Taiwanese beef noodle soup facts for kids
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup in Taipei, Taiwan
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| Alternative names | Sichuan Beef Noodle Soup, California Beef Noodle Soup, Red Braised Beef Noodle, Roast Beef Brisket Noodle |
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| Type | Noodle soup |
| Course | Main course |
| Place of origin | Taiwan |
| Created by | Kuomintang veterans in Kaohsiung |
| Serving temperature | hot |
| Main ingredients | Beef, soy sauce, vegetables, Chinese noodles |
Taiwanese beef noodle soup (Chinese: 臺灣牛肉麵) is a very popular dish from Taiwan. It is a type of beef noodle soup. Sometimes, people in Taiwan call it "Sichuan beef noodle soup" (Chinese: 四川牛肉麵). This can be a bit confusing because the Sichuan region in China has its own beef noodle soups.
This tasty soup is made by cooking beef in a broth for a long time. Sometimes, chefs let the broth simmer for many hours, even over 24 hours! This makes the soup rich and full of flavor. Taiwanese beef noodle soup often comes with suan cai (which is like Chinese sauerkraut), green onions, and other vegetables. You can also find cold side dishes with it, like braised dried tofu or seaweed.
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The History of Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
This famous dish was created in Taiwan by soldiers who came from the Sichuan area of mainland China. They settled in Kaohsiung after a war. These soldiers started serving the soup in their villages.
How the Soup Became Popular
For a long time, many people in Taiwan did not eat beef. This was because cows were important for farm work. So, at first, only the soldiers and their families ate this soup. But over time, more and more people tried it and loved it. By the mid-1970s, the soup became very popular. It even helped people in Taiwan feel more comfortable eating beef. This also made it easier for them to enjoy other beef dishes, like hamburgers.
Different Kinds of Beef Noodle Soup
Taiwanese beef noodle soup is usually not as spicy as the original Sichuan versions. There are many different ways to make the broth. Some popular kinds include:
- Tomato beef noodle soup: This version has chunks of tomatoes in a rich, red broth.
- Herbal medicine beef noodle soup: This soup uses special herbs in the broth. It is usually served without suancai.
Where to Find Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
You can find Taiwanese beef noodle soup in many places. It is often served as a quick meal in Taiwan and mainland China.
Famous Beef Noodle Restaurants
In China, a big restaurant chain called Mr. Lee sells a dish called "California Beef Noodle Soup." In Taiwan, the largest fast-food chain for beef noodles is Mercuries Beef Noodle (sān shāng qiǎo fú).
A National Treasure
Many people think Taiwanese beef noodle soup is a national dish of Taiwan. Every year, the city of Taipei holds a special Beef Noodle Festival. During this festival, chefs and restaurants compete to see who makes the "best beef noodles in Taiwan." This shows how much people love this dish!
