At the table
Eat the noodles and fish with chopsticks, and sip the broth with a spoon. Taste before adding table condiments. Ask for chili separately if you prefer a mild bowl.
Contains fish. The reference preparation uses rice wine; cooking does not establish that a dish is alcohol-free. Stock, preserved vegetables and seasonings vary, so rice noodles alone do not guarantee a gluten-free bowl. Celery is present in the reference version. This fish dish is neither vegetarian nor vegan. Ask the vendor about ingredients relevant to your dietary needs and take care with any remaining fish bones.
Broth, aromatic greens and preserved vegetables vary by stall. The name qiyu refers broadly to billfish in this context and does not guarantee a particular species. Some bowls emphasize fish and clear broth; others include more fried shallots and vegetables.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Broth, aromatic greens and preserved vegetables vary by stall. The name qiyu refers broadly to billfish in this context and does not guarantee a particular species. Some bowls emphasize fish and clear broth; others include more fried shallots and vegetables.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savory fish and broth, fragrant fried shallots, fresh celery and a gentle white-pepper warmth. Chili is not part of the reference preparation, although chili condiments may be offered separately.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Fine, soft rice noodles and moist strips of cooked fish in broth, with small crisp-tender pieces of celery and aromatic greens.
- How it’s made
- In the reference preparation, fine rice noodles are briefly boiled, drained and rested. Billfish is cut across the grain into thin strips and seasoned with rice wine, white pepper and oil. Garlic greens and chopped preserved vegetables are briefly fried, then noodle cooking water, ginger, noodles and stock are added. The fish goes into the boiling broth near the end, followed by fried shallots, scallion and celery.
Broth, aromatic greens and preserved vegetables vary by stall. The name qiyu refers broadly to billfish in this context and does not guarantee a particular species. Some bowls emphasize fish and clear broth; others include more fried shallots and vegetables.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Taiwan.
About this regional connection
Taiwan: Taiwanese chef night-market recipe and Taiwanese ingredient wording.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有旗鱼米粉吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A Taiwanese bowl built around fish and fine noodles
Qiyu mifen brings together fine rice noodles, tender fish and a fragrant broth. Ginger, celery, garlic greens and fried shallots give the bowl its aroma, while adding the fish late helps keep it tender. Preparations differ between cooks, from simple fish-forward bowls to versions with more vegetables and seasonings.