Taiwan Food Atlas

Cat-Mouse Noodles

A century-old shop's shrimp-ball and dried-flounder broth over oil noodles — the name comes from the founder's nickname
📍 Changhua · Changhua City · Chenglong Road🏆 Landmark · Noodles🍜 Dried-flounder shrimp broth, egg crisp and minced pork — three hallmarks

Cat-Mouse Noodles is the signature noodle soup of a century-old shop on Chenglong Road in Changhua City, founded in 1921 during the Japanese colonial era, with broth simmered from dried flounder, shrimp shells, and pork bones served over oil noodles with shrimp balls and egg crisp; the name comes from a Hokkien nickname for the founder, "Little Mouse," and has nothing to do with either animal. A hand-brushed sign on Chenglong Road reads "Cat-Mouse Noodles," and the scent of dried flounder and shrimp rises from the pot at the door — four generations, a century unchanged, this is the noodle soup of Changhua memory.

Cat-Mouse Noodles was founded in 1921 during the Japanese colonial era; the name derives from a Hokkien nickname, "Little Mouse," given to the first owner, and has no connection to either animal. The shop paused dine-in service in March 2024 due to the owner's spinal condition and staff shortage, then reopened on August 17, 2025, at its original address on Chenglong Road in Changhua City (sources: Changhua County Government Tourism website, NOWnews).

What is Cat-Mouse Noodles

Cat-Mouse Noodles involves no cat or mouse. It is the signature noodle soup of the century-old shop called "Cat-Mouse Noodles." The broth is simmered long with dried flounder, shrimp shells, and pork bones — clear yet intensely savory. It is served with oil noodles and house-made minced pork, topped with braised shrimp balls and golden egg crisp. The egg crisp is the soul of the bowl: egg is drizzled into hot oil and erupts into light, airy golden flakes that settle on the broth and absorb its flavor — a technique rarely seen in other noodle soups.

The Changhua County Government Tourism website lists Cat-Mouse Noodles as one of the "Three Treasures of Changhua" with a dedicated page. The shop's name comes from the founder's nickname, "Little Mouse," earned for his quick, nimble movements; customers started calling the shop "Little Mouse's Noodles," which over time became "Cat-Mouse Noodles" — the dish has nothing to do with either animal. Founded in the 1920s and now in its fourth generation, it is one of the few noodle shops in Changhua City that can genuinely be called a century-old establishment.

How to eat it the local way

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Drink the plain broth firstDon't stir yet — scoop a spoonful of the clear broth with the egg crisp still floating on top and experience the natural sweetness drawn from dried flounder and shrimp shells.
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Bite the shrimp ballsThe braised shrimp balls are hand-shaped; when you bite into one you'll feel shrimp meat and water chestnut pieces — don't swallow them whole, chew them properly.
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Stir the egg crisp into the noodlesOnce the egg crisp has soaked up the broth and softened slightly, use your chopsticks to fold it into the noodles so every strand is coated in its fragrance.
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Add braised toppingsLong-standing shops typically offer braised eggs, fried tofu, and kelp on the side — a natural pairing with the soup noodles and the standard order for regulars.

Local knowledge

Objective endorsements (ad-free)

  • The Changhua County Government Tourism website lists Cat-Mouse Noodles as one of the "Three Treasures of Changhua," with a dedicated page.
  • The original Cat-Mouse Noodles was founded in the 1920s, has passed through four generations over a century, and is one of Changhua City's few genuine century-old noodle shops.
  • The shop's name originates from the founder's nickname "Little Mouse" — a common point of confusion that this guide clarifies.

Practical tips

  • Most shops operate from noon to early evening; queues during busy hours are common, so consider avoiding the midday peak.
  • Chenglong Road is in central Changhua City; you can walk to Changhua Confucius Temple, Bagua Mountain, and the Changhua Roundhouse for a half-day itinerary.
  • Coordinates are approximate field-research values. Rely on in-person signage; there are shops sharing similar names nearby — note the location of the original.

Data compiled from the Changhua County Government Tourism website, Lukang Township Office, and a large volume of public reviews; promotional listings have been filtered out. Photos will be replaced with exclusive channel footage after Dio's field shoot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the name "Cat-Mouse Noodles" actually involve cats or mice?

No — the name comes from a Hokkien nickname, "Little Mouse," given to the founder for his quick, nimble movements; it evolved into "Cat-Mouse Noodles" over time, and the dish contains no cat or mouse meat.

When was Cat-Mouse Noodles founded?

It was founded in 1921 during the Japanese colonial era, making it one of the few noodle shops in Changhua that can genuinely be called a century old.

Is Cat-Mouse Noodles still open today?

The shop paused dine-in service in March 2024 due to the owner's spinal condition and staff shortage, then reopened at its original Chenglong Road location on August 17, 2025.

Sources

🗺️ View on the map ← All Changhua dishes