In Taiwan, beef noodle is a comfort food as common as Singapore's bak chor mee, it is so beloved at there that you can find it on almost every street corner and in every neighbourhood. Taiwanese people take their beef noodles so seriously that there is even a Taiwan International Beef Noodle competition held every year.
Taiwan beef noodles mainly consist of these 3 styles:
Red-braised broth style beef noodle (红烧牛肉面）： The most common style of beef noodles in the country. Characterized by its rich, savoury broth that is infused with a blend of aromatic spices, such as star anise, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorns. More for a heavy-taste person.
Clear-broth style beef noodle (清炖牛肉面): As the name suggests, This style of beef noodle soup is known for its clear and delicate broth, which is achieved by simmering the beef bones and meat for hours with just a few select ingredients such as ginger, scallions, and Chinese rice wine. The result is a light, refreshing, and delicately flavoured broth that is perfect for those who prefer a milder taste
Tomato-broth style beef noodle (番茄牛肉面): Simmered in a flavorful broth that is made by combining beef broth, fresh tomatoes, and a variety of spices and aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and star anise. The tomatoes add a unique tanginess to the broth while imparting a subtle sweetness that balances out the savoury flavours of the beef.
We will continue the review, below is the menu:
The Ordered List:
Braised Beef and Tendon Noodle Soup, Signature (NT230, SGD 10): This is their red-braised style beef noodle and I chose the Taiwanese ramen for the noodle. The chunks of beef were braised so flavourful with the mixture of spices and ingredients and the tenderness melts in your mouth.
Normally this style of beef noodles the broth is so rich and savoury it will feel jelat, however this was not the case for their beef noodle. The broth is still rich but not overpowering, there is sweetness in the broth achieving the right balance in it and making you slurp more without getting sick of it. It was a very heartwarming and full of sincerity broth that comes from the chef.
Clam Chicken Soup, Chef's recommendation (NT130, $5.70): This is the first time I tried this combination and I would say both compliments each other very well. The savoury comes from the chicken and the sweetness of the clams creates this balance yet tasty soup, also the ingredients were fresh and cooked to perfection. A must order too.
Snack Plate ( NTD70 for Small plate, SGD 3, NTD140 for Big plate, SGD 6): Ordered a small snack plate out of curiosity. It consists of the braises egg, dry tofu, beancurd and seaweed. It was not a bad plate just that it was nothing surprising.
Afterthoughts
Honestly, this is not my first choice of having beef noodles here, I planned to go to another famous beef noodle in Taiwan.
Gladly I found a gem in here, their braised style broth is unique and memorable combined with the tender chunks of beef and chewy noodles.
Also, the chicken clam soup is so comforting and calms the taste bud down after the beef noodles.
I am truly appreciated how the owner put his heart and soul into every food he makes. If I had the chance to come by again, I would try their clear-broth-style beef noodles!
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 forks.
Location:
Address: No. 15號, Lane 109, Section 3, Nanjing E Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Tips for going via Taipei MRT: Take the green or brown line to Nanjing Fuxing (南京復興) Station. Afterwards, go to Exit 1 and you will reach the shop in around 5 minutes of walking.
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