Yongkang Beef Noodles — Restaurant in Da'an District

Famous, but overpriced.

This is how a Taiwanese Uber driver classified Yongkang Beef Noodles and I have no clue if what he’s saying is true or not.

First, let’s get to what I personally know. After a flight, their Spicy Beef Noodles is probably my go-to “welcome (back) to Taiwan” dish. Pretty good taste and generous serving of beef and noodles. Spice level was just right by my own tastes. I’ve had spicier noodles which have taken the joy out of eating as I am in such a poor state - profusely sweating and fighting for dear life from the burn.

Second, drinks are self-service. Get up and open the fridge door and grab yourself a drink. Sides are located near the entrance. You also have to stand up and point to what you want.

Third, servers will walk up to you while eating and tally your bill on a pink slip of paper. After you’re done eating, you take this pink slip to the man behind the cash register.

Now back to that Taiwanese Uber driver. They say ignorance is bliss so when he told me that locals eat something similar, but priced lesser than Yongkang’s, I quickly wanted to find out where those beef noodles could be found.

For a tourist, most of the time, cost is of no moment. Since you’re in vacation mode, might as well go and spend a few extra dollars to get the experience you’ve seen on social media a million times over.

Definitely...

🕜 queing time: we arrived at around 13:30PM on a Saturday, there was a que outside but we didn't have to wait long at all (maybe 3-5 min).

🧾 Ordering was quick and efficient, you get a picture menu and if you can't speak/ read Chinese the staff will help you fill in the order form. The waiters are busy so they just do everything quickly but I found them to be nice and just doing their job.

🍜 We ordered a large beef noodle to share with 2 people but it was very big! So if you just want to have a taste and try other dishes I recommend getting the normal size and share, as it would probably be enough for two to try. We also ordered the spicy dumplings which I found tasty! And don't worry the spicyness is not very high. Then we had a vegetable side dish, but you can just choose and pick them out yourself if you want!

💰 We paid 500TWD for everything. Yes the price is a bit higher than other places but you're eating at a Micheline guided restaurant and have a lot of people coming all the time so ofcourse they will charge more. Do I think it's worth the value? I think for tourist it's fine because this place is a solid options and you know you'll get good beef noodle (and other dishes) without having to search long, hard, try different places with your precious...

Super popular with a queue that moves fast. Food quality is excellent with many who know beef noodle better than me saying it’s near perfection. I very much enjoyed the non spicy option. It was light yet flavorful and a most generous portion. The beef was extremely tender and tasty and the noodle was lovely, wonderful texture and simple clean flavor. I could not finish my portion.

You won’t wait but minutes after ordering. Be sure to help yourself to the side plates and accompaniments at the door if your so inclined. Don’t be afraid to try if you don’t speak English. The menus are in English and Chinese and though the staff are busy and no one is making time for small talk, they will be accommodating.

This is not a place to go for service. It’s not a service establishment. Its not a coffee shop. It’s a noodle shop with a line at the door ... people waiting to be served and a staff eager to serve them. If you want a place to be catered to, enjoy your noodle and then move to the wonderful tea shop next door, Thé Beauté. They will pamper you to your hearts desire.

Yong-Kang is very clean (during my visit) and if beef noodle is your thing and you’re in this district it’s definitely worth the visit. So is the tea...