A Niu Beef Soup

Review

A Niu Beef Soup sits at No. 250-3 Xiaodong Road in East District, not far from National Cheng Kung University, and its blue-and-white sign is easy to spot. Supertaste includes it among East District food picks and notes that customers are mostly locals rather than tourists, and that it fills up even on rainy days; there is also a second branch across the street, a sign of steady trade.

The shop uses fresh Taiwanese beef, which a blogger calls fairly tender. Besides the signature beef soup, the brisket soup has fans, and diners mention that the brisket and radish soup has well-stewed beef, soft radish and broth that is not too salty. The stir-fried beef with Chinese broccoli is the most-mentioned dish, crisp and not bitter with a satay aroma; the braised pork rice has a high fat ratio but does not feel greasy, and the stir-fried beef over rice is another popular choice.

Fans praise the tender beef, smooth broth and fair prices, and many regulars have been coming since their student days. On the downside, a blogger found things a bit oily overall, and one diner complained that staff answered questions coldly; service seems to depend on the moment, and accounts vary.

According to the shop listing, it opens daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving from breakfast through dinner, so a breakfast beef soup is possible. Meal times are busy, so avoid the noon rush. Xiaodong Road has heavy traffic and street parking is hit or miss; scooters or walking from the university are easier. Payment details are not clear in sources, so bring cash.

Good for students and office workers near the university who want an authentic bowl of beef soup, and for anyone avoiding tourist crowds. First-timers can order beef soup with braised pork rice, adding a plate of broccoli beef for two or more; those who prefer stewed textures can choose the brisket soup. Dip the beef in the sauce on the table with ginger shreds.