Taipei Famous Must Try - Tao Yuan Jie Beef Noodles

I have been to Taipei 3 times and all 3 times, I insist on making this noodles a part of my must-see-must-try itinerary. Each time I am in Taipei, I will have this for no less than 3 times. And on my last day, I must have this noodles as my last meal. I am seriously not exaggerating how good this noodles is. In fact, my boyfriend who didnt believe my love (and lust) for this noodles concluded at the end of the trip that this was his best meal (apart from Ah Zong Mian Xian, of course).

Looking at this picture again is making me salivate. Haha... The helping is generous and the beef, extremely tender and each bowl of noodles comes with chunks of beef. The soup comes in 2 types of broth - spicy and clear. I tried both and I personally prefer the spicy one. It is not really red hot fiery. You should give it a try if you can take abit of the spice. The soup is thick and delicious.

If you notice the green stuff at the side, it's actually something like pickles. It comes in a bowl on each table. You can add it if you like or you can do without it if you don't. I like mine with lotsa pickles. So that explains the huge mess of greenish stuff in the bowl. =)

The noodles come in one size and it cost NT$150. I am not sure if they charge you more if you ask for more noodles. I have heard other customers asking for more noodles. The shop also sells side-dishes like pork ribs, pig knuckles etc. My advice is if you are not really a big eater, just stick with the beef noodles. The rest are not really their specialty.

Now, to locate this hidden gem. This shop has no name and no signboard. To locate it will require some searching. Please note that I visited this place in 2005, 2007 and 2011/12. So far, the streets looked exactly the same. =)

The nearest train station is at Xi-Men-Ding. You should exit on the side of Party World (the multi story ktv complex) - EXIT 4. Walk into the streets towards Heng Yang Street (away from Ximending shopping area). You can cross the road to the opposite side if you wish.

As you walk, you will notice a bank on your left (I have crossed the road already when this photo was taken).

At this point, when you turn right, you should see this street:

 Walk into the street and you will spot the beef noodle shop:

Business is brisk. So don't expect to be able to sit around and chit chat. It's really just a dining area to satisfy the hunger (and craving) pangs. =)