It’s not every day you find cold noodles and adobo in the same kitchen—but Ate Marita’s Cold Noodle House in Zhongli pulls it off perfectly. A favorite among OFWs and locals alike, this cozy, no-frills spot is run by the ever-smiling Marita Casuga Hsu, a proud Filipina who pours her heart into every dish.
From the moment you walk in, there’s a sense of home. Filipino music hums in the background, the scent of garlic rice floats from the kitchen, and Ate Marita herself often steps out to chat with customers—whether in Tagalog, English, or Mandarin.
The Story Behind Ate Marita’s Cold Noodle House
Every great Filipino restaurant abroad starts with one thing: homesickness. For Marita Casuga Hsu, that feeling turned into purpose. Originally from the Philippines, Marita moved to Taiwan and, like many OFWs, brought with her the taste of home and a heart full of recipes. At first, she simply cooked for family and friends. But soon, word spread—her adobo reminded people of their mother’s, her embutido was celebration-worthy, and her warm smile made every customer feel like a suki.
That small kitchen dream eventually became Ate Marita’s Cold Noodle House, blending two culinary cultures she knew by heart: Filipino and Taiwanese. The cold noodles? A nod to Taiwan’s food scene. The adobo, silog, and Friday fish soup? A love letter to the Philippines.
More than just a restaurant, her shop became a sanctuary for OFWs looking for a taste of home and a place to belong. To this day, Ate Marita still runs the kitchen herself—cooking, chatting, laughing, and sometimes even giving out movie coupons to surprise her loyal customers.
“Dito ka kakain, pero parang nasa bahay ka rin.”
Snapshot: Ate Marita’s Cold Noodle House
| Address | No. 49, Daren St, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan 320 |
| ⏰ Opening Hours | Opens 12:00 PM, Closes 7:00 PM (Fri–Wed, Closed Thurs) |
| Contact | +886 3 438 7939 |
| Languages | Filipino, English, Chinese |
| Price Range | NT$1–200 per person |
| ️ Best-Sellers | Cold Noodles, Chicken & Pork Adobo, Fish Soup Fridays, Embutido |
| Socials | facebook, instagram |
| Google Plus Code | X64R+GF Zhongli District, Taoyuan City |
What to Eat at Ate Marita’s
Cold Noodle with a Filipino Twist
Taiwan’s summer staple—cold noodles—is reimagined here with flavors that remind you of fiestas back home. Light, savory, and refreshing.
“Best cold noodle in Zhongli!” — Rumwald Leo Lecaros
Chicken & Pork Adobo
This bestseller is slow-cooked with vinegar, soy sauce, and bay leaves, then served piping hot—perfect against the backdrop of chilly noodles.
“One of the tastiest adobos I’ve had outside the Philippines.” — TJ ChuaHay
Marita’s Homemade Garlic #BonggaLongga
A crowd favorite both in-store and online, this garlic-loaded longganisa dish packs serious flavor. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and served with rice—it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner that hits the spot every time.
Friday Fish Soup
Every Friday, the kitchen serves up a rotating fish soup menu rooted in Filipino tradition. Hearty, clean, and comforting.
“Don’t miss Fish Soup Friday—get there early!” — ASTRI RINO OKVITASARI
Embutido and Other Daily Specials
Offered occasionally and with much fanfare on their Facebook page, the embutido here is homemade, moist, and rich. There are also silog meals, tocino, and surprise lunch dishes, depending on the day.
“Try the chicken tocino—very good!” — Ayksscream
Why Pinoys Love This Place
- Super Friendly Service: “Ate Marita is an amazing person,” says reviewer Aerolle Mitra. “She even offers catering services!” adds Joseph Renz Dela Cruz.
- Budget-Friendly Meals: With dishes ranging from NT$100–200, it’s ideal for everyday dining without breaking the bank.
- Familiar Taste, Local Convenience: Located just off the main road in Zhongli, it’s easy to reach and full of regulars who treat the place like home.
- Consistently Highly Rated: Dozens of five-star reviews from both Filipinos and Taiwanese food lovers.
“Absolutely deserving of a Michelin star.” — Michael Edbert
“The best Filipino food in Zhongli.” — Christian Rioflorido
Promotions and Events
Marketing here is grassroots—and effective. Using Facebook Live, dish announcements, and catchy hashtags like #FiestaAlaAteMarita, the restaurant builds excitement around returning dishes and seasonal menus. Their “Embutido is back!” post alone garnered dozens of shares and community tags.
And sometimes, Ate Marita takes things beyond the kitchen—like giving away discount coupons for local movie screenings to customers. One recent promo tied into the film My Love Will Make You Disappear, turning a simple meal into a chance to enjoy a night out. It’s this kind of thoughtful, community-driven gesture that makes regulars feel seen, spoiled, and cared for.
Getting There
You can take the train or bus to Zhongli Station, then walk or take a short cab ride to No. 49 Daren Street. The store is easy to spot—small signage, friendly vibe, and the scent of garlic rice is usually a giveaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it dine-in only?
Nope! Take-out is available and popular among OFWs during lunch breaks or after shifts.
Q2: Do I need to reserve?
Not usually, but come early if you want a seat on Fridays or during lunch rush.
Q3: Can I speak Tagalog?
Yes—Ate Marita is fluent in Filipino, English, and Mandarin.
Q4: How much is a meal?
Most meals are NT$100–200. Generous portions are a staple here.
Final Thoughts
Ate Marita’s Cold Noodle House isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a comforting stop for any OFW longing for familiar flavors, friendly faces, and a reminder that even far from home, you can still find lutong bahay cooked with care. Whether you’re craving cold noodles with a twist or classic Filipino dishes served hot and hearty, this hidden gem in Zhongli delivers. Drop by, say hello to Ate Marita, and treat yourself to a meal that feels like home—because here, every dish comes with a story and a smile.