The Tidufu Beef Noodle Shop, Open Only Three Days a Week, Still Draws Endless Crowds

▲Tidufu Beef Noodles

Reported and photographed by intern reporter Xiao Yunqiao / Taichung

Beef noodles are a common dish in Taiwan, and many tourists from abroad also try them when visiting. And theTidufu Beef Noodle Shop in Dali District, Taichung Cityis only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Even so, it still attracts many regular customers and visitors who come specifically for its tender and flavorful beef noodles.

The Tidufu Beef Noodle Shop in Dali District, Taichung City, was opened by an elderly couple in their 70s after retirement, and they also have a branch at Taiyuan Railway Station. Regarding the origin of the shop’s name, ownerFu Zhiyi explained that his ancestors once held the position of tidu (military governor) during the Qing Dynasty, which is why he named the shop Tidufu.Because there aren’t enough staff on weekdays, his children come to help on holidays, which is why the shop is only open then.


▲The shop only offers four types of noodles, and its signature braised beef noodles come in strong, regular, and light flavors. The owner even specifically notes on the menu that first-time customers can opt for the light flavor.

The noodles at Tidufu Beef Noodles are handmade, chewy and springy, while the beef is stewed until incredibly soft and melts in your mouth. Fu Zhiyi says the beef is made from premium chicken-heart meat, and the broth is seasoned with over 20 kinds of Chinese herbs including Sichuan peppercorn and star anise. When you drink the broth, you’ll notice its rich and spicy flavor, but it may taste a bit salty after a while. Staff say you can dilute it by adding more broth, but you must ask the owner in advance before eating—otherwise, he might get upset.

Owner Fu Zhiyi, an elderly man with a Shandong accent, says he dislikes customers who waste food or are impolite, as well as those who throw money on the table and leave. He will refuse such customers service.Fu Zhiyi laughs as he says many loyal customers have been patronizing since their student days and now bring their own kids, calling him “Grandpa.”


▲The walls of the shop are adorned with photos of the owner’s ancestors who served as officials, along with historical introductions and artifacts from the Qing Dynasty, including imperial edicts.

Shop Information
Address: No. 9, Section 1, Guoguang Road, Dali District, Taichung City
Phone: 04-24066800, 0910-057942
Business Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 11:00–14:30, 17:00–20:30


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