9148 Las Tunas Dr.
Temple City, CA 91780
Dai Ho Restaurant. Local Taiwanese expats and Chinese Americans pack this Temple City noodle joint every Saturday afternoon, most vying for a taste of the house specialty—a steaming bowl of “Beef Noodle Soup,” or Niu Ro Mien. As a popular Szechuan noodle dish, the spicy flavors of Niu Ro Mien have dominated the palates of Taiwanese locals for years. Composed of a mixture of chili paste, tomatoes and beef shank, the Niu Ro Mien broth serves up an aromatic combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The noodles are often served al-dente and topped with green onions, pickled mustard, and bok choy for extra flavor and garnish. Dai Ho Restaurant serves up a delicious version of Niu Ro Mien—one loaded with extra chili oil and garlic for a pungent and often scalding kick in the mouth.During college, a Taiwanese American friend and I would make a monthly pilgrimage to Temple City (no pun intended), in order to satisfy our relentless cravings for Dai Ho’s “Beef Noodle Soup.” Needless to say, we would always leave satisfied and happy, ready to spend the rest of the day watching USC football in a proverbial food coma. During this period, we also became familiar with the establishment’s infamous proprietor, known lovingly as the Chinese “Soup Nazi.” The “Soup Nazi” would often insist on certain dishes and spice levels for customers, no matter the protest, and also shamelessly point to the “NO READING NEWSPAPERS” sign for loitering patrons.
Other key dishes to try at Dai Ho include the “Tofu with Jalapenos and Cilantro,” and “Soy Sauce Eggs.” These side dishes serve as an excellent compliment to the often extreme spiciness of the Niu Ro Mien broth. For more simple fare, the establishment’s “Dan Dan Mien” offers a straightforward, yet delicious combination of noodles, peanut sauce, and chili oil.
In conclusion, Dai Ho offers some of the best Niu Ro Mien in Los Angeles. If you’re interested in trying a classic Szechuan Taiwanese dish, Dai Ho should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Although non-Asian patrons are rare here, you don’t have to be Chinese to slurp some noodles!
