The Simple Charcoal Aroma of 'Traditional Delicacy Yuli Noodles' in Hualien's Yuli Township

Crossing the mountains to the Hualien Yuli township, nestled between mountains and sea, the most representative folk snack of the East Rift Valley's charm is undoubtedly this bowl of Yuli noodles, hailed as 'Taiwanese Ramen'. Located on Zhongshan Road, Traditional Delicacy Yuli Noodles is a classic old shop that has been passed down for half a century. At meal times, the humble storefront is always packed with a continuous stream of diners. The wisps of white steam rising from within, accompanied by the rich aroma of fried shallots and pork bone broth, become Hualien's most grounded and warm olfactory memory. The key to the deliciousness here lies in the unique 'handmade noodles'. The shop still follows ancient methods to this day. After the noodles are cooked, they are not cooled by cold wind or air conditioning. Instead, they are immediately cooled by hand with a fan on a large plate and then mixed with a golden ratio of salad oil, maintaining their astonishing chewiness and springiness. The 'Dry Yuli Noodles', a must-order for connoisseurs, are topped with crispy fried shallots made in-house and a special sauce, generously adorned with several thick slices of fresh pork. Mix them well and take a big bite; the savory sauce and the caramelized aroma of the shallots explode in your mouth. The texture is firm and satisfying, defining the simple aesthetics of Eastern Taiwan with the purest ingredients.