Tà-á-mī

Thick Chinese wheat noodles, shrimp-flavored broth, minced pork, pork sauce, and a single cooked shrimp on top are the main ingredients of the soupy snack known as tà-á-m noodles or danzi noodles. Vendors and restaurants keep a few spices and the amount of ingredients added a secret, giving the popular snack an air of mystery.

Tà-á-m, or shoulder pole noodles, were invented in 1895 by a local fisherman as a way to supplement his income during the off-season. They were carried on shoulder poles through the streets of a tiny Taiwanese town, earning them the name.

While the basic recipe is well-known, the spices used and the amounts of the main ingredients (shrimp flavored soup, shrimp, coriander, and garlic) are closely guarded secrets among the numerous restaurants/stands that offer it. [3] Despite its appearance as a basic snack, it has received widespread attention from foodies all over the world. The standard serving size is tiny, and it is more of a snack than an entree. It's also on the pricey side (relatively), with a small bowl costing roughly NT$50 (US$1.60).