Flavors of the Night: A Local’s Guide to Dining in Taiwan

Matt Lo
From Silicon to Stories: Matt’s Moments
4 min readNov 10, 2023

What do you like to do when you’re looking to chill out after work? Hit the gym, grab a bite, go for a jog, have a drink, or kick back and relax? In Taiwan, grabbing something tasty to eat is a favorite for many, and for a good reason.

When the evening rolls in and Miaoli lights up, there’s a special spot that draws people in with smells that make your stomach growl and your mouth water. Liu Family Pork Noodle Shop (Toufen), 劉豬家老麵店 (頭份下公園), is more than just a spot to eat; it’s where everyone comes together, where you hear the click-click of chopsticks and the happy buzz of folks enjoying their food. It’s where you head to dive into some of the best street food and end your day in a fulfilled mood.

劉豬家老麵店, 苗栗頭份下公園

When you get there, you can immediately see why this place is loved: a street food stall buzzing with life. People from everywhere are lining up, eager for some of that home-cooked deliciousness. Trust me, it’s worth the wait to get a taste of this authentic traditional food.

Walk in, and you’ll see nothing fancy, but it feels like home. It’s cozy with everyone sitting close on little plastic stools, getting to know the person next to you over a good plate of food. The environment might be simple, and the facilities nothing special, but that means nothing takes away from the food, which is just top-notch and real.

This place isn’t after big space or fancy looks, and that’s exactly why it’s so great. It’s where the real stuff happens. Night after night, you’ll see people from all walks of life dropping in, leaving the workday behind, all for one reason: a tasty meal. You’ll see tired parents and lively kids, all finding their bit of happiness over dinner. The moment reminds you that no matter the day’s challenges, you are not alone. Here, laughter, good food, and a rest moment from our packed lives are what we all come for. And that? That’s real living.

Take a look in the corner, and you’ll find all sorts of sauces and spices waiting for you. There’s everything from hot chili to soy sauce, so you can make your meal as you like.

The main event is the food: a hot bowl of these noodles, called Hakka Rice Noodles, covered in a rich, tasty sauce, all topped off with fresh green onions and crunchy fried shallots. Every mouthful is a mix of different textures and tastes, all coming together perfectly. The meal fills you up right and leaves you feeling perfect.

Along with the noodles, the soup with pork balls and green onions hits the spot. I suggest tossing in a pinch of pepper salt — it brings out the flavor in the pork-ball soup.

The duck dish here is what this place is known for, and it’s easy to see why. It’s super tasty, and the meat is juicy and tender. They serve it in neat slices with some green onions sprinkled on top. It’s all straightforward, no fancy stuff, just delicious food that’s flavorful and cooked how you like it.

At Liu Family Pork Noodle Shop in Toufen, it’s not just about the food; it’s the people with stories who go there. They come to this traditional noodle shop for a meal that does more than fill the stomach — it revives the soul.

Craving a delicious meal after work is a favorite for many people. Head to Liu Family Pork Noodle Shop for an unforgettable dining experience that brings people together just as it lights up the night. Liu Family Pork Noodle Shop is one of those places that proves the best stuff in life doesn’t have to be fancy — it just has to be good.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a message.

Enjoy your day! :)

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Matt Lo
From Silicon to Stories: Matt’s Moments

Program Manager with MBA, PMP, NPDP & MCTS-MS Project in Semicondutor Industry