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TAIWAN
FUN MAGAZINE, September, 2005.
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Hui
Liu
Hui Liu (Tea house and vegetarian
food)
(02) 2392-6707
9, Lane 31, YungKang St., Taipei City
Hours: 11:30 am-10 pm daily
Visa and Mastercard accepted.
No smoking
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REVIEWS
By Claire Tyrell Translated by Ann
Li
It was the enticing entrance surrounded
by plants, and a welcoming little patio dining area
that drew me into Hui Liu. A tea shop and vegetarian
restaurant with tasteful decor and relaxing but unobtrusive
classical music, it continued to work its spell by enhancing
the idea of Taiwanese tea itself as relaxation.
A showcase for tea and ceramics, tea time (1:30-5 p.m.)
here offers organic teas for NT$180, which includes
a service charge. Teas, ranging from NT$80 to NT$110,
include the popular Iron KuanYin and BaiHao Wulong,
while seasonal recommendations vary. For those who are
not sure what to order, the staff is helpful in recommending
a tea to suit your preference, whether it is of a strong
flavour or a lighter touch. I was recommended the wonderful
Alishan tea, and also encouraged to enjoy the leaves'
aroma.
The menu (in Chinese and English) offers
flavours of Mexico, Thailand and Taiwan amongst its
dishes and a good variety of side orders and desserts.
On this occasion, I went for the Double Layer Open Ravioli
(NT$480), a large offering with fresh tasting pasta,
and a light tomato and cream sauce over perfectly crunchy
vegetables. Meals, which are all very visually enticing,
come with a chunky soup, a side dish, fresh fruit and
coconut dessert. I also tried a side order of plum sauce
pressed tofu squares, and an audible "mmm"
escaped my lips as I tucked in!
Finally, a bowl of tea arrived, and
the tea keeps coming until you take yourself away, back
out to the busy streets.
Although there are several vegetarian restaurants in
Taipei that promote organic products and health, the
food at Hui Liu is undeniably fresh, wholesome, and
bursting with flavour. Dining out is often tinged with
pangs of guilt. Dining at Hui Liu, however, is a reinvigorating
experience that will only make you smile.
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