Ah Zong and his magical bowl of Mian Xian

Short Note:

To all ice cream lovers out there, this is one event you don’t wanna miss.

The legend-dairy Ben & Jerry’s is celebrating their 30th birthday today (29th April 2007), and to commemorate this remarkable milestone, all Ben & Jerry’s outlets across the country (and around the world) will serve up any cone or cup of your choice, absolutely free!

So remember to make your way down to your nearest outlet between 12pm and 7pm and get your free scoop from the friendly people at Ben & Jerry’s!

When it comes to the Taipei food popularity polls, this particular eatery in Ximending (西門町) needs no special mention.

Ah Zong Flour Rice Noodles (or 阿宗面线 as it is conveniently called) is a stall which whips out bowls and bowls of rice noodles tossed in pig intestines served with a dash of vinegar and spring onions.

The stall is conveniently located at a turn just after getting out of Ximen metro station. Thankfully I didn’t need to track up Mount Emei (峨眉山) to savour this delicacy.

At NT$40 (S$1.80) for a small bowl and NT$55 ($2.47) for a large one, it looked pretty nondescript. That is, until I sank my teeth into the juicy intestines filled with marvelous fragrances and the rice noodles which melts the moment it touches your mouth. It was simply excellent.

The horde of customers around me couldn’t agree better when I captured their expressions of joy on camera.

Some eat it with a big smile on their cheeks.

Others do it with music tinkering in their ears.

Some top it up with lots of chili.

Some find themselves a cosy spot to enjoy their reaping rewards.

Some pose for the camera.

Some lean against the lamp post.

Some hold the bowls while their loved ones have a go at the noodles.

Or me, squatting in front of the shop and clearing the bowl’s contents with glee.

Whichever way was chosen, a simple bowl of Ah Zong Mian Xian surely brings out the joy and happiness in everyone.

Excuse me while I go get myself another serving.