Jin Tu Chan Beef Soup

Review

Jin Tu Chan Beef Soup is on Pingsheng Road in Anping, not far from Anping Old Fort and Old Street, and is a local's pick for a breakfast bowl of beef soup. It appears in round-ups of Anping breakfast spots, opening at 4 a.m. and closing at 11 a.m., with Mondays and Tuesdays off, a different style from the big beef soup shops tourists know.

The broth leans light and refreshing with a natural sweetness, the beef slices are thin and tender, and you can also order beef soup with rice, where plain rice is soaked in the broth. Diners mention a menu split between beef soup and brisket soup, each in small, medium and large sizes, plus limited cuts such as beef cheek; rice is self-serve, and ginger strips and sauces are behind the counter.

Praise centers on the clean, non-greasy broth, fresh meat and a friendly owner, with diners saying they feel good afterward, and some overseas travelers make a point of getting up early for it. Complaints are mostly that limited cuts sell out quickly so late arrivals get only the basics, and that the broth is mild, which may feel plain to those who like bold flavors.

The shop is small with few seats, a simple neighborhood setup. It only opens from early morning to late morning, so arrive before 7 a.m., and even earlier for beef cheek. The area is residential lanes, so look for street parking or come by scooter; sources do not mention payment options, so cash is the safer bet.

It suits early risers, travelers staying in Anping who want an authentic breakfast, and beef soup fans hoping to avoid crowds at famous shops. Order beef soup with a bowl of rice, or go straight for beef soup with rice; if you can, add a limited cut and season it yourself with ginger and sauces.