Tamsui Cultural A-Gei Introduction
A-ge originates from the Japanese term "油揚あげ (abura a ge)," which means "fried tofu skin." Located near Tamsui University on Wenhua Street, "Wenhua A-ge" is renowned for its genuine ingredients such as fish paste, vermicelli, and fried tofu, which are combined to create a unique flavor that frequently attracts numerous celebrities and artists, boosting the restaurant’s popularity. Every day around three o'clock in the morning, the owner begins to hand-cut the fried tofu, filling it with vermicelli stir-fried with soy sauce, scallions, and spices. Then, he fills the opening with fresh fish paste before steaming them in a pot. The chewy fried tofu, vermicelli, and fish paste create an extraordinary texture. The usual way to enjoy it is to scoop out the vermicelli from the fried tofu, allowing it to soak up the owner's special sauce, resulting in a distinctly delicious flavor, often paired with a bowl of fish ball soup, which is captivating. On holidays, long lines are common outside the restaurant.
