In Taiwan, it’s rare to find a bowl of beef noodle soup that costs more than 200,000 VND. However, a restaurant in Taipei has attracted attention with its beef noodle soup priced at a whopping 8.4 million VND.
Niu Ba Ba beef noodle restaurant is located in Taipei’s Neihu District and is headed by chef Wang Cong-yuan. Before entering the restaurant business, Wang worked in construction for 27 years before opening Niu Ba Ba in 1990.
The menu offers eight beef noodle options: number 1 is the cheapest at 500 TWD (approximately 400,000 VND) and number 8 is the “Presidential Beef Noodle” that costs a staggering 10,000 TWD (around 8.4 million VND).
Diners are first served an assortment of appetizers, including peanuts, cabbage, and seaweed. Each appetizer is delicious, especially the peanuts.
The “Presidential Beef Noodle” features three distinct layers of broth made from six different types of broth. Each layer is crafted separately and meticulously extracted from bones, tendons, and beef shanks. It is then seasoned with soy sauce, rock sugar, five-spice powder, and other ingredients. Chef Wang strives to keep the flavors as natural as possible, letting the ingredients speak for themselves.
The presentation of the beef noodle soup is quite basic, except for the fact that it is served in a partially gold-plated bowl worth 600 TWD. Chef Wang recommends that diners start by tasting the first layer of broth with a spoon from the top. The first layer is delicious and tastes like high-quality beef broth. Then, following the chef’s advice, dip your spoon to the bottom to taste all three layers together—a flavor symphony that’s hard to describe. The beef flavor is so robust that it feels like it’s touching every corner of your mouth, yet it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
One of the highlights of this dish is the four different types of meat imported from Japan, Australia, the US, and Brazil. All of them are premium cuts, including Wagyu beef from Australia and Japan.
Each type of meat is prepared differently to ensure perfect cooking. Every slice of meat is cut with the grain and in specific shapes to maximize flavor. Then, Chef Wang employs a special technique, braising each piece for over three days, freezing them overnight, and completing the process in about a week. Each piece of meat melts in your mouth effortlessly. The beef absorbs the flavors and spices from Chef Wang’s braising technique.
When Niu Ba Ba first opened in 1990, success didn’t come immediately. Wang’s beef noodle soup didn’t quite hit the mark, and customers were not impressed. Things got so bad that his business partner withdrew just 11 days after opening.
Despite these setbacks, Wang remained determined and spent the next few years refining his recipe. “After three to five years, I felt that my beef noodles were quite good compared to other restaurants. But it took me 15 years to receive approval and recognition from others,” Wang shared.
And recognized he was—attracting customers like Michelin-starred French chef Jean-Michel Lorain, martial arts legend Jackie Chan, Oscar-winning director Ang Lee, and many other celebrities.
“The Alluring Beauty of Bun Bo Mo Noi: A Dish Fit for a Queen”
“Bun bo mo noi Co Nhu has become a favorite haunt for many, including beauty queen Thien An. Let’s delve into what makes this eatery so intriguing!”
The Ultimate Pho Experience: Is This the Saltiest Noodle Soup in Hanoi?
When it comes to renowned pho restaurants in Hanoi, Phở Mặn Gầm Cầu is undoubtedly a standout. Its name, which translates to “Salty Pho by the Bridge,” hints at the unique, robust flavors that have piqued the curiosity of diners and set this establishment apart.
Easy and Delicious Winter Recipes for a Cozy Night In
As the weather begins to cool down, why not get in the kitchen and prepare some hearty and delicious winter dishes? From beef in red wine sauce to braised fish and tomato sauce with tofu, these warm meals are sure to fill you with comfort and bring back fond memories. Making these treats is easy and worth it – so don’t wait to try them!
Check Out: 10 Yummiest Restaurants Around Da Lat Marketplace
The stunning city of Da Lat captivates visitors from near and far with its picturesque vistas and cool climate. But the city also offers irresistible cuisine that visitors won't want to miss out on! Dien May XANH has put together a list of ten must-visit places for food and drink. Keep reading to learn more!
