“Those living on a mountain live off the mountain, those living near the water live off the water.” This is a very important factor in forming culinary culture. Therefore, different eating habits are developed geographically in Taiwan. Unforgettable dining experience comes from not only the choice of ingredients but also the diners' nostalgia. People unconsciously reflect their nostalgia on their diet which has been internalized in their life memory. The major target of our project, Howgi has won its customers' heart by a bowl of Tan-a-Mi. Let's find out how Howgi made it!
Chie-ga-Mi is not Tan-a-Mi
Chie-ga-Mi and Tan-a-Mi are made up of oil noodles and broth. The biggest difference between Chie-ga-Mi and Tan-a-Mi is that Chie-ga-Mi originated from Taipei while Tan-a-Mi was created in Tainan. In early days, noodles were cooked in boiling water over charcoal fire, which doesn't make water boil easily, so the chef had to “shake” the noodle ladle or “stir” the noodles with long bamboo chopsticks to make the noodles boil evenly. In Taiwanese dialect, Chie-ga means shaking; therefore, that's how Chie-ga-Mi got its name.
Tan-a-Mi of Howgi

Howgi Tan-a-Mi that sells out 2,000 bowls per day

A bowl of Howgi Tan-a-Mi costs NT$35(US$1.1). Approximately 2,000 bowls are sold per day. The biggest secret of Howgi's success lies in its ingredients and its cooking process.
I.Ingredients of Howgi Tan-a-Mi
1.Mincemeat: made of lean meat from pig's hind leg and stir-fried shallot, it presents a thick savor that lures out people's appetite. It's good for mixing with rice or vegetables.
2.Broth: fifty catties of shrimps and fifty catties of pork ribs stewed for exactly four hours without adding MSG. The broth tastes fresh and light.
3.Other Ingredients: bean sprouts, coriander, garlic chop, black vinegar, shrimps, sliced pork
II.The Cooking Process of Howgi Tan-a-Mi
Howgi cooks noodles swiftly by using gas. It takes only thirty seconds for the noodles to be cooked. Then the chef ladles up the noodles and strain them in case the savory taste of broth is diluted. Put the noodles onto a bowl and arrange shrimps, sliced meat, bean sprouts, mincemeat and coriander on them.
Unlimited Soup Refill

Fresh and sweet broth with a shrimp and sliced pork

The broth of Howgi Tan-a-Mi is the essence of the noodle soup. The broth is stewed with shrimps for hours; that's why it tastes so refreshingly sweet. Diners would always want another refill. Therefore, to satisfy all customers' appetite, Howgi welcomes its customers to have free soup refills. There's even an eye-catching notice in Howgi that says “Free Soup Refill Welcomed!” Still not satisfied? Don't worry. You can simply ask for a bigger bowl just for the soup refill. What's more, besides the original oil noodles cooked as the major ingredient of Tan-a-Mi, female guests love rice vermicelli and flat noodles most. These two different noodles bring about an entirely different sense of texture to Tan-a-Mi; however, the satisfaction of customers is definitely the same. So, next time when you come to Howgi, be sure to try out different kinds of noodles and enjoy the amazingly delightful taste.
Thank You, Howgi

Broth stewed with shrimps and pork ribs

Howgi employees proudly told us, after customers finish their meals, they would express their thanks or even take pictures with the employees. Because Howgi has given them such a great dining experience that they would like to be friends with Howgi and come back again.
Whether it's on roadside stands, in the ally, or in the restaurants, Tan-a-Mi-philes roam the streets searching for delicacies, tasting with their tongues, listening with their ears, and observing styles with their eyes wholeheartedly. Among Taipei's numerous thriving culinary industry, Howgi is unique, because it not only provides people with quality food, but also promotes the culinary culture of Tan-a-Mi. 

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