2025 Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival

Taiwanese people love beef noodles, so much so that even convenience stores sell instant beef noodles. It's said that after the Kuomintang government came to Taiwan, air force families in Kaohsiung's Gangshan Village, imitating their hometown's Sichuan fermented bean paste, created a spicy Gangshan fermented bean paste from soybeans. They then simmered the broth with star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and beef, creating the braised beef noodle dish. Another theory is that the US military donated flour and canned beef to Taiwan, which veterans used to create their own take on beef noodles.

Taiwanese beef noodles have evolved into a distinctly Taiwanese delicacy, generally available in two flavors: clear-boiled beef noodles and braised beef noodles. The Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival, now in its 20th year, has become a key marketing initiative for Taipei City. We'd like to introduce the 2025 champion restaurants to our international customers. Don't forget to enjoy Taiwanese beef noodles when you visit Taiwan.

A total of 32 restaurants won medals in the competition, with the gold medals in the braised beef noodle category going to the Sheraton Taoyuan Hotel, the Belly Health Food Research Institute, and the Nighttime Beef Noodle King.

Gold 1 - Sheraton Taoyuan Hotel

The Sheraton Taoyuan Hotel won the gold medal in the braised beef noodle category in its first competition. Culinary Director Li Jiaqi explained that they developed the "Taoxi Fragrant Beef Noodles" in 2018 and have been constantly adjusting the flavor based on customer feedback each year to achieve the perfect finish. The chef explained that the seasonings and sauces used in each restaurant's braised beef noodles are similar, "If we can make the broth smoother and richer, we have a better chance of success."

Address: No. 777, Daguan Road, Dayuan District, Taoyuan City

Gold 2 - Dukang Food Research Institute

Located on Tianjin Street in Taipei City, Du Kang Food Research Institute is a Chinese restaurant renowned for its beef noodles. Evening dining is their most popular time of day, earning them a 4.81-star rating. Frequently requested dishes include their award-winning signature braised dishes, along with a variety of beef noodle flavors, such as braised, clear, and rich tomato, as well as a selection of mixed noodles and side dishes.

Address: No. 68, Tianjin Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City

Gold 3 - Late Night Beef Noodle King

Taiwan is so quirky. Because many night workers work, some restaurants stay open until the wee hours. This beef noodle shop has become a new hotspot for night owls since its opening. Not only is it open until 4 a.m., but its beef noodles are incredibly hearty, with a rich broth and tender meat that instantly warms the heart and stomach. Whether you're looking to sober up after a late-night hangover or simply craving something, stepping into "Late Night Beef Noodle King" feels like stepping back into old Taipei. The clash of vintage tilework and wooden walls creates a uniquely Taiwanese atmosphere. The large plaque emblazoned with the words "Life Hangs on One Side" is incredibly eye-catching. Combined with soft lighting, the restaurant creates a nostalgic yet modern feel. The small space boasts a relaxing charm.

The signature "Signature Three Treasures - Xiaohun Beef Noodles" is said to have been refined by the chef over 30 times to achieve the perfect proportions. Slow-cooked for 24 hours, the broth is rich but not greasy, with layers of aroma. Every sip is a gentle embrace. The beef is so tender it melts in your mouth with your chopsticks, and the delicious, gelatinous flavor is incredibly satisfying! Plus, you can choose the thickness of the noodles, so whether you prefer thick and chewy noodles or smooth and easy-to-eat thin noodles, this place has it all!

Address: No. 4, Lane 74, Section 2, Anhe Road, Da'an District, Taipei City

Address: No. 4, Lane 74, Section 2, Anhe Road, Da'an District, Taipei City

The gold medal winners for "Braised Beef Noodles" are: Hao-shi-yuan-muan and Jun Master Beef Noodles

Gold 1 - Hao-shi-yuan-muan (Good things come true)

"Hao-shi-yuan-muan" Braised Beef Noodles is a room temperature pre-cooked meal from Hao Shi Yuan Wan. This restaurant, the third generation of the time-honored "Jiu Wu Beef Noodles," won the "Braised" category in the pre-cooked meal category at the Beef Noodle Festival last year with its premium Double Treasure Braised Half Meat Half Tripe Beef Noodles. This year, they took home gold. Their signature broth is made from slow-cooked, pressure-simmered beef bones and vegetables. It's paired with chunks of beef shank and white radish for a refreshingly sweet, non-greasy flavor. It comes with handmade Guanmiao noodles. Interested customers can order online.

Gold 2 - Master Jun Beef Noodles

Master Jun Beef Noodles is actually another brand of the famous Taipei BBQ restaurant "Uncle Shawn." Master Jun Beef Noodles is a perennial winner at beef noodle festivals, having first won the braised category at the 2020 Taipei Beef Noodle International Competition. Many serious foodies consider it Taipei's best braised beef noodles. If you're traveling with international friends, you can ask for menus in English, Japanese, and Korean. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

Some gourmets prefer their garlic clam chicken noodles.

1st Floor, No. 24, Lane 52, Section 1, Da'an Road, Da'an District, Taipei City