
Thick, savory Taiwanese night market noodle soup with oysters, offal, and a distinctive sweet potato starch sauce.
Oyster vermicelli (ô-á mī-sòaⁿ) is one of Taiwan's most iconic night market dishes. The ultra-thin wheat vermicelli is cooked in a thick, glossy broth thickened with sweet potato starch, creating an almost sauce-like soup. Tender oysters, pork intestines, and a drizzle of black vinegar and cilantro complete this beloved street food that Taiwanese expats worldwide desperately miss.
Sirve 4
Rinse vermicelli with cold water, then drain. Cut into shorter lengths with scissors.
Bring broth to a boil. Add soy sauce and sesame oil.
Mix sweet potato starch with water. Drizzle into the boiling broth while stirring to create a thick, glossy soup base.
Add pork intestines if using and cook 2 minutes. Add oysters and cook just until they plump up, about 1–2 minutes.
Add vermicelli, stir gently, and cook 1 minute. Ladle into bowls and top with black vinegar, cilantro, and garlic oil if desired.
Don't overcook the oysters — they should be just set.
Black vinegar is essential — it brightens the rich broth.
The starchy broth thickens as it sits; eat immediately.
Taste and adjust salt at the very end — flavors concentrate as liquids reduce, and a final pinch of flaky salt sharpens the whole dish.
Omit intestines for a simpler version
Add a soft-boiled egg
Make with clams instead of oysters
Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.
Best eaten immediately as the noodles absorb the broth quickly.
Oyster vermicelli has been a Taiwanese staple since the Qing Dynasty era, when Taiwanese fishermen made hearty noodle soups from their daily catch. It became a night market fixture and one of the most emotionally resonant Taiwanese foods.
It's a very thin salted wheat noodle, different from regular vermicelli. It's traditionally hand-stretched and salted, giving a unique slippery texture.
Absolutely — many versions are oysters-only. The intestines add richness but aren't essential.
Yes — most of the components can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated separately. Reheat gently and assemble just before serving so textures stay distinct.
Stay close to the role each ingredient plays: swap aromatics for similar ones (shallot for onion, lime for lemon), and keep the fat-acid-salt balance intact. Spice blends can usually be approximated with what's in the cupboard.
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