When it comes to classic Taiwanese noodle shops, simple is best. The kind of places that have their specialty in the name, a streamlined check off menu, self-serve cold appetizers and condiments on the tables. The creme de la creme of this genre of shops are the places that have enclosed indoor seating with air conditioning for a comfortable dining environment. Chi Fu has all of the above.

The core menu is a pretty simple format with a variety of combinations. Bian Shi, the dumplings in its name, are a form of wonton, a medium sized dumpling with a thin skin and signature scrunched shape. Not the prettiest of dumplings, but still delicious. Chi Fu makes four kinds: pork, shrimp, scallop and fish. On the menu, it comes in soup form and “dry” form with chili oil and scallions, with and without noodles. If you want to spice it up, get your wontons and noodles separate, they also have other homestyle classics: XO (spicy scallop sauce), zha jiang (”fried bean sauce” for lack of a better translation), minced pork, and sesame sauce noodles. And the menu is rounded out with some soups, minced pork rice, and vegetable sides. All of the staff are aunties, and everything feels clean and homey. You don’t come here for the vibes or the hype, you come here for consistency and reliability, and feeling like you’re being taken care of. A simple but fulfilling meal that will have you in and out in 20 minutes.