Agei is a signature Tamsui snack from Zhenli Street in New Taipei's Tamsui District, made by hollowing out a triangular piece of fried tofu, stuffing it with glass noodles, sealing it with fish paste, steaming it, and topping it with sweet chili sauce. Invented in 1965 by shopkeeper Yang Zheng Jin-wen — the name comes from the Japanese word "age (揚げ)," meaning fried tofu — Zhenli Street today is lined with long-standing shops such as Laopai Agei and Wenhua Agei, making it Tamsui's most emblematic street-food block.
Agei was invented in 1965 by Yang Zheng Jin-wen on Tamsui's Zhenli Street; the original shop, Laopai Agei, still operates at No. 6-1 Zhenli Street, over sixty years later. Wenhua Agei opened nearby on Zhenli Street in 1978 and has accumulated more than 4,000 Google reviews, among the highest review counts of any agei shop on the street.
What is Agei?
The "ge" in agei comes from the Japanese word "あげ (揚げ)," meaning fried tofu skin. The method involves cutting open a triangular fried tofu pouch, stuffing it with stir-fried glass noodles, sealing the opening with a layer of fish paste, and steaming it before topping it with a sweet red chili sauce. One bite delivers the oily richness of the tofu skin first, then the silky, well-seasoned glass noodles, and finally the chewy fish paste seal — distinct layers that flow together seamlessly. It's a Taiwanese street food that cleverly wraps bean products, seafood flavor, and starch into one.
Zhenli Street in Tamsui is the birthplace of agei. Along the hillside near Aletheia University and Danjiang High School, several half-century-old shops like Wenhua Agei and Laopai Agei stand side by side, each with its own loyal following. Wenhua Agei has been open for over half a century and has accumulated more than 4,000 Google reviews — on weekends, the queue stretches to the corner by early morning. Laopai Agei is known for its original-style preparation. The entire street fills with students, office workers, and visitors from early morning, making it a neighborhood that has earned its landmark status on the strength of its original street food alone.
How to eat it like a local
Local knowledge
Verified credentials (sponsored content filtered out)
- Zhenli Street is the recognized birthplace of agei. Several long-standing shops line the street, and there is no single "authentic" version.
- Wenhua Agei is a half-century-old institution on Zhenli Street with over 4,000 Google reviews — one of the highest review counts in the area.
- The name agei comes from the Japanese word "揚げ (あげ)," reflecting the influence of Japanese-era food culture on Tamsui.
Visitor tips
- Zhenli Street sits on a hillside and requires about a 15-minute uphill walk from Tamsui MRT Station — wear comfortable shoes.
- On weekends both the old street and Zhenli Street see heavy traffic. Drivers should park further away and walk up.
- Most shops make agei to order, so expect to wait in line during peak hours. You can place your order first and then find a seat.
Information compiled from the Michelin Guide, New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau, and large volumes of public reviews, with sponsored content filtered out. Photos will be replaced with exclusive channel footage after Dio's on-site shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is agei made of?
Agei is a Tamsui original snack made by hollowing out triangular fried tofu, stuffing it with glass noodles, sealing it with fish paste and steaming, then topping it with sweet chili sauce.
What does the name "agei" mean?
"Agei" is a transliteration of the Japanese word "age (揚げ)," meaning fried tofu, reflecting Tamsui's Japanese-era food culture influence.
Who invented agei?
Agei was invented by Yang Zheng Jin-wen in 1965 on Tamsui's Zhenli Street; the original shop, Laopai Agei, still operates on the same site.
Which agei shop on Zhenli Street has the most reviews?
Wenhua Agei is among the most-reviewed agei shops on Zhenli Street, with more than 4,000 Google reviews.
Sources
- 淡水老牌阿給｜真正的阿給創始店，由老闆娘楊鄭錦文女士，於1965年發明 — 創始店歷史、創始人與地址資訊
- 台式油豆腐——阿給的由來和做法 — 阿給名稱源自日文「揚げ」的說明
- 文化阿給｜老街上重新開幕，在地人和明星都愛 — 文化阿給1978年創立年份