Jun 2, 20234 min read

Best Cheap Food in Taipei—WenHu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup Review

Updated: Jul 7

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I recently discovered that there are a lot of affordable delicacies in Neihu. This time, we visited Wenhu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup near MRT Gangqian Station. Amidst the surrounding old, gloomy buildings, the large floor-to-ceiling windows and sleek black blinds of Wenhu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup stood out. The interior decor of the shop has a gray and white industrial style, with clean, minimalist walls and white furniture, creating a clean and bright dining environment that was very relaxing.

The playlist consisted of old classic soul music, like Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, which has become popular again lately, and the timeless classic songs from Sade. This was also the first time Ares complimented a restaurant on its taste in music.

Although we arrived for dinner at 8 PM on a weekday, well past the usual dining hours, we saw many parents and nannies taking children who had just finished their cram school classes. There were also many office workers coming to dine, and the turnover rate was impressive. With its emphasis on using natural ingredients and minimal oil, Wenhu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup is clearly a popular spot among the local area.

Best Cheap Food in Taipei: 21 Chicken Noodle Soup—Menu

Wenhu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup has a simple and straightforward menu, leaving no room for decision-making issues. You just need to choose between clear soup or noodles. The prices were also very reasonable and budget-friendly.

Best Cheap Food in Taipei: 21 Chicken Noodle Soup—Chicken Noodle Soup

WenHu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup uses buckwheat noodles, which have higher protein and mineral content than regular wheat noodles. Besides being healthier and less likely to cause blood sugar spikes, buckwheat noodles also have a chewier texture, similar to al dente pasta.

The chicken in the chicken noodle soup is not dry at all. It is coated with a layer of flour, giving it a slippery texture and keeping the low-fat chicken tender even after being cooked in soup. At first, I only saw 3 or 4 pieces of chicken on the top and thought that was it, but when I lifted the noodles, I found a lot more slices underneath. The portion is quite generous. You can also ask to add extra meat, vegetables, or soup, to your chicken noodle soup, making it a huge bang for your buck.

Unlike most store-bought chicken soups which have a layer of yellowish oil floating on top, the soup from WenHu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup is not greasy at all. The broth is made by simmering chicken bones for several hours, resulting in a bone broth with a slightly creamy off-white color. It is generously garnished with spring onions on top, providing a refreshing yet flavorful taste. Although I usually enjoy extremely strong food like Sichuan cuisine, this chicken noodle soup did not feel bland; instead, It showcases the pure and sweet flavors of the ingredients.

On the condiment counter, there is Himalayan pink salt and white pepper. Fresh white peppercorns are stored in an electronic grinder, allowing you to grind the pepper yourself by pressing the button on top. The freshly ground white pepper has a more aromatic flavor compared to regular powered pepper. As I usually prefer spicy and salty flavors, I added a little bit of both, which enhanced the flavor of the chicken soup.

Many regulars who came for takeaway also instinctively went to the counter for some white pepper before leaving. It seems to be the preferred way of enjoying the dish among food enthusiasts.

Best Cheap Food in Taipei: 21 Chicken Noodle Soup—Chicken Tenders

The chicken tenders from WenHu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup tastes a bit like the chicken nuggets from Mos Burgers. However, the key distinction is that WenHu 21 uses whole, freshly pan-fried chicken pieces. The chicken tenderloins in WenHu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup are meticulously prepared with the tendons expertly removed.

Tenderloins are found on the inner side of the chicken breast. This cut offers the same low-fat content as chicken breast but without the dryness, resulting in exceptionally tender meat. It's actually our preferred choice for cooking at home as well.

The chicken tenders from WenHu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup are incredibly tender and juicy. The seasoning remains light, featuring a subtle hint of pepper that pairs perfectly with the chicken noodle soup.

Best Cheap Food in Taipei: 21 Chicken Noodle Soup—Pork Cutlet

The pork cutlet was marinated with their secret sauce before being cooked and is one of the stronger-flavored dishes from WenHu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup. The overall taste is sweet with a hint of alcohol, coming from the rice wine in the sauce it was marinated in.

At the condiment area, there are chili soy sauce and vinegar. The chili soy sauce has a perfect balance of garlic and chili, reminding me of the chili sauce I used to enjoy at a Shandong dumpling restaurant near my place. I've been craving that taste ever since they closed down. Dipping the pork cutlet in the chili sauce and vinegar creates a delicious combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Additionally, the chili sauce serves as a nice dipping sauce for the buckwheat noodles in the chicken noodle soup.

Best Cheap Food in Taipei: 21 Chicken Noodle Soup—Side Dishes

The side dish counter in the restaurant is very popular, offering homestyle flavors. They are placed next to the counter for self-service, and each portion costs only NTD$40.

I chose smoked pig ears and marinated cucumbers.

Smoked pig ears have always been one of Ares' favorite side dishes. The pig ears at WenHu 21 Chicken Noodle Soup are well-seasoned and have a crunchy texture with a smoky aroma. The marinated cucumbers are not overly soft but still maintain the crispness that cucumbers should have, making them very refreshing.