Taitung's Old Soldier Beef Noodles Have Been Fragrant for 25 Years, Free for the 80+

A beef noodle shop in Taitung's Taimali Township has been fragrant for over 25 years, attracting customers with its rich broth and unique flavor of freshly stir-fried sauerkraut. The owner proudly offers free noodles to elders aged 80 and above. Mr. Li Zongjun, who served in the military for 21 years, dedicated himself to culinary arts after retirement, insisting that beef is never kept overnight. He stated that his past salary came from taxpayers' money, and now he hopes to give back to the elders with a bowl of noodles. The shop displays a red banner reading 'Republic of China Army Academy Alumni Association,' reflecting its military connection. Li Zongjun, who used to repair electronic equipment in the army, worked in a Taipei restaurant after his discharge. His passion for cooking led him to start a beef noodle business. He tasted noodles at various shops in northern Taiwan and spent half a year perfecting his own recipe. He first opened a shop in Taipei before deciding to return to his hometown, settling in Taimali, where he has been selling noodles for over 25 years. "There are as many beef noodle shops in Taiwan as there are betel nut stands; the only difference is how well they are cooked," Li Zongjun said. He emphasized that every step, from blanching the beef and stir-frying the aromatics to simmering it in the pot, must be done meticulously. He also insists on not keeping beef overnight, believing it affects the meat's quality and texture, bluntly stating, "It's really unpalatable if it's kept overnight." A regular customer, Ms. Zhang, mentioned that her children live elsewhere, and it's usually just her and her husband at home. She frequents the shop because the beef noodles are delicious and reasonably priced, with tender and smooth beef. Another customer, Mr. Lin, praised the broth as rich and not greasy, the noodles as chewy, and added that the homemade pickled chili hearts further enhance the flavor.