Taiwan Restaurant on 2nd Road

[Evil Penevil 7,628]

The name is the restaurant's game.

Taiwan, a relatively new small establishment on 2nd Road near the intersection with Pattaya Tai, serves Taiwanese food. It's not a generic Chinese restaurant but specialized in xiaochi, literally "small eats." It's the type of food that's sold at street stalls and night markets all over Taiwan.

I'd noticed Taiwan as soon as it opened in mid-June, but didn't have occasion to try it until a few nights ago. I walked in at about 10.30 p.m just as a group that had pretty well filled the restaurant's eight tables was leaving. It was unlucky timing on my part, as the sharp-toothed group had consumed nearly everything Taiwan had on offer.

I had wanted to try the stewed pork over rice and the rice tube pudding, but those two dishes were "mei you" (Chinese equivalent of "no hab"). In fact, the only two dishes available that night were the sweet-and-sou tofu (90 baht) ...

and the soy-braised chicken leg (60 baht). Both were good, with a lot of flavor.

A large bottle of Singha cost 80 baht. The menu featured several dishes priced at 40 or 50 baht, which is the same you'd pay at a street stall.

Last I went back, but again, choice was limited. Even worse, the rice tube pudding had been blanked out on the menu; I assume it is no longer offered.

What I had was a bowl of pork noodle soup, a very generous portion at 80 baht. It was OK, but was a generic Chinese soup that could have been seasoned better.

I wish I could muster more enthusiasm for Taiwan as I wanted to like it. However, the small menu- only about 10 dishes- and the fact that they had run out of food on both of visits is discouraging. I'll go once again earlier in the day in hopes they won't be be out of too many dishes.

Evil

[Evil Penevil 7,628]

I gave Taiwan one more try and I wasn't disappointed this time. I ate there early, ahead of the tour group that arrived just as I was leaving.

This dish is called "pork shard" on the menu, but it's actually braised pork belly that has been simmered in a soy sauce. Very good!

Remember, with this dish, you are supposed to eat the fat. It cost 70 baht.

It's called "mater convolvulus" on the menu, but's better known as morning glory or water spinach. It was cooked Taiwan style with ginger, garlic and chilies. A bit too much heat for me. The cost was 70 baht.

With a big bottle of Singha, the meal cost a total of 240 baht. Bottom line: Taiwan is a decent option for Taiwanese street food moved indoors. It's very cheap, but get there early to beat the tour groups.

Evil