Historic Steakhouse Catches Fire in Taipei

Reported by Wang Yujun and Liu Yuki in Social Center/Taipei

Former President Chen Shui-bian’s family’s favorite time-honored steakhouse, “Little Tongi,” suffered a devastating fire. The blaze, suspected to have been caused by a wiring fault at the entrance of Little Uni-President Steakhouse in Songshan District, sent thick smoke billowing out of the entire restaurant.

A large number of firefighters responded to the scene, but they were initially hesitant to break the windows due to the intensity of the fire. The time-honored steakhouse, which has been in business for over 70 years, was completely blackened by the fire.

FTV reporter Wang Yujun stated, “This time-honored steakhouse is one of the few old-school Taiwanese steakhouses in Taipei. However, it was destroyed by fire. You can see that the ground is full of broken glass and there are burning spots. It also makes the surrounding people very sad.”

Neighbors expressed their reluctance to part with the steakhouse, citing fond memories of dining there. The owner is expected to reopen the restaurant, but the interior decor is currently charred, and it will not be open for business in the short term.

Little Uni Steakhouse has been in business since the 1950s and is one of the strongest steakhouses in Taipei. Some netizens have named it as a must-eat place to visit in Taipei.

The steakhouse employee expressed shock and disappointment at the incident, saying, “How can this be?”

The fire has not only destroyed the steakhouse but also the memories of many people’s past.