Tainan Beef Soup is a mainstay in the south of the island, and Xiluodian is dedicated to serving it. Tainan beef soup is a dish that has captured the hearts of locals and travelers alike and can be seen regularly on the menu all across Tainan.
At this charming restaurant, you are invited to indulge in the sumptuous Tainan beef soup, meticulously prepared to perfection. Tender, thinly cut beef slices dance in a flavorsome broth that pays homage to the authentic recipe passed down through generations. Each spoonful is guaranteed to bring that wonderful beef flavour that we all know and love, with a slight sweetness that comes through from the slow-cooked broth in which it is served.
This restaurant (Xiluodian) is committed to preserving the essence of Tainan‘sculinary heritage in every hearty bowl of beef soup served. With a harmonious blend of flavors that reflect the city’s rich history, it’s an invitation to embark on a sensory journey that encapsulates the very essence of Tainan.
Xiluodian was relatively unknown to tourists until very recently when it was given a special accreditation by being featured in the Michelin guide, specifically the Bibi Gourmand section of that guide. Therefore, this should most certainly be on your list for when you go down to Tainan. In the Bibi Gourmand guide to Xiluodian it states:
The beef soup in this store is boiled with beef bones, sirloin, butter, onions and other ingredients, and it is paired with thinly sliced beef. The meat is tender and delicious, and the soup is delicious. When serving the table, the waiter will introduce the best way to eat, and attach a bowl of plain rice or rice with minced meat. It is recommended to pour a little rice wine to enhance the freshness. If you like spicy food, you may wish to dip in the store’s homemade chili sauce. Besides beef, beef brisket, beef liver or combination are also available for soup. There are three types of servings for soup and stir-fried dishes, which is very considerate.
By reading this article, it’s clear that you’re thinking about going down to Tainan (or maybe you’re even there – Hi to you guys!). You should absolutely check out some of my other posts about Tainan, as I really love it down there:
It is places like this that initially began my love and vision for Eating in Taipei
An excited Eating in Taipei writer
The Tainan beef soup menu at Xiluodian
The menu is split into 4 main sections, and comes in English, too!
Honestly, you're not going to go wrong if you tick everything on the menu, but I would specifically recommend the Beef soup as your first order, then work through the rest of the menu on consequent visits if you like it enough to come back.
The condiments
After you have placed your order, turn your hand to the condiments on your table. I like to dip my beef slices into a sesame and ginger concoction that is heavy on ginger. But, if you like it hot, then dig for that chilli! It's all personal preference here.
Tainan Beef Soup
It's what attracted you to this post, and it's beautiful! Slices upon slices of delicate raw beef are put into the bowl, then the beef soup is ceremoniously (I like to think of it as a ceremony, but in reality, they just ladle it on) spooned on top, cooking the beef in the process. It's not raw, it's not fully cooked, and it's an absolute Goldilocks moment - just right!
As for the rice - it's good! Is it good enough to eat without ordering the beef soup? No. But, then again, why would you even do that here?!
The stir-fried beef and vegetables are done really nicely with plenty of flavour. I would most definitely order both again.
I am here for the beef in every single way possible. In fact, I have already come up with a rule for future visits to Tainan - they must involve at least 1 bowl of Tainan Beef Soup here.
The bottom line
Is it worth it? Yes. No more needs to be said.
What is the must-order? The beef soup, without a doubt.
What will you try next time? Well, on top of my beef soup order, I will absolutely get some of the stomachs and also the tendon. How will I get it done? I'm not sure yet, but it will definitely be an order.
