taiwanfun
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002:
By Tammy Huang Translated by Cheryl Robbins
Looking for an exotic experience, but don’t have the time or money to travel? Fortunately, Taichung has a variety of exotic dining options to enjoy. Below is a sampling of city restaurants that feature dishes from a number of countries and continents.
Little Saigon Vietnamese Cuisine
If you are looking for something lighter and less oily, why not try Vietnamese food? Little’s Saigon’s rice noodles (NT$120) are mild in flavor and come with choice of seafood, chicken or beef. The Vietnamese-style egg rolls (NT$80) are filled with vegetables and come with a special dipping sauce. This restaurant’s specialty, Phnom Penh Beef Fried Rice (NT$150), should not be missed. Because Vietnam was once a French territory, there remains some vestiges of French culture which have spilled over into the cuisine. This is especially true of the coffee (NT$80), made in a special filter cup to which condensed milk, Vietnamese coffee powder and water are added. The coffee is brewed for about 10 minutes. The result is a harmonious blend of coffee and milk that cannot be found in most cafes.
307-8, JingCheng (ChingCheng) Rd.
Tel: (04) 2475-2813
Hours: 11am-3 pm; 5-9 pm
Tropics Caribbean
¨Once you come here, you won’t want to leave,¨is the sentiment of most of Tropics’ customers. This restaurant/nightspot is decorated in Central American style, and Jamaican reggae plays in the background. The owner is straightforward but welcoming, and does her best to let customers feel like they are at home and free to do what they want within reason. Does this sound like a cool place or what? But, that’s not all. Although there is a menu, it is merely a guide . If there is something you are craving, talk to the owner, she might be able to provide it. The owner says that ¡§if it is found in most Western restaurants, then we probably can make it.¨ When foreigners crave food from home like sausage and mashed potatoes this is where they come. More in line with this eatery’s name there is also Jamaican chicken (NT$250) which is prepared the Haitian way before being baked. As far as nightlife, Tropics holds a variety of theme parties. So, if you are looking for a different kind of night out, you now know where to go.
11 JingMing (ChingMing) Rd.
Tel: (04) 2328-1887
Hours: No set hours. Call in advance to check opening and closing hours.
O’Chang’s Bar & Restaurant
O’Chang’s serves traditional Irish dishes that the owner brought back from her stay in Dublin. One of the most popular dishes is the Dublin Fillet Steak (NT$450), served with gravy and baked potato slices. The Stewed Steak in Guinness (NT$350) is made by first simmering onions in dark Guinness beer. Once you try it, you will become addicted. Other dishes include “Bangers and Mash”, sausage rolls and curry pork pie (NT$180 each). Each main course comes with choice of rice, mashed potatoes, home fries or baked potato. Lunch specials (NT$199) include soup, salad and rice. Homemade sandwiches and bar snacks are served all day. This is the only bar in Taichung to provide Boddingtons draught on tap (NT$140 for 600cc glass). Guinness beer is also available in cans. This is a great place for Taichung residents and visitors to partake in Irish-style food, drink and fun.
JORIC GERMAN DELI
This deli/store establishment is small and cozy and packed with imported food items that one rarely sees in Taiwanese supermarkets, such as the ingredients needed to prepare popular German dishes. Although you might think that such hard-to-find items would be very costly, such is not the case at Joric. In addition, if you become a Joric member, you will receive a 10-percent discount. Joric serves homemade German dishes including various sausages, such as brockwurst (NT$120 to NT$200). There are also several unique pork dishes (NT$200) available. On the first Friday evening of each month, Joric holds a get-together for Taichung’s German residents and those interested in conversing in German.
374, HuaMei Street
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