When I was studying in Hsinchu, Duan Chunzhen Beef Noodle was the representative of high standards in my mind. Although the wait often exceeded 40 minutes, I felt that the bowl of beef noodles was truly worth the wait. Recently, I spotted this shop in Tainan's Little West Gate and took the opportunity to relive the experience.

This time, I ordered their classic half meat, half tendon beef noodle soup. The broth of the beef noodles was still as rich and spicy as ever, and the beef chunks were tender yet intact, paired perfectly with the chewy handmade noodles, making the whole bowl very satisfying. The beef tendon was also extremely soft and easy to chew. Their chili oil is still a highlight, fragrant and flavorful, although it might be a bit too strong for those who don’t eat spicy food.

However, the prices have indeed increased quite a bit since my student days, with a single order of beef noodles costing around 200 NT dollars, which isn’t cheap compared to current prices. But in terms of quality, it’s still worth treating myself once in a while.

Overall, the quality of Duan Chunzhen has remained quite good even after becoming a chain, especially the standards of the broth and chili oil are commendable. If you want to enjoy a bowl of high-quality braised beef noodles, this place is definitely worth recommending!