Taiwanese$$wanhuaMon-Thu 10:00-22:30, Fri-Sun 10:00-23:00
Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle on Emei St in Ximending is the 1975 standing-counter mianxian stall drawing second-bowl regulars from the pedestrian streets.
Why locals love it: A standing-counter mianxian stall in Ximending that draws second-bowl regulars from the surrounding pedestrian streets, since 1975.
Tip: Cash only. Pile on chilli and black vinegar from the condiment table.
Chinese$$daanDaily 11:30-14:00, 17:00-20:30
Halal Chinese Beef Noodles Da'an is a 60-year halal beef-noodle counter tucked in an alley off yanji street, northern-style dumplings and lazy-susan dining.
Why locals love it: A 60-year halal beef-noodle counter tucked in an alley off Yanji Street, Northern-style dumplings and lazy-susan dining.
Tip: Open 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:30, closed Mondays. Cash only.
Taiwanese$$tonghuaMon-Fri 18:00-00:00, Sat-Sun 17:30-00:00
Yu Pin Yuan Iced and Hot Tangyuan is a linjiang street stall pushing bib gourmand-listed iced sesame-syrup tangyuan, eaten standing on a back-alley counter.
Why locals love it: A Linjiang Street stall pushing Bib Gourmand-listed iced sesame-syrup tangyuan, eaten standing on a back-alley counter.
Tip: Cash only. The iced version is the summer order.
Taiwanese$$zhongshanDaily 11:00-21:30
Shin Yeh Shuanglian is round-table taiwanese banquet cooking in zhongshan since 1977, the family-table standard locals book for new-year reunion meals.
Why locals love it: Round-table Taiwanese banquet cooking in Zhongshan since 1977, the family-table standard locals book for new-year reunion meals.
Tip: Phone reservations. Service charge added.
Chinese$$daanDaily 09:30-22:30
Kao Chi on Yongkang St in Da'an is the 1949 xiaolongbao counter that runs the shorter queue alternative to Din Tai Fung two doors down the street.
Why locals love it: Yongkang Street's second xiaolongbao counter, opened 1949, shorter queue than Din Tai Fung two doors down.
Tip: Walk-in; phone reservations for six plus.
Taiwanese$$zhongzhengDaily 11:30-14:30, 17:30-22:00
Mountain and Sea House on Ren'ai Rd is the restored Japanese-era mansion in Taipei reviving 1930s Taiwanese banquet cuisine for a quiet local crowd.
Why locals love it: A restored Japanese-era mansion on Ren'ai Road in Taipei reviving 1930s Taiwanese banquet cuisine, often missed for the louder Le Palais.
Tip: Closed Mondays. Reserve through the operator's site.