Can't resist visiting again: Q-textured ramen with perfectly spicy beef noodles

Text and photos by /kuni

(Rarely do I rush back for spicy beef noodles)

With so many opportunities to dine out, I rarely revisit the same restaurant. Old Zhou Beef Noodles is not just an exception — it’s the exception to the exception.

In the afternoon, passing by Yian Road, I saw two stalls in front of a noodle shop — pickled snacks on the left, beef noodles on the right. Without much thought, I walked in. In addition to beef noodles (NT$120), I got ten dumplings, then went back to the front to pick some pickled items.

(The entrance of Old Zhou Beef Noodles)

(The pickled snack stall)

The pickled flavors here are clean and refreshing. The cold mixed white fungus was a rare find — sweet and tangy with a pleasant mouthfeel. The beef tripe caught my eye in the glass display case and made a good impression. It was nicely prepared, and though not sliced on the bias as I prefer, it had just the right tenderness and chew.

(Seaweed sprouts)

(Rare cold-mixed white fungus)

(Other pickled items including beef tripe)

(Dumplings)

The dumplings were just average today — the wrappers were unremarkable and uneven in thickness. The pork version had a prominent ginger flavor, which was a bright spot. But the beef noodles? I unexpectedly loved them — very, very much. The braised soup base was simple without being fussy, and the chili oil was just right.

I chose ramen noodles, which had a unique texture. They were cooked a bit soft but didn’t turn mushy even after a long time. They maintained excellent Q texture and elasticity from start to finish — that was something special.

The rib strips weren’t melt-in-your-mouth tender, nor were they overly lean and tough. They still had some marbling, which made them delicious. I finished the flavorful broth in no time, and just as I was about to get up, I glanced at the wall and noticed the warning sign: "Add beef soup for NT$20."

(Spicy beef noodles)

(The rib strips weren’t ultra-tender, but still tasty)

(I only noticed after finishing the soup)

After finishing the meal and paying the bill, I left with great satisfaction. Just a few days later, I obediently came back for a second bowl, naturally ordering another plate of beef tripe.

(Revisited: cold pickled cucumber)

(Another plate of beef tripe)

(The beef noodles were still delicious)

Old Zhou Beef Noodles
Address: No. 139, Yian Road, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City
Phone: (02)2941-8523 0916-808398
Business Hours: 11:30–22:00
 

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