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#musings: one month until "the future"

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Who else can't believe there's only one month until 2020? Growing up, the year 2020 honestly seemed like science fiction. It felt like such a far away time, where time travel, flying cars and "the future" existed. And now, we are less than 30 days away from "the future." What does that mean for us in the world that seems more unsure now than it did even 5 years ago.

Sometimes it feels frivolous to be talking just about food. And then sometimes it feels very important. Even 15 years later, there's still so much I discover about Taipei, about Taiwan, about Asia, about the world. There's still so many stories behind the dishes, flavors to figure out, chefs to champion to the world stage, cities to visit and restaurants to write about. Fifteen years later, Taipei is a very different city than the one I was finding my way into, but I am the same person but with a bigger map, a deeper well, a fuller belly.

I've drifted from this blog as more information has become available and more reliable - google maps and a flurry of bloggers, youtubers and instagrammers- but we seem to be rounding back to blogs and email lists as algorithms change and social media gets overwhelming and difficult to search. As we feel pressure to have perfect photos, captions, stories or laid out feeds! I miss the days when I could post what I was eating without worrying too much about it. Now all the eyes are there, and not here, it feels oddly satisfying to be imperfect on this old school platform.

But as I scroll through the last few years, SO many places are missing that should be on here. So many not-so-new cafes, restaurants, meals, trips, pop ups. If this blog is a collection of restaurants that have filled my days and years here, then it's missing a lot of pieces of the puzzle.

So making resolutions out loud early, going to post at least once a week, whether it's from my instagram (follow me there and comment! @hungryintaipei), my mailbox, thoughts about the Taipei food scene, or interesting news related somehow to Taipei, or food, or just something I want to share.

To the few of you guys still reading out there, thanks for following me all these years! We have so much to catch up on. xo

1:12AM 12/3/2019

news: TWO NEW DIN TAI FUNG COMING TO TAIPEI

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If you build it, they will come, seems to be the new motto for xiao long bao king, Din Tai Fung. Several people mentioned to me the past few months that they were building another huge Din Tai Fung *directly* across from their 3 story flagship original shop on Xinyi and Yong Kang Street. I finally spotted it yesterday! The new shop is not right across the street, but further down Xinyi Road.  Posting the above photo in my Instagram stories elicited a dozen excited replies asking where.

If you can’t wait for that one to open, you can wait in line for the newly opened one at A13 in Xinyi Taipei. Not sure the official name of the mall, but it’s the one next to the Apple Store, A11 and Le Meridien. I had a chance to walk around the mall, it just opened this week, there was an average of 60-90 minute wait. And that’s with two other DTFs in walking distance. The A13 DTF was smartly located on the first floor near the entrance visible to passerby’s and as soon as you enter the mall and has two floors. 



Someone asked me recently about why Taiwanese food seems to be making a wave now in the US, or at least being recognized by mainstream media with articles in NY Times, Eater and npr about restaurants like Pine and Crane, Joy on the west coast and 886, Ho Foods, Braised Shop, Zai Lai and Win Son. Not to mention recent number 1 on LA Times 101 Best Restaurants list, Kato, helmed by Taiwanese American chef Jon Yao. And boba shops and Boba Guys. 

But the increasing interest and love for Taiwanese food?  I think the proliferation of Din Tai Fung’s in LA and the US (and Portland and London!) definitely plays a part in people willing to line up for hours and  pay up for consistency and deliciousness. I mean, we can’t even get enough of them in Taipei! 

New Taipei Din Tai Fung 2019/2020

DIN TAI FUNG A13
No. 58, Songren Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 110

DIN TAI FUNG Xinsheng
No. 271 Xinyi Road, Sec. 2
(Couldn’t find the address yet on google maps, but it’s next to this hotel address)


mexican: i strongly recommend EL SABROSO

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No. 107-1, Tingzhou Road, Section 3, Zhongzheng District
(02) 2368-9599

MRT: Taipower Building

Hours: 11AM - 2PM ; 5PM -9PM, Closed Mondays 

$-$$ (under NT$250 per person) cash only 

Kid friendliness: very small shop with counter seating or sidewalk seating only. non-spicy items if your kids don't eat spicy. 

Visit reviewed: 6/12/2018 & 2/5/2020


Sometimes I get asked about "where to find tacos in Taipei" or "where to find the best Mexican food in Taipei" which is understandable since that is one of the first things you end up craving when you have been in Asia a long time. So the last few years, my answer has been El Sabroso, a tiny shop that serves up burritos, quesadillas and nachos. And just in time for taco tuesday, El Sabroso serves tacos ONLY on Tuesdays.  



I actually passed by El Sabroso several times while they were building it because it's not far from Lan Jia Gua Bao and Chen San Ding brown sugar boba (RIP). So when I saw a few posts about it, I had to give it try. 

The colorful signage and murals outside the shop make it hard to miss, and a nice extension of the shop, since most of the seating is outside on the sidewalk. When you step inside the shop, the cashier is right at the front with menus and signage that is pretty well done for a mom and pop shop. The menu introduces the chef/owner Oscar, who is from Toluca Mexico and passionate about cooking Mexican food and bringing authentic flavors to Taipei. 


Every time I have gone, I've spied him there behind the counter in the kitchen. The reason why they only offer tacos on Tuesdays is because he makes all the corn and flour tortillas and meats/salsas in house, and it was mostly just him. It's also why you should expect to wait 10-15 minutes (at least) after ordering since the tortillas are pressed and griddled to order.  The first time I went, I waited about 30 minutes for 3 tacos, a burrito and nachos. Now I usually call ahead and pick up my order to go.


My usual order is the chicken tinga burrito with guacamole on the side. The chicken tinga is definitely spicy, but the pineapple salsa gives it a touch of sweetness to balance it. The burrito is a good size has mexican rice and lettuce and sour cream (which sometimes I ask for no sour cream).

I also enjoyed the tacos, but I was not a fan of the nachos. There's also carnitas (pork), asada (steak), pastor, ground beef, grilled chicken and a few salsas to choose from.

I would advise if you have your heart set on tacos, or a certain meat, then go early at lunch or dinner as things do run out sometimes, or call ahead to order/check, and know that they close in the afternoon and promptly at the end of lunch and dinner hours.


If you're looking for other places for Mexican food in Taipei, I like the fish tacos and chimichanga from Macho Tacos, the tacos from Town by Bryan Nagao. There's also Eddy's Cantina in Tianmu and Twinkeyz Tacos, both which I should revisit as I haven't been in years. Oh and maybe Teotihuacan which I should post about. I know there's also a few newer ones that I've been hearing about, any of you guys still reading have any recommendations? 


my kitchen: i strongly recommend FLOUR BAKERY BANANA BREAD

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Today I made pizza dough from scratch for the first time (thank you Mark Bittman). I don’t know why but for some reason I had been afraid of baking recipes that called for yeast and when I finally made my own focaccia last week I realized that instant yeast is my friend. 

So today after making pizza, the oven was still hot, I had a few very ripe bananas on the counter and coincidentally had creme fraiche in my fridge. So I’m glad I tried this popular banana bread recipe from my favorite Flour Bakery in Boston because it is AMAZING. Moist, caramelized crust and not too dense from whipping the eggs and sugar together first. Definitely worth the effort, though I moved the directions around a bit so that you can just use 1 mixing bowl.

Thank You Joanne Chang!!! I miss Flour Bakery, I want to try to make their breakfast sandwich next!! 

FLOUR BAKERY BANANA BREAD

Ingredients

  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • *1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar *(I reduced to 3/4 cup, I might use 1/2 cup next time)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • *3 1/2 bananas, very ripe, mashed *(I used 4)
  •  2 tablespoons creme fraiche or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • *2/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped *(I used whole pecans on top) 
  • *added a handful of chocolate chips)
  • *(I also added 1 teaspoon baking powder to get the top to rise higher)

Directions
Set oven to 350 degrees F (180C). Line the loaf pan with parchment paper.or butter generously 

Beat sugar and 2 eggs with a whisk until light and fluffy, about 10 minutes. Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup oil. Add mashed bananas, 2 tablespoons creme fraiche, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. 

Sift together the 1 2/3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 tsp salt. Fold in dry ingredients and nuts. Pour into a lined loaf pan and *stir in a handful of chocolate chips atop. Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until middle is set and top is golden

news: 2020 TAIPEI + TAICHUNG MICHELIN STARS ANNOUNCED

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[TAIPEI] ⭐️2020 Michelin Guide finally announced its Taipei & new Taichung stars, adding 4 new restaurants in Taipei and 4 in Taichung to the Michelin starred list, including new two stars for modern Singaporean JL Studio in Taichung and Logy in Taipei.

Street food lovers can look at the Taipei 54 bib gourmands and 170 restaurants featured at https://guide.michelin.com/tw/en/taipei-region/taipei/restaurants

Congrats to all the chefs and restaurants!!!

 Taipei Michelin 1 Star ⭐️ 
 -A Cut (new)
 -Danny’s Steakhouse
 -Da-Wan
 -Golden Formosa
 -Impromptu by Paul Lee
 -Ken Anho
 -L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
 -Longtail 
 -Ming Fu Taiwanese 明福
 -Molino de Urdanize (new) 
-Mountain & Sea House 山海樓
 -Mume 
 -Sushi Akira (new) 
-Sushi Nomura 鮨野村 
-Sushi Ryu 鮨隆 
-Three Coins 
 -Tien Hsiang Lo 天香樓 
-Ya Ge 雅閣 

Taichung Michelin 1 Star  ⭐️(new)
 -Fleur de Sel 
 -Forchetta 
 -Oretachi No Nikuya 

Taipei Michelin 2 Star ⭐️⭐️
 -Logy (new)
-RAW 
-Nihonryori RyuGin 龍吟
-Sushi Amamoto 鮨天本 
-Tairroir 態芮 
-Guest House 請客樓 

 Taichung Michelin 2 star ⭐️⭐️(new) 
-JL Studio 

Taipei Michelin 3 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️
 -Le Palais 

news: TAIWANESE AMERICAN CHEF AUSTIN HU

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Very sad news about chef Austin Hu who passed away suddenly yesterday. Taiwanese American Chef Austin was known for being a gifted and generous chef in Shanghai, but he was also one of the partners/ executive chef of Spot Taipei, which closed in 2018. Before the wave of current brunch spots opened, there weren’t a ton of choices in Taipei, and Spot was one of the few legit eateries where we could find delicious, hearty yet sophisticated New American dishes, like fried chicken waffle sandwiches, pancakes, breakfast tacos and Ferraro Rocher French toast. A great loss that will be felt by many.  



Remember the dishes from Spot Taipei 

Chef Austin Hu wrote reflected about mental health for chefs 

News from TimeOut Shanghai 

Chef Austin featured in the WSJ

burgers: BEST BURGERS IN TAIPEI

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A hungry girl’s list to burgers in taipei 

work in progress 


Are these the best burgers in Taipei in 2020? There’s quite a few new contenders that I haven’t tried yet, but these are the ones that I would go back today to go eat, and find myself routinely getting burgers to go. Bottless and Le Blanc are sit down restaurants with entire menus tempting you away from the burger, and you can add on foie gras or egg at Le Blanc. 


Burger and Co, JB Burger and Louis Burger are straightforward. great burgers with good ingredients, proportions and fries worth ordering. I also love the milkshake at Burger and Co, and the freshly cut fries at JB are the most like In N Out. And FYI, there’s nowhere to sit down at Louis Burger, but it’s very price friendly to reflect that. 


MY RECENT FAVORITES 

Bottless / Songshan 

Burger and Co / Daan 

Le Blanc / Daan 

JB burger / Daan 

Louis Burger / Tianmu 


I’VE TRIED IT, BUT I’M NOT A REGULAR 

Selfish Burger / Xinyi 

Awesome Burger  /Xinyi 

Burger Ray / Daan 

Morton’s / Xinyi 

KGB / Daan 

M One Cafe / Daan 

1885 / Songshan 

Bravo / Songshan 

Avenue / Daan 

Meat Up/ Ximen 


ON MY TO-EAT LIST 

Butcher by LanPengYou / Xinyi 

Big Al’s / Songshan 

Wagyu Burger / Daan 

Sheep and Pony / Daan 

Taihu Tasting Room / Daan 

Everywhere Burger Club / Daan 

Thefreen / Songshan + Xinyi + Zhongzheng 

BSB / Neihu 

Lovss burger / Wenshan 

Oldies Burger /Datong 


PLANT BASED BURGERS

Miss Green / Daan 

Ooh Cha Cha / Daan + Zhongzheng 

Wildwood / Xinyi 

Baganhood / Xinyi 

Little Tree Food / Daan 


CHAIN BURGERS 

Mos Burger 

Burger King 

The Diner 

Chili’s 

Gordon Biersch

TGIF


RIP / ONCE UPON A TIME IN TAIPEI 

Caliburger 

Punch burger 

Bing 

BLT burger 

Fanier Burger

Burger Fix

Burger Stop 

Manhattan Gold Burger 

California Grill

Forkers 

Haleakala

Bongos 


WHEN YOU DON’T WANT JUST A BURGER 

MOS BURGER -  rice burgers 

Peanut butter burger 

Veggie burger 

Foie gras burger 

Bone marrow burger 


Please add any of your favorites that I missed in the comments below! Until the next post, see you on instagram @hungryintaipei

news: 2020 ASIA'S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS

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As we gear up for the 2021 Asia's 50 Best announcement, I wanted to post a recap of the list last year. With most of the world wrecked by coronavirus, the restaurant and travel industry got hit hard. We've been incredibly fortunate in Taiwan, and was even able to have one of the few in person food events, with the International Chef Summit Asia last December. Though I haven't traveled outside of Taiwan, I've had a chance discover more restaurants in other cities. I don't know what this year's list will look like, but hopefully one day we can all travel safely again to our favorite restaurants across Asia. 

--

In March 2020, Asia’s 50 Best chefs were scheduled to celebrate together in Saga Prefecture in Japan, but it was changed to an online awards ceremony due to increased travel restrictions and safety precautions for coronavirus. 

Four restaurants from Taiwan earned a spot to the Asia's 50 Best - three in Taipei with Mume helmed by Chef Richie Lin at No. 18, RAW headed by Chef Andre Chiang and Alain Huang at No. 36 and chef Hieda Ryohei’s Shoun Ryugin at No. 43, and one in Taichung - JL Studio landing on the list for the first time at No. 26, with the modern Singaporean restaurant and chef Jimmy Lim honored the year before as Asia’s One to Watch in 2019. 

Here’s the full list for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020:

1. Odette — Singapore
2. The Chairman — Hong Kong 
3. Den — Tokyo
4. Belon — Hong Kong 
5. Burnt Ends — Singapore
6. Sühring — Bangkok
7. Florilège — Tokyo
8. Le Du — Bangkok
9. Narisawa — Tokyo
10. La Cime — Osaka, Japan
11. Les Amis — Singapore
12. Vea — Hong Kong
13. Indian Accent — New Delhi
14. Mingles — Seoul
15. Gaa — Bangkok
16. Sorn — Bangkok 
17. Il Ristorante Luca Fantin — Tokyo 
18. Mume — Taipei 
19. Neighborhood — Hong Kong
20. Fu He Hui — Shanghai
21. Jaan by Kirk Westaway — Singapore 
22. Wing Lei Palace — Macau 
23. Sichuan Moon — Macau 
24. Nihonryori RyuGin — Tokyo
25. Seventh Son — Hong Kong
26. JL Studio — Taichung, Taiwan 
27. TocToc — Seoul
28. Zen — Singapore
29. Sazenka— Tokyo
30. Ministry of Crab — Colombo, Sri Lanka
31. Amber — Hong Kong
32. 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana — Hong Kong 
33. Lung King Heen — Hong Kong
34. Hansikgonggan — Seoul
35. Ode — Tokyo
36. Raw — Taipei 
37. Locavore — Bali, Indonesia
38. Paste — Bangkok
39. Bo.Ian —  Bangkok
40. La Maison de La Nature Goh — Fukuoka, Japan
41. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet — Shanghai
42. Corner House — Singapore
43. Shoun RyuGin — Taipei 
44. Toyo Eatery — Manila
45. Bukhara — New Delhi
46. Sushi Saito — Tokyo
47. 80/20 — Bangkok
48. L’Effervescence — Tokyo
49. Inua — Tokyo
50. Nouri — Singapore


western: i still strongly recommend LAWRYS TAIPEI

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LAWRYS TAIPEI

at Bellavita, 6F
28 Songren Road, Xinyi District 
(02) 2729-8555

MRT: Taipei City Hall


hours: 11:30AM - 3PM; 5:30PM- 10PM

$$$
 
Kid friendliness: high chairs and kids meals available 

Visit reviewed: 3/2021 (this meal was comped but opinions are all my own)
previous visit: 11/2011 



Lawry's Taipei moved to Bellavita last fall, its third and newest home in Taipei since opening in 2002. The new space is brighter with floor to ceiling windows and makes for much better photos than its previous basement location, and you might even get a seat with a view of Taipei 101. 

When I posted on Instagram earlier this week, many followers exclaimed they didn't even know Lawry's existed in Taipei. It's true I hadn't posted about Lawry's for ten years even though I had been a loyal customer since 2007. It was hard to take an appetizing photo there, and the plate always looked consistently the same. 

In recent years, the competition for steak in Taipei has gotten fiercer. Just in the Xinyi District alone, there is Texas Roadhouse, Morton's and Smith and Wollensky (which all show up as related searches on google when you search for "Lawrys Taipei"), and that's not even mentioning places like Top Cap, Wildwood or Muchoyaki. 

But for prime rib... Lawry's is still the best. 

The spinning salad with extra cold fork. The creamed corn. The Yorkshire pudding. The creamy and original horseradish sauce. The Lawrys' seasoned pepper and salt. The huge silver cart with prime rib cut to order with au jus and scoops of mashed potato. All the ritual of the classic Lawry's experience is still the same even after all this time. 

I like to get the prime rib "a la carte" which still comes with bread and butter and salad. If you upgrade to the set, you get an appetizer, soup, salad and dessert, but usually that makes the meal longer and I just want to get to the prime rib. The 10 ounce Lawry's Cut (NT$2590) should be plenty for most people, but if you're really hungry you can go for the 16 ounce Diamond Cut (NT$3690) or pack leftovers for prime rib sandwiches the next day. There's also the California and English cuts (6-7.5 ounces) or the 5 ounce Taipei Cut available only during lunch, 

Don't forget to mention if it's your birthday or anniversary and get a souvenir photo to take home. They used to have polaroids but now it's printed from an iPhone. I wish it was still Polaroid, but you can't 'complain about a complimentary service. 

PS. Yay for birthdays- this post was typed up and photos uploaded from my new MacBook Air. 💝 Let's see if we can keep posts going in 2021. 




I love this salad. the dressing, the beets, the bits of egg and crispness of the romaine.







creamed corn and creamed spinach









street eats: I strongly recommend SPRING ONION PANCAKE VENDOR

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SPRING ONION PANCAKE VENDOR 
corner of Anhe Road, Sec. 1 and Lane 102


Kid friendliness: you will see a line of kids waiting their turn afterschool 

Visit reviewed: 3/2021


When ordering spring onion pancake from a street vendor in Taipei, you will have to make a series of decisions. First decide if you want a half sheet (NT$30) or whole sheet (NT$60), then decide with egg or without, then lastly with sauce or without and if you want it spicy or not. Don't take too long to put in your order, otherwise you might have to wait an extra 5-10 minutes if others put in their order first. 

This street vendor often has a gaggle of kids and parents patiently waiting while he griddles, flips and rolls out new batches of dough with his magic rolling pin. After he's done rolling the pancake flat, he pulls out thin wooden center to fold half of it over again, so when he has to lift it, he can just lift the whole thing rather than try to scrape it off, and stand the outside of the pin on its side so it doesn't roll away. Kind of genius. 

I love the spring onion pancake here because it's just the right amount of doughy, chewy, crispy and hey all those hungry kids spending their pocket change on their afternoon snack can't be wrong. 







tasting menu/bbq: I strongly recommend FIREPLAY TAIPEI

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FIREPLAY TAIPEI
No. 6號, Lane 128, Fuhua Road, Shilin District, Taipei 
台北市士林區福華路128巷6號

MRT: Zhishan 

website: Fireplay FB page

hours: 6PM - 12AM; closed Monday and Tuesday  

$$  (dinner tasting menu NT$2400 + 10%)

Visit reviewed: 3/2021 (I was invited, but opinions are my own.)










































taiwanese: I strongly recommend ZHENG PORK KNUCKLE

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ZHENG PORK KNUCKLE 鄭記豬腳飯
No. 22, Yanping S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist, Zhongzheng District
台北市中正區延平南路22號
(02) 2371-1366

MRT: Taipei Main Station   

hours: 11AM - 8PM

$  

Kid friendliness: sidewalk seat and limited indoor seats. bentos available to go

Visit reviewed: 4/2021


Opened for over 60 years, Zheng Pork Knuckle is a tiny neighborhood shop a few minutes walking distance from North Gate near Taipei Main Station. The must order dish is the braised pork knuckle bowl (NT$110), that comes over rice with a shiny stewed hard boiled egg, pickled mustard greens and veggies. The menu signage lists three main dishes to choose from- braised pork knuckle, dong po pork or milkfish, but I spied a lot of other side dishes you could add on like bamboo or intestines and a serve yourself bone broth. 

The pork knuckle is a sizeable piece and easy to eat since they deboned it. Slowly braised until tender, the thick pork skin is Q and velvety, more collagen than fat. I was surprised the sauce wasn’t sweet at all, but the flavor was still rich and perfect for scarfing down with rice. 

There was a short line since we got there after 1pm, but it moved quickly. There's a few shaded tables on the sidewalk and a few tables inside. Bento boxes are also available for takeaway. This post was so popular on Instagram, I had to throw up a post with the address for the next time I'm in the area. 

Thanks to my friend Lucie for taking me here. It's a stop on her historical walking tour, with tons of information about the Taipei Main Station area, what it was like almost 100 years ago and how it's changed. There seems to be a lot of recent renovations for the historical buildings in the area and I got to check out the recently reopened National Center of Photography and Images . There's a small coffee shop on the first floor if you're in the area. Loved these vintage typewriters spotted there. 








dessert: ARE BASQUE CHEESECAKES THE NEXT TREND IN TAIPEI?

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Are Basque cheesecakes in Taipei the next cinnamon rolls? 

A few years ago, you had to search pretty hard for your Cinnabon cravings in Taipei. Then Heritage Bakery and Fly's Kitchen lead the way and now it seems like there's at least 20 or more places offering up cinnamon rolls in Taipei. 

After I got these sent these cakes earlier this month, I started to notice Basque cheesecakes 巴斯克燒 乳酪蛋糕 starting to appear everywhere on my IG feed. I'm going to have to start taking notes to make a list. 

But until then, I recommend trying it from Town Taipei/A Fabules Day. The chocolate hazelnut one from Town (NT$1280 for 6 inch) is SO decadent and satisfying too if you're a chocolate lover. Chilled, it's like a Ferrero Rocher in cake form. The closest thing like it is the hazelnut cake from Amamoto Bros. The Basque cheesecake from A Fabules Day is NT$680/ 6 inch. These are small enough to order one of each and indulge in a slice of both. And yes, they are at the same address but on different floors. 

Going to try Town Taipei's latest spring menu later this week. Excited. 

TOWN TAIPEI 
No. 171, Xinyi Road, Section 2, 3F
02-2341-9777

A FABULES DAY 
No. 171, Xinyi Road, Section 2, 1F
 02-2341-5566








news: 5 TAIWAN RESTAURANTS NAMED 2021 ASIA's 50 BEST

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Five Restaurants in Taiwan named to Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list

Chefs across Asia celebrated together, but separately as the 2021 Asia's 50 Best Restaurants was announced in a virtual ceremony rather in an onsite awards celebration for the second year in a row. 

A record number of 5 restaurants repping Taiwan were named to Asia’s 50 Best, making us proud- Mume (15), RAW (21), new entry Logy (24), JL Studio in Taichung (26) and Shoun Ryugin (45). Team @logy.tw joins the list for the first time at #24 and chef Ryogo Tahara says “it’s a dream come true. It’s because of my team I can accomplish this goal.” 

Congrats also to Singaporean chef Angela Lai, named 2021 Asia’s Best pastry chef. You can currently try her desserts at two Michelin star restaurant Tairroir. 

I’ve been thinking about what it means that The Chairman is the first Chinese restaurant to be named number 1 restaurant in Asia, especially after a year where anti-Asian and anti-Chinese hate has risen around the world after a difficult year for everyone around the world. The world is a complicated place- and the gap between America where I grew up and Asia which is my home now has become so large. But to see the cross cultural camaraderie between the chefs, to witness their dreams come true, the recognition by #Asias50Best for many restaurants in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and more is a celebration for all the restaurants that have survived and strived to be places we hope to go to after we can safely travel again. It’s not a competition to see who can be best, rather it’s a way to push and lift each other up and forward, and that's what we will need to do after the pandemic. 

  1. THE CHAIRMAN, Hong Kong
  2. ODETTE, Singapore
  3. DEN, Japan
  4. LE DU, Thailand
  5. GAGGAN ANAND, Thailand - New Entry - Aspire Lifestyles Highest New Entry Award 2021
  6. SUHRING, Thailand
  7. FLORILEGE, Japan
  8. LA CIME, Japan
  9. NARISAWA, Japan
  10. MINGLES, South Korea 
  11. SORN, Thailand
  12. SAZENKA, Japan
  13. LES AMIS, Singapore
  14. BURNT ENDS, Singapore
  15. MUME, Taiwan 
  16. VEA, Hong Kong - Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award 2021
  17. NEIGHBORHOOD, Hong Kong
  18. INDIAN ACCENT, India
  19. L’EFFERVESCENCE, Japan - Beronia Highest Climber Award 2021
  20. NUSARA, Thailand - New Entry
  21. RAW, Taiwan
  22. FU HE HUI, China
  23. ZEN, Singapore
  24. LOGY, Taiwan - New Entry
  25. 25. BELON, Hong Kong
  26. JL STUDIO, Taiwan
  27. ODE, Japan
  28. CAPRICE, Hong Kong
  29. MINISTRY OF CRAB, Sri Lanka
  30. LA MAISON DE LA NATURE GOH, Japan
  31. CLOUDSTREET, Singapore – New Entry
  32. MASQUE, India
  33. 8 1/2 OTTO E MEZZO BOMBANA, Hong Kong
  34. 7TH DOOR, South Korea - New Entry
  35. NIHONRYORI RYUGIN, Japan
  36. BORN & BRED, South Korea – New Entry
  37. AMBER, Hong Kong
  38. TA VIE, Hong Kong
  39. ANAN SAIGON, Vietnam - New Entry
  40. LABYRINTH, Singapore - New Entry and Winner of Flor de Cana Sustainable Restaurant Award 2021
  41. EUPHORIA, Singapore – New Entry
  42. JAAN BY KIRK WESTAWAY, Singapore
  43. HANSIKGANGGAN, South Korea
  44. MONO, Hong Kong – New Entry
  45. SHOUN RYUGIN, Taiwan
  46. GAA, Thailand
  47. LUNG KING HEEN, Hong Kong
  48. SEVENTH SON, Hong Kong
  49. TOYO EATERY, Philippines
  50. WING LEI PALACE, Macau





american/brunch: I strongly recommend BOTTLESS brunch

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BOTTLESS 非瓶

No. 26-1, Qingcheng Street, Songshan District, Taipei 
(02) 2514-0089

MRT: Nanjing/Fuxing (Brown line) (3 minute walk)
website:  drinkbottless.com

hours: 11AM- 3PM; 5:30PM- 11PM

$$ 

Kid friendliness: many kid friendly dishes on the menu

Visit reviewed: April 2021/ December 2020


iceberg wedge salad 

Pork belly chilaquiles, iceberg wedge salads and giant cinnamon rolls- these are some of my must orders on the brunch menu at Bottless, the sister restaurant of Gen Creative. 



Opened over a year ago by the chefs at Gen Creative, Bottless offers two completely different menus for brunch or dinner, and most importantly to diners today, at sizable American portions at affordable prices. You won't find avocado toast or omelettes here- instead it's Korean American Chef Han Cho's heartier versions of American classics. 


Dinner is a completely different menu with appetizers, mains and desserts to share. I've only been to dinner here once when they first opened, I need to go back for dinner again! The name Bottless comes from their wine on tap concept and wanting customers to enjoy a glass of wine with their meal without the fuss. 




Broccoli and iceberg wedge salad

There are few salad options on the brunch menu. I'm a fan of their broccoli salad (NT$320) and like to get the tart dressing on the side. I love the toasted quinoa and pickled onions for the added crunch. The new iceberg wedge salad (NT$300) is a new favorite. I love how the dressing wasn't too heavy despite being creamy and I just just found myself going back for more. 



Pork belly chilaquiles 

The pork belly chilaquiles(NT$390) are My MUST ORDER dish here! it's like having nachos for brunch but fancier. the dragon corn is SUPER sweet and all the flavors just go together for the perfect bite. This was everyone's favorite at my recent visit which was everyone else's first visit. 





Grilled cheese and tomato soup

The grilled cheese and tomato soup (NT$350) was hard to share so not sure I got an accurate taste of this dish. I had 1/8 of the grilled cheese and dipped it in the tomato soup. But I LOVE tomato soup. I miss the version at Woollomoolooo, they stopped making it a few years ago. Sad face. 




Coconut curry chicken

And I was too full to enjoy this Coconut curry dish. (NT$420) With chicken, rice and slaw, this is a very complete dish for one person. 


Fried chicken and biscuits

Can't go wrong with fried chicken and biscuits (NT$380). The biscuits here are bit more dense and less fluffy and they are slightly sweet. 



Kaya French toast

Kaya French toast (NT$340)! The server gave us a heads up that we probably didn't need the additional syrup and he was right. The spongy French toast is new to the Bottless menu.


Other things to order- giant cinnamon roll, ice cream sandwiches 

I would also recommend ordering/saving room for their giant cinnamon roll (NT$260), but we didn't have room for it on this visit because it was my friend's birthday and there were a few birthday cakes already. But the cinnamon roll IS worth the calories. Other things I recommend trying from the brunch menu at Bottless are the ice cream sandwiches, the burger and the breakfast sandwich if it ever returns to the menu!

Advanced reservations recommended. 



 

BOTTLESS SPRING 2021 MENU



my kitchen: SUPER EASY YOGURT FLATBREAD

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Hands down, this has been my favorite recipe for a fast and easy snack or flatbread that goes with everything- hummus, olive oil, butter or even as a pizza base. I first saw it on thedeliciouslife's instagram and I had to try it. 

It's too good not to share- it doesn't need yeast or a long resting time and it's easily adaptable - lately I've been adding cheese, Italian seasoning and thinking of different ways to try it! I'm usually have my hands full of flour to take better photos, but you get the idea! Had to put it on the blog to share so now I have a link to send to friends I've been telling about this.


SUPER EASY YOGURT FLATBREAD

1 cup flour
1/2 cup plain or greek yogurt 
1.5 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt 

RECIPE
1. Stir together dry ingredients (1 cup flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder and 1 tsp salt) and then fold together with yogurt until it comes together. Make into a ball and cover and rest for 20 minutes. Depending on what kind of yogurt you use, if the dough is too sticky, then add a little flour so it's not too hard to ball up and roll out. 

2. Cut the ball into 4 balls and then roll out on floured surface, into circles or oval shapes. 

3. Oil the pan and griddle a few mintues until there are bubbles or browned on one side then flip. The thicker the flatbread, the longer it will take to cook through, so ideally roll it out thinner. 


NOTES
Lately, I've been adding garlic salt instead of regular salt or even adding some Italian seasoning. I've also tried it where I quartered the ball into 4 balls and then cooked one right away without resting. It's not as fluffy, it's more dense, but it's still tasty. I've also mixed in parmesan cheese or whatever cheese you have on hand and it's so good! Double the recipe if you have more people! 

TheDeliciousLife has a more detailed recipe and notes and lots of other great recipes- check her blog if you need more!
















modern/japanese: i recommend LOGY spring 2021

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LOGY
No. 6, Lane 109, Anhe Road, Sec. 1 

MRT: Xinyi/Anhe


website: logy.tw/reservation.html


hours: lunch: Thursday - Sunday 12:00 - 15:00 (Last order 12:30)
            Dinner: Wednesday - Sunday 17:30 - 19:30 (Last order 17:30)
                                                            
 19:30 - 22:30 (Last order 19:30)


$$$ (NT$3750 + 10% per tasting menu) 


Kid friendliness: logy's website says they only allow children 12 and above


Visit reviewed: April 2021
































my kitchen: EASY BOX BROWNIES FROM SCRATCH

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I’ve always thought it was too much work to make brownies from scratch because melting chocolate seemed like an extra step that could go wrong and add extra pots and bowls to wash. But after finding this recipe, I love how it skips all that, yet has the same chewy yet fudgy box brownies result. I usually use Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate box brownies, but after they were sold out at Costco, I went searching for a recipe and was so happy this one still gives you that crinkly, box brownie taste. 


EASY BOX BROWNIES FROM SCRATCH  

Recipe adapted from Love and Lemons

Recipe tested 🧡 11/2020 


INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup granulated sugar*
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 3/4 teaspoons sea salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (I use avocado oil)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS


1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F** Lightly spray an 8x8 baking dish 


2. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients- 1c sugar, 3/4 flour, 2/3 cocoa powder, 1/2 powdered sugar, 1/2 chocolate chips, and 3/4 tsp salt.


2. In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients- 2 eggs, 1/2 c olive oil, 2 Tbsp water, and 1/2 tsp vanilla.


3. Sprinkle the dry mix over the wet mix and stir until just combined.


4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. (I like to make mini brownie cupcakes then it’s easy to share and eat. Reduce time if you do that)


5. Bake for 40 to 48 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs attached. I prefer to undertake the brownies than to leave them in too long, as they will still continue to cook a little, and better gooey brownies than dry ones! 


NOTES

*I cut the sugar from 1.5 cups sugar to 1 cup granulated sugar. 
**The original recipe was 325F, but it was too low for me. 

burgers: i recommend MOTHER FLIPPIN BURGERS

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You cannot find it on Google maps or Instagram, but if you're lucky enough to be in delivery range, you can find it on Ubereats. This is the restaurant of the future, especially in Taipei- ghost kitchens that don't have to worry about servers, decor or space- just the food (and having enough delivery drivers to go around.) 

Tried this new burger in Taipei, Mother Flippin Burgers, last week- double patty, smashed, dripping with cheese and sauce over lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions- this burger is not for those wearing white shirts or afraid of a mess. 

Paired with all the fun fried sides (waffle fries, tater tots, onion rings, bbq wings, mozzarella sticks), it was a recipe for a food coma. 

The next time I get it, I will try switching out the Cheddar for the American cheese on the MF'n Classic (NT$168) or try the MF'n Jalapeño Cheddar since I prefer the way Cheddar melts over American. And get the fresh onion rings (NT$130) and wings. Drooling looking at these photos, and based on all the messages I got on Instagram, you guys were too! 

In case you missed it, here was my Best Burgers in Taipei round up from earlier this year. 









hawaiian/taipei takeout: I strongly recommend KAME HOUSE

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How do I have 157,930 photos on my phone? Every time I feel my phone struggle with the load of that many photos, I start deleting photos but then I wonder how do I delete photos from my phone without deleting them from the iCloud. The dilemmas of being tied to technology. 

But I know this is not why you came here. You came here to find out where to find legit poke in Taipei. Because when you search "poke in Taipei" online, an array of shops that show very not-poke-like-at-all-or-least-not-seen-ever-in-hawaii-or-LA poke bowls with toppings like corn, carrots, chicken, tomatoes, okra, and *shudder* raisins. They basically fill the need for build your own salads bowls in Taipei, but that's not what poke is.  I won't name names, but you can see for yourself and shake your head along with me. 

But this is not that. 

This is poke that reminds me of Foodlands or Alicia's Market in Honolulu- Hawaiian poke that is just marinated fresh, raw fish. 

The poke bowl (NT$400) here ahi tuna three ways- spicy mayo ahi poke with avocado, shoyu ahi poke and Hawaiian style ahi poke with macadamia nuts. A poke trifecta that's onolicious and so good over rice and side dishes (I usually pick salad or roasted veggies and fries). SO GOOD. 



Besides the poke bowl, my must orders are the garlic shrimp (NT$350), the spam musubi (which they don't usually have everyday but is on the takeout menu, 8 for NT$400) and the loco moco (NT$350). All the main dishes come with sides. Auntie's Fried Chicken is also tasty and they have teppanyaki fried rice with steak and seafood options (NT$599). The half lobster is also such a good deal!!! (NT$500). 

But if you could only pick one dish, try the poke. Hands down my FAVORITE poke bowl in Taipei. 

Kame House and its sister restaurant Kamekona are more known for their teppanyaki, but my favorites are from its a la carte menu. The reason why everything tastes as it should is because the  owners are from Hawaii so they've brought the taste of Hawaii to Taipei and making sure it stays true. (Did anyone else see how fast Eggs N Things in Taipei came and went?) They worked at teppanyaki restaurants in Hawaii and have also brought back the tricks and fiery displays that teppanyaki chefs do more often in the states than here. 

I've been a fan of Kame House since I first went over a year and half ago, though I always go for their poke (at least once a month) and have tried the teppanyaki only at Kamekona. Their shops have a cute Hawaiian vibe inside and the staff has always been so friendly and welcoming. They even sing and play ukulele when its your birthday. The owners also have donated meals to frontline workers during this last month during the pandemic. With two shops, it's been tough for teppanyaki and other restaurants to pivot and I want them to survive the pandemic, so that's why I'm sharing my secret favorite poke spot with you. Because life is too short to eat bad poke. 

KAME HOUSE 
No. 13號, Lane 32, Yixian Road, Xinyi District
台北市信義區逸仙路32巷13號
(02) 8786-9466

MRT: Taipei City Hall 

$$ 

Takeout reviewed: 5/2021


Poke bowl 


Spam musubi


Garlic shrimp


Loco Moco



Auntie's Fried Chicken


Teppanyaki Lobster


Teppanyaki Ribeye with fried rice 



Hawaiian feast at home in Taipei 

Kame House 


Kame House takeout menu during lockdown 2021





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