With celebrity endorsements, these 3 humble snacks have gone viral

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Former President Ma Ying-jeou and his wife Christine Chow were recently spotted dining at Kaohsiung Yuanxiang Beef Noodles. Photos taken by the public went viral on LINE groups, and the restaurant’s popularity has since skyrocketed. In addition to Kaohsiung Yuanxiang Beef Noodles, two other eateries have also gained fame thanks to celebrity visits — Beitou Jinchunfa Beef Noodles, made popular by Chairman Terry Gou, and the Hakka handmade glutinous rice balls frequented by Hong Kong actor Shawn Yue, which have seen an even bigger surge in customers.

▲ The Ma couple enjoying beef noodles, captured by the public and sparking widespread discussion. (Photo / Reposted from Luo Zhiqiang’s Facebook)

Kaohsiung Yuanxiang Beef Noodles
Originally well-rated locally, Kaohsiung Yuanxiang Beef Noodles typically requires diners to wait over 10 minutes during regular meal times. But after Ma Ying-jeou’s visit, the number of visitors paying homage has increased significantly, and now the wait can be over 30 minutes. The noodle options include beef ramen, beef stir-fried noodles, beef shin ramen, beef shin stir-fried noodles, beef tendon ramen, beef tendon stir-fried noodles, pig trotter ramen, as well as common noodle shop offerings like shredded pork with pickled mustard greens noodles, soybean paste stir-fried noodles, sesame paste stir-fried noodles, and wonton noodles. Prices for beef noodle dishes range from NT$130 to NT$150, while other noodles are NT$70.

Address: No. 272-1, LinSen 1st Rd., Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07 235 7121

Hakka Handmade Glutinous Rice Balls
Hong Kong actor Shawn Yue recently shared his joy on Instagram, announcing his marriage to his Taiwanese model girlfriend, Evelyn Wang, whom he had been dating for a year. During a recent trip back to Taiwan, he posted a photo of himself buying desserts at the famous Hakka handmade glutinous rice ball shop on Liaoning Street. As the visit coincided with the approach of the Winter Solstice, the shop saw a huge increase in customers, with average wait times exceeding 30 minutes. The shop offers a variety of sweet treats such as tofu pudding, red bean soup, and glutinous rice balls, with over 20 different flavor combinations priced between NT$40 and NT$70.

Address: Opposite No. 69, Liaoning St., Taipei City
Phone: 02 2740 7515

▲ Terry Gou, chairman of Foxconn, dining at Beitou Jinchunfa Beef Noodles, drew crowds who asked to take photos with him. (Photo / Authorized by ETNEWS netizen, please do not repost arbitrarily.)

Jinchunfa Beef Noodles
Established in 1897, Jinchunfa Beef Noodles has a history of 120 years. This century-old shop is most famous for its signature clear-broth “Original Flavor Beef Noodles.” Though the broth appears light and simple, its taste is incredibly rich and delicious, truly a feast for the senses. In addition to beef noodles, the menu also includes stir-fried beef, stir-fried beef tripe, beef offal, beef ball soup, and more, all priced around NT$120.

Address: No. 169, Section 2, Zhongyang North Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2892-8072