TWN: Yong Kang Beef Noodle

Huge, yummy beef meat and tendons!

September is here, and that means two things. Firstly, I should start hunting for mooncakes, and secondly, my birthday is coming soon! Anyway, this shall be the last review of the series of eateries in Taipei for now. Heralded as the eatery serving the best beef noodle soup in Taipei, Yong Kang Beef Noodle has been thriving in business since 1963.

To kick start the meal, I ordered just one side dish near the entrance. My choice for the day was...

Cold Cucumber Slices NT$40.00 (~S$1.70)

Taste: 8/10

I enjoyed the cold and crunchy cucumber slices which had been drenched in vinegar with adequate amount of sugar added into it. Topped with slices of chili for added colour and taste, the lustrous cucumber slices also came with a bit of gelatinous white cubes of an unknown nature.

Steamed Pork Ribs NT$100.00 (~S$4.25)

Taste: 8/10

Coated with grainy rice concoction were pork ribs which had been marinated with Sichuan peppers, onions, garlic and soy sauce. They were pretty tasty, but unfortunately pretty much lacking in juiciness. Resting at the bottom were sweet potatoes which really had that angelic sweetness I was looking for. Pika's advice: If you're a big fan of pork intestines, order a similar dish with the pork ribs replaced.

Spicy Steamed Dumplings NT$100.00 (~S$4.25)

Taste: 8.5/10

Topped with aromatic spring onions were juicy pork dumplings which skin was smooth. The sauce was a pleasant surprise: a blend of chili and peanut sauce which was truly creamy and not overly numbing. Yes, unmistakably Sichuanese!

Stewed Beef Noodle (Large) NT$200.00 (~S$4.25)

Taste: 8.5/10

Even now, I really enjoy looking at the picture of the chunks of beef muscles which happened to be remarkably tender that day. The noodle was pretty springy without being soggy, swimming in clear broth which I thought could be a bit sweeter.

Spicy Beef Tendon Noodle (Large) NT$240.00 (~S$4.25)

Taste: 7/10

For the spicy version, I tried the tendons. Boy, they were huge, gelatinous and enjoyably chewy. However, I have to say that the soup wasn't really executed well. While it was pretty aromatic, thanks to the black beans, its spiciness somewhat overshadowed the other flavours.

Chili, oil and pickled vegetables are ever-ready on each table!

Melon's Rating

Taste: 8/10

Ambience: 4.5/10
Service: 7/10
Overall: 6.5/10

It was raining that day. Thankfully, the queue wasn't long at all. After this, we shall move on to the eateries in Japan! Stay tuned! :)

Yong Kang Beef Noodle

Jinshan S. Road Sec. 2

#17, Lane 31

Taipei

Taiwan

(Daily: 11.00am - 9.30pm)

*Prices quoted are nett prices.

Have a nice meal,

Cliff(y)