阿明豬心冬粉

The "A-Ming Pig Heart Winter Noodles" on Bao'an Road in Tainan truly lives up to its reputation. Even at ten o'clock at night, there were still many people waiting in line. However, the turnover rate is surprisingly fast. Although it appears crowded, things move quickly.

We ordered the pig heart winter noodles, which really lived up to the standard. The broth is clear yet flavorful, with a subtle herbal aroma. The winter noodles become smooth and slippery after soaking up the broth; they aren't mushy and aren't hard to chew, just perfect. The pig heart is cleaned very well, crunchy and tender, providing a satisfying bite without being tough, and completely free of any fishy odor.

The pig trotter is also worth mentioning; they remove the bones, making it super convenient to eat. It's all gelatinous meat, cooked sufficiently soft yet still elastic, and very flavorful on its own without needing any sauce. I was initially hesitant about the kidney because dishes like that can easily have a strong odor if not handled correctly. However, they prepared it with sesame oil, which made it fragrant, and it didn’t have that burnt taste that some places produce. The kidney was tender and elastic, totally free of any unpleasant flavor, and surprisingly, it was the most impressive dish of the day for me.

The biggest surprise was the pig liver. I used to be one of those people who would gag at the thought of eating pig liver. But my friend insisted on ordering the sesame oil pig liver, so I tried a piece and was amazed; it didn’t have that powdery, fishy taste at all, which really changed my perception. A-Ming handles these internal organ dishes skillfully, and the broth is mild and not greasy – the kind that leaves you feeling satisfied without being overwhelming.

In conclusion, although this place requires a wait, it's definitely worth the price. It’s not just a place with a flashy reputation. As long as you don't have an aversion to organ meats, you can confidently order these dishes.