Pingtung Food Guide | Niu Rou You: Fresh Beef Soup near Kenting
Located just 5 minutes from the Nanzhou Interchange on Highway No. 3, Niu Rou You (Beef Friend) is a mandatory pit stop when traveling between Kaohsiung and Kenting. It is also a place Gavin visits personally every month during his supply runs to Kaohsiung.
When people think of Taiwanese beef soup, they usually think of Tainan. However, Niu Rou You offers a completely different experience—a broth with a hint of herbal fragrance and natural sweetness. It’s distinct from the Tainan style but equally mesmerizing. We highly recommend making a stop here to taste it for yourself.
Parking & Transport
This spot is about an hour's drive from Kenting. There is a free parking lot behind the restaurant with about 20 spaces.
💡 Parking Tip:
Since it is very famous, the lot often fills up during meal times. If it's full, just circle around the nearby alleys or wait a moment. The turnover rate is very fast, so spots open up quickly.
How to Order
- Process: Pick up a menu ➔ Find a seat ➔ Write down table number & order ➔ Pay at the counter.
- Atmosphere: A classic, bustling Taiwanese eatery style. It seats over 100 people, so even if it looks full, you won't wait long.
Unless you plan to eat it immediately in your car. The fresh beef slices cook rapidly in the hot soup. Taking it to-go will result in overcooked, tough meat. Eat it fresh at the restaurant!
Gavin’s Pro Tip: The Trilogy
1. Soup Rice
Pour the soup into your bowl of white rice. The grains absorb the sweet broth—perfection!
2. The Soul Dip
Mix a generous amount of Minced Ginger + Sweet Chili Sauce. This is the local way.
3. Free Refill
Take your bowl to the window, and the lady will refill your soup stock for free.
⚠️ Crucial Timing: The beef slices are thicker here. Eat the meat immediately when served, or fish them out of the soup, otherwise, they will get tough. The soup also features Basil, a unique Pingtung touch.
Beyond the Soup: Must-Haves
- Beef Fried Noodles (Sha-Cha Beef):
We prefer this over the beef rice. The yellow noodles are stir-fried with Sha-Cha sauce over high heat, creating an incredible "Wok Hei" (breath of the wok) aroma. (Popular item, sells out early!) - Ginger Stir-fried Intestines (Gavin's Fav):
Strong acidity, perfectly chewy intestines, and full of flavor. This dish rivals many specialized stir-fry restaurants.
(Note: Their stir-fried vegetables tend to be slightly on the oily side.)
The Verdict
If you are a die-hard fan of the sweet Tainan-style beef soup, Niu Rou You's "Herbal + Basil" profile might take a moment to get used to. But if you, like Gavin, enjoy exploring new flavors, this place is a gem. It offers a unique direction for beef soup and serves as a delicious gateway to your Kenting vacation.
Shop Info
- Address: No. 66, Zhongzheng Rd., Xinpi Township, Pingtung
- Phone: 08-797-3137
- Hours: 07:30 - 15:30 (Breakfast & Lunch only)
- Closed: Irregular holidays (Check FB Page)
- Parking: Free lot in the back (~20 spaces)
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