-Origin of Beef noodles-
There are various theories about the origins of Taiwanese beef noodle soup. One version suggests that after the Nationalist government relocated to Taiwan, Air Force military families in the Gangshan military villages of Kaohsiung recreated the flavors of their Sichuan hometown. They made a spicy chili bean paste from local soybeans—known as Gangshan doubanjiang—and stewed it with star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and beef, giving rise to the braised beef noodle soup we know today. Another version claims that in the early years, U.S. military aid provided Taiwan with flour and canned beef. Retired soldiers used these ingredients to recreate the flavors of their hometown, leading to a unique style of beef noodle soup. The dish gradually spread north to Taipei. By the 1960s, Taoyuan Street in downtown Taipei was home to a cluster of braised beef noodle shops, becoming the city's most iconic destination for the dish. In 2005, the Taipei City Government launched the first Taipei Beef Noodle Festival, which propelled beef noodle soup into the culinary spotlight and cemented its status as a must-try dish for visitors to Taiwan.
Taiwanese beef noodle soup has developed into a distinctive dish with strong local characteristics.It is generally divided into two flavors: clear broth beef noodle soup and braised beef noodle soup. Clear broth beef noodle soup uses a base of broth, Sichuan peppercorns, and black pepper, resulting in a light and savory taste.Braised beef noodle soup, on the other hand, features a soup base made with doubanjiang (chili bean paste) and soy sauce, giving it a darker color. Red and white radishes are often added to bring out its natural sweetness. A sour-and-sweet version using tomatoes, known as tomato braised beef noodle soup, also has many fans.Most restaurants also offer pickled mustard greens for customers to add according to their personal preference. In recent years, the types of beef used have expanded from the basics like beef shank and short ribs to include steak cuts, and even wagyu beef.The variety of choices, from affordable to premium, highlights the diversity and innovation of Taiwanese beef noodle soup.
-Taste of Beef Noodle -
Beef Noodle Story
2005
The first Taipei Beef Noodle Festival was launched, becoming a key urban marketing event for the city.
2006
Officially renamed the Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival, with a strategic plan to bring Taipei’s beef noodles onto the global stage.
2007
The event extended to 2.5 months, fully promoting the beef noodle industry throughout Taipei.
2008
Hosted the first-ever International Invitational Tournament, inviting culinary masters from ten countries to compete.
2009
Introduced the Beef Noodle Pioneer Team, with undercover diners evaluating outstanding beef noodle restaurants.
2010
To celebrate the Republic of China’s centennial, launched the Centennial Commemorative Beef Noodle.
2011
Held the "Eight-Nation Alliance" Opening Culinary Show, further boosting international recognition of Taipei’s beef noodles.
2012
A record-high number of participants led to a major boost in sales for local beef noodle restaurants.
2013
Added the International Celebrity Chef Invitational, featuring ten chefs presenting global takes on beef noodles.
2014
Event attendance exceeded 150,000, with a new senior chef category introduced, showcasing elderly chefs’ culinary skills.
2015
At the Hong Kong Beef Noodle Festival, Taiwan’s beef noodles received rave reviews.
2016
Launched the Warm-hearted Beef Noodle campaign, leading public interest in charity efforts.
2017
Partnered with charity groups to promote Love Through Beef Noodles.
2018
Conducted a large-scale mystery diner evaluation, recognizing high-quality beef noodle restaurants.
2019
Food experts from Taiwan and abroad conducted comprehensive evaluations of Taipei beef noodles.
2020
For the first time, competitions were divided by broth type, with blind tastings to determine top restaurants.
2021
Held the first-ever online carnival, offering 1,000 bowls of “pandemic support” beef noodles to honor medical workers.
2022
Despite the pandemic, expanded the event into the Taipei International Beef Noodle Grand Awards, adding the well-received pre-packaged beef noodle category.
2023
The largest festival in a decade debuted, with the U.S. AIT Director showcasing culinary skills on-site.
2024
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival, launching short video contests and a "Travel with Beef Noodles" campaign.
