[Taichung Daya | Stew] The daily life "simmered" in a bowl of broth: how to order from the menu, how to match the flavors with the noodles 🍜

Why is a bowl of soup worth remembering?

Aoguo Shao emphasizes that its broth is made with natural ingredients and RO purified water, without added MSG or flavor enhancers. They also offer vegetarian options, as seen on their delivery platform page. The brand also emphasizes its flexible combination logic with various flavors and noodle types ("ten flavors, five noodle types" is frequently mentioned in their official posts). In reality, the soup is clear yet substantial, not just sweet and empty.

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Interior Flow and Environment

• Facade and Style: The cement gray facade with round lights is clean, and a visual menu hangs on the wall. Inside, there's an open food preparation area and a semi-self-service flow.

• Beverage Cabinet: Bottled drinks like Coke, Sprite, juice, and winter melon tea are available for self-service; payment is made at checkout.

• Wall Slogan: The phrase "The broth is like life; once simmered, it becomes naturally sweet" perfectly echoes the brand's tone, offering a comforting feeling upon sitting down.

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Menu Reading Guide | First "Soup Base," then "Noodles," and finally "Add Toppings"

Below is a "general logic" based on my own experience and the menu at the restaurant. Actual taste and prices are subject to change based on the restaurant's daily display. Average spending per person is around $200.

① How to Choose a Soup Base (Light → Rich)

• Original: Sweet and refreshing, the safest starting point for first-timers. Delivery platforms show the original price as around $100, but this may vary slightly if there are promotions at the restaurant.

• Milk/Cheese: Rich but not greasy, suitable for cold days or days when you want something "more substantial."

• Korean or Kimchi: Salty, spicy, and appetizing.

• Peeled Chili: A flavor rarely seen in most hot pot restaurants, with a spiciness level that is "spicy and fragrant but not burning the throat" (occasionally limited, depending on availability).

② Noodle Combinations (Texture-Driven)

• Spaghetti: A classic choice, absorbs broth quickly and is very fragrant.

• Udon Noodles: Chewy and not easily mushy, perfect for long chats.

• Glass Noodles/Ramen/Chicken Noodles: Suitable for both light and more filling meals.

The restaurant emphasizes the ability to "freely combine various noodles," which is part of the fun of hot pot.

③ Toppings and Extra Charges

• Basic Platter: Fish cake, seasonal vegetables, egg, seaweed (the ring of naruto rolls and the vibrant green seaweed in the photo are very eye-catching).

• Additional Toppings: Clams, wontons, sliced meat, cheese slices, etc., are common; for a sweeter soup, I recommend the clam and vegetable combination.

• Fried Slices: The "large fried slices like biscuits" in your photo were a pleasant surprise. Soak them in the soup slightly, and they're crispy on one side and soft on the other—very addictive (subject to availability).

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My Two Bowls of Food Review (Photos Comparison)

A. Plain Spaghetti (Soft-boiled Egg + Seaweed + Fried Toppings)

For my first bowl, I chose the plain spaghetti. The broth had a pleasant sweetness from bonito flakes and vegetables, without the dryness of MSG, and a hint of seaweed flavor at the end. The spaghetti absorbed the broth quickly, each bite infused with its aroma. The soft-boiled egg, when beaten, made the broth even smoother. This bowl is the kind you won't get tired of, even after drinking every last drop.

Who would like this: First-timers, those bringing elders, or those who don't want anything too heavy for lunch.

Additional Toppings: + Clams (increases broth sweetness), + Cheese Slices (increases creaminess), both go well together.

B. Rich and Flavorful (Milk or Spicy Broth + Udon Noodles)

For my second bowl, I went for the "rich and flavorful" option: milk or spicy broth with udon noodles. The springiness of the udon noodles allows me to chat while eating without getting mushy. The milky broth and fried toppings create a flavor reminiscent of tempura. Making it spicy further enhances the layers of flavor, making it perfect for cold days or a relaxing time.

Who would like it: A satisfying dinner option, or a personal hot pot alternative.

Additional ingredients: + sliced meat (absorbs broth quickly), + wontons (significantly increases portion size).

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Price Range and Portion Size

• Average Spending: Most people spend between $150 and $200 per person (on delivery platforms, the original price starts at just over $100; prices vary depending on the flavor and toppings; a typical meal including noodles and drinks costs around $200).

• Portion Size: One bowl is a substantial meal; those with larger appetites can add noodles or wontons.

• Delivery & Takeout: Available on delivery platforms; please specify your needs in advance (e.g., individual servings of broth).

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The Background Story of "Ao" (熬)

The brand's public statements are consistent: they use multi-layered filtration and RO water purification, and combine local fruits, vegetables, and Chinese herbs to make the soup, offering a variety of flavors and combinations; this information can be found in official posts, recruitment, and media aggregation pages. As a result, Ao Guo Shao quickly became one of the "must-try" restaurants in the Daya area when craving Guo Shao.

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First Impressions: Here's What I'd Order (3 Recommendations)

1. Refreshing and Cleansing: Original Flavor × Spaghetti + Clams + Vegetables (the soup will be sweeter, drink it all).

2. Rich and Satisfying: Milk × Udon Noodles + Sliced Meat + Cheese (press the cheese on top of the noodles and let it melt slowly).

3. Mildly Spicy and Appetizing: Korean/Kimchi × Ramen + Wonton (the wontons absorb the spicy soup very well).

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Reasons for Recommendation (Why it's worth a bowl)

• Clean and memorable broth: Natural ingredients + RO water, no MSG residue, leaves your stomach feeling comfortable after drinking.

• Flexible choices: Over ten flavors and five noodle types, highly customizable.

• Generous portions: Average price under 200 NTD, plenty of toppings, fixed egg serving, great value.

• Simple workflow: Order → Pick up drink → Wait for your meal, the beverage counter is clearly visible.

• Neighborly friendly: Plenty of parking spaces along Xuefu Road, and delivery services available (a lifesaver on rainy days).

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Restaurant Information

• Aoguo Shao – Taichung Daya Branch
Address: No. 239, Xuefu Rd., Daya District, Taichung City
Tel: 04-2566-6286
Opening Hours: Commonly 11:00–14:30, 17:00–20:30 (Lunch and Dinner hours; please refer to in-store or social media announcements for holidays and latest hours)
Average Spending: Approximately **$150–$200/person**

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Nearby Attractions and Extensions (Where to Go After Dining)

• Daya Xuefu Rd. Shopping District: A good place for a walk to digest; high density of convenience stores and small shops.

• Taichung Metropolitan Park: A large grassy area (good scenery in the evening) accessible by car from Xitun/Shalu.

• Intercontinental Baseball Stadium – Wenxin Forest Park Axis: From Daya, head south to the Intercontinental Shopping District, or further into the city and towards Wenxin area; convenient for coffee or a walk.

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My True Story

When my bowl of plain spaghetti was served, the first thing I smelled was the clean aroma of the broth. I gently pressed the biscuit-like tofu skin into the soup, and its succulent texture was irresistible. Later, I tried the richer version; the udon noodles absorbed the broth perfectly, and the soup wasn't overly salty even at the end. The slogan on the wall, "Simmered to perfection, naturally sweet," seemed like a catchy phrase, but it perfectly captured the character of this soup—unpretentious, yet satisfying. 🙂

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Location Check-in

• 📍Ao Guo Shao—Taichung Daya Branch (No. 239, Xuefu Rd., Daya District, Taichung City)

• 📍Daya Xuefu Rd. Shopping District

• 📍Taichung Metropolitan Park

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