out.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of noodles and braised dishes, then you absolutely must check out Cheng Wei Zhen when you’re in Taipei! This restaurant is a top choice for locals and visitors alike, and for good reason. Whether you’re craving something savoury or comforting, or just looking for some delicious sides, Cheng Wei Zhen has got you covered.
So if you’re planning a trip to Taipei, don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample some of the best Taiwanese cuisine around. Head on over to Cheng Wei Zhen and let your taste buds embark on a flavour journey like no other. Trust us, you won’t regret it!