"Red Beef Soup" Spotted in Tainan – A Legendary Delicacy Known Only to Locals

Reported and photographed by You T-Ru / Tainan

Starting the day with a bowl of beef soup in Tainan seems to be the general public’s basic impression of the city’s culinary scene. However, among the hundreds of beef soup shops, each has its own unique cooking and serving methods. So, what kind of beef soup is the most creative and delicious? The "Red Beef Soup" shop in Anping, where the broth and fresh meat turn redder the longer they’re cooked, might be worth a try.


▲The incredibly eye-catching red broth is the signature dish of Zhu-Zai Beef Soup.

Semi-cooked beef scooped from the soup still carries a faint pink hue—the wonderful pink color that comes from quickly blanching fresh beef in hot broth. But the "red" in the "Red Beef Soup" sold at this establishment, Zhu-Zai Beef Soup, is not about that. The entire pot of bright red meat soup is served right in the large pot in front of the stall—not just the broth, but even the tender, slow-cooked beef scooped from the soup is completely crimson.


▲Zhu-Zai Beef Soup has been in business for over 60 years, with a very simple and unpretentious storefront.


▲Two large pots simmering beef soup, with their thick, murky red appearance looking especially striking.

"Don’t be scared—it’s just the color of red yeast!" the cheerful voice of the owner’s wife snapped me out of my groggy morning state. Taking a closer sniff of the meat soup at the stall, there was indeed a faint aroma of red yeast, along with a tangy scent wafting through the air. The thick, murky red soup looked intriguing.

This "Zhu-Zai Beef Soup" in Anping has been open for over 60 years and is a beloved premium beef soup among many longtime Tainan residents. Originally located at the city’s Da Cai Market, the current operators are the second-generation owners. Even after relocating, the old shop’s original broth flavor has been fully preserved. Meanwhile, its signature red yeast beef thick soup has also become the pioneer of using red yeast as a seasoning in cooking.


▲Freshly butchered beef displayed at the stall.

 
▲The beef soup is simmered with ingredients such as beef bones and pineapple, resulting in a particularly refreshing and sweet taste.

Scooping the beef from the bright red bowl of soup that’s served, the starch-coated fresh beef is tender yet slightly chewy—completely different from regular beef soup. In addition to the meaty aroma, the red soup also carries a savory yet tangy flavor that penetrates the palate. Sprinkles of shredded ginger and cilantro add even more richness and umami to the taste.

Aside from the red yeast beef thick soup, the regular beef soup at Zhu-Zai is also exceptional. Made primarily with beef bones, whole peeled onions, and pineapple, the broth is sweet with a fruity aroma and very refreshing. Paired with beef tripe and beef slices, plus a bowl of white rice, it makes for the perfect start to a Tainan morning.

[Zhu-Zai Beef Soup]
Address: No. 624, Anping Road, Tainan City
Phone: (06) 2410 201
Business Hours: 04:30–14:00