Even foreigners love this Taiwanese flavor: Sichuan-style beef noodles that have been delighting Taipei for sixty years

Text & Photos /Food Craving, Captured Moments

There are truly a lot of beef noodle shops in Taiwan, and there are quite a few named "Lao Zhang Beef Noodles." It seems that "Lao Zhang" has another identity as beef noodles too. Because in 2016, I once came across a report introducing some of the top-ranked beef noodle shops in Taipei, which included Lin Dongfang, Yongkang Beef Noodles, and also Lao Zhang Beef Noodles.

Since we quite often eat beef noodles, we went in with anticipation and curiosity, trying out these three well-known beef noodle shops. Today, I’m introducing "Sichuan-style Lao Zhang Beef Noodles," because it’s one that my food-craving husband occasionally says he wants to go back to. The photos in this article were taken over several visits too.

Since my husband loves beef noodles, upon seeing an introduction to famous beef noodle shops in the north, we wondered just how good they could be—we were actually just craving a taste. In 2016, we tried out Lin Dongfang, Yongkang, and Lao Zhang. After that, we went back to Lin Dongfang once more, but the crowds were just too overwhelming, so we rarely thought of it afterward.

But "Lao Zhang" is the one whose flavor makes us occasionally miss it and go back. Though business is pretty good there too, compared to Lin Dongfang and Yongkang, at least on the several times we’ve gone, we never had to wait very long.

Lao Zhang Beef Noodles was established in 1958, which means it's almost sixty years old now. For a beef noodle shop to remain fragrant and standing strong for six decades, it must have something truly special. According to their official website, in 2006, Lao Zhang Beef Noodles even won first place in the "Taipei Beef Noodles Festival." Later, during our several visits, we always saw foreign customers—it turns out even foreigners love this Taiwanese flavor too.

Lao Zhang Beef Noodles offers both small and large bowls, and there are actual bowl size displays on the side counter, so you can clearly see and quickly choose. However, I always get the small bowl when I come, so I’m not sure how much bigger the large one is.

Side dishes are self-service, 50 NT per plate. Every time we go, we get eggplant. Aside from the fact that we love eggplant, Lao Zhang’s eggplant isn’t overly seasoned—just a bit of savory sauce that gives it flavor, and the taste is relatively light. So we also drizzle their chili oil on it—it’s not spicy but very fragrant, making it a great appetizer.

Steamed Pork Ribs – 120 NTThis steamed pork ribs dish was what I ordered the first time I visited Lao Zhang in 2016. The first time I went to Yongkang, I also had steamed pork ribs. I remember Yongkang’s version better, and for me, Lao Zhang’s steamed pork ribs were just okay, so I never ordered them again on subsequent visits.

Stir-fried Pig Liver – 110 NTI always get stir-fried pig liver at stir-fry restaurants, and I didn’t expect a beef noodle shop to have it too. But I still prefer the version from stir-fry joints.

Tendon & Meat Noodles (Small) – 240 NT

Spicy Beef Noodles (Small) – 220 NTAs the names suggest, Tendon & Meat Noodles contain beef with both tendons and meat, while the Spicy Beef Noodles feature big chunks of tendon-free beef. Each small bowl comes with about five or six decent-sized pieces of beef.

Lao Zhang’s noodles are thin, chewy without being mushy, and have a nice bite to them—which suits my taste. I don’t like noodles that are too soft, and I prefer thinner ones.

My food-craving husband says he likes Lao Zhang’s beef noodles because the beef portions are big—you really get to chomp down on meat, which is satisfying. Haha, how much does he love meat?! Whether it’s tendon or meat, Lao Zhang’s beef is tender and flavorful. The rich aroma of the broth hits you as soon as it’s served, yet the taste is light and not overly thick. Although it’s called Sichuan-style beef noodles, I ordered the spicy version, but it wasn’t spicy—it was the kind of beef broth flavor I like. Some beef broths are thicker and heavier, which I don’t prefer. On the other hand, those who love bold and spicy flavors might not necessarily enjoy Lao Zhang’s. I like a bit of spice, so I add some chili sauce myself.

There are indeed many beef noodle shops all over the streets and alleys of Taiwan. Beef noodles can be considered a common home-style dish in Taiwan. But personally, I feel that whether it’s Lao Zhang Beef Noodles or Yongkang Beef Noodles, they’re quite different from the beef noodles you get at the noodle shops near your neighborhood. Order a bowl of beef noodles with a few side dishes, and the total will definitely differ from what you’d pay at a local alleyway spot. But it’s still acceptable to indulge in a famous beef noodle shop once in a while.

Sichuan-style Lao Zhang Beef Noodles
Address: No. 105, Aiguo East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City (at the intersection with Lishui Street)
Phone: 02-2396-0927
Business Hours: 11:00–15:50 / 17:00–21:00

Food Craving, Captured Moments
Navigating through the busy yet leisurely-paced life of Taipei residents.
Loves uncovering hidden culinary gems in the city, alleys, and right by your doorstep, and enjoys exploring places full of stories.
Blog, FB