Rolling Egg, All-Day Brunch
Posted: February 25, 2011 Filed under: breakfast, brunch, Dining, dinner, District, East, hamburger, lunch, Mid, Price, Western | Tags: all-day, breakfast, brunch, diner, east district, eggs, eggs benedict, Food, lunch, Rolling egg, Tainan, tainan food, Taiwan, 台南 1 Comment »Morning, Afternoon or Evening Brunch
|
Style: Western Brunch
Meals: 220~250NTD
Beverages: 70~90NTD
Beer: 100NTD
Hours: 8am-3pm, 5:3opm-10pm everyday
English Menu: Full Pros: all-day brunch, eggs done right |
Rolling egg is among one of the new western-style all-day breakfast shops in Tainan. Located in the alley just behind the 85C on the corner of DongNing Rd. and Linsen Rd., Rolling Egg is a hidden gem. When we first entered, we were courteously greeted and seated by staff that spoke English and Chinese. I felt like I had just walked into any all-day-brunch place from North America. It wasn’t just because of the decor – the sounds and smells were all replicated as well.
Rolling Egg offers brunch and American diner food. The brunch items range from eggs with bacon or sausage to pancakes to french toast to omelettes to (my personal favorite) eggs benedict. Off the lunch/dinner menu are hamburgers, sandwiches and pasta. Each dish comes in a combo roughly priced between 220NTD~270NTD. A meal includes coffee/tea and juice, fries/hash browns/potatoes o’brien, bread and fruit.
Now under each item was a plethora of choices when ordering. Tina was set of having an omelette, but there were so many different types to choose from – denver, veggie, hog heaven, chilli and cheese, basil and chicken, bacon and cheese. She chose the chilli and cheese omelette adding, swiss cheese. Narrowing down what I wanted to eat I settled with the eggs benedict with smoked salmon and Canadian bacon. Yum.
When the omelette arrived, I was impressed. The eggs were perfect – just a little runny on the inside and when this thing was cut, it bursted with smells, aroma and texture. The taste was pretty damn good as well. For the eggs benedict – the hollandaise sauce was a little thin, but was spot on with taste. The eggs had to run, once cut into it. I took my knife and dived into it with high hopes- the eggs perfectly cooked yet again. Man, I felt like I was watching food porn. We both finished our meals with smiles.
I will definitely make my way back to Rolling Egg. Although, I only had a little sample of there menu, what I had instantly put them near the top of best brunch places in town.
Rolling egg – you can see the park across Linsen Rd from this angle
Bustling with customers
Coffee and coffee and juice, oh my
Omelette porn
Touchdown… runny eggs!
Other reviews/listings:
Rolling Egg Facebook group (Chinese)
TraNews
From this island to that island (blog – Chinese)
Lazy (blog – Chinese)
View Larger Map
HaoWeiDao Soup Dumpling
Posted: February 23, 2011 Filed under: Chinese, Dining, District, East, Late night, Low, Shanghai, Taiwanese | Tags: dumplings, east district, Food, haoweidao, noodles, Restaurant, soup dumplings, Tainan, Taiwan, tangbao, xiaolongbao， tainan food, 台南 Leave a comment »Soup Inside your Dumplings
|
Style: Taiwan/Shanghai
Dishes: 60~150NTD
Noodles: 60~150NTD
Beverages: 30NTD
Hours: 9:30am-12:30am Mon-Sun English Menu: Full Pros: Open all day, Good tasting soup dumplings |
When I arrived in Tainan, Haoweidao (literally: good flavour) or “The yellow soup dumpling restaurant” on DongAn Rd. was the first restaurant I ever went to. It was this tiny little place where the workers would make dumplings outside. This place was busy – it had wooden tables that sit 6 people and if you only had 2, you were sharing your table with another couple or family. After renovating 4 years ago in the same location, Haoweidao has become a spacious restaurant, triple the size of its former self.
It’s main attraction is xiaolongbao (Literally: little dragon dumplings) – a dumpling with soup and pork filling within originally hailing from the Shanghai region. These dumplings are usually diped is sauce that contain soy sauce, vinegar and fresh ginger slivers although the sauce is up to your personal preference. I’ve been taught there are a number of different ways to eat the dumplings as well. I have friends that suck the soup out first, then dip the rest in their sauce. Others prefer putting the ginger slivers on top, then dipping before popping the whole dumpling in their mouths. Whichever way you prefer, there’s no denying that these are tasty.
My other favorite dish is the “dry” noodles or noodles without soup that come in both a regular and spicy version. I’d recommend the regular noodles – for flavour and taste. Quite honestly, I haven’t found another restaurant with this type of noodles yet and are definitely worth trying. Another option is the soup noodles with pork if you feel like getting your “meat” on. As well, various kinds of dumplings are also available which are okay, but not as good as their signature soup duplings.
Although Haiweidao’s prices are higher than the other restaurants with similar food, it’s still relatively cheap and the taste makes up for the difference. Get to “The yellow soup dumpling restaurant” for some delicious xiaolongbao. It will be an experience that you’ll remember your whole time in Tainan.
Closeup of the sign
Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)
Other Reviews:
Tainan City Guide
iPeen (Chinese)
View Larger Map
うたまろ (Uta Maro)
Posted: February 17, 2011 Filed under: District, Japanese, Late night, Mid, Price, West-Central | Tags: となつ、japanese hamburger, Food, Japanese, Restaurant, Tainan, Taiwan， tainan food, west-central district, 台南， foodie Leave a comment »Japanese Diner Food for Dinner
|
Style: Japanese
Single Sets: 150~250NTD
Combo Sets: 260~350NTD
Beverages: 100NTD
Ice Cold Beer: 120NTD
Hours: 6pm-11:30pm Mon-Saturday English Menu: No Pros: completely different from normal, ice-cold beer |
Opened in Tainan to cater to the Japanese ex-pat community, Uta Maro is a restaurant that embodies all things Japanese. Everything is Japanese - the menu (with minimalistic Chinese), the signs on the wall, the draft beer and food is completely Japanese. Even the Taiwanese staff that works there are fluent in Japanese. It feels like a diner that okasan (mom) and otasan (pop) would be proud of.
Located on Mincyuan Rd. between Jhongyi Rd. and Youngfu Rd., this restaurant is not located close to major hot spots – almost by design. It was the only building with lights on in the street when we first arrived. Walking into the restaurant We received stares from Japanese workers still wearing their coveralls from the long working day. We sat at the Japanese style seating sitting crossed-legged in front of a small table. I quickly ordered a pint of Asahi draft beer which was served the only way beer should be served- ice cold.
Navigating the menu was challenging, but there were some pictures to look which helped in the ordering process. Don’t look for sushi here. Only homestyle Japanese dishes – sweet meat on rice (Domburi), noodles (soba, ramen, and udon), fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu), grilled fish and tempura are just a few of these items. These main dishes include side dishes of vegetable, miso soup and fruit.
Tina settled on a traditionally Chinese dish called “mapo dofu” or spicy tofu in English. I decided to go with the super set meal which included two main dishes – a fried pork cutlet with curry sauce and a Japanese hamburger. The Japanese hamburger was something I was looking forward to but it was overcooked. The pork with curry sauce was enough to make up for it though. Trying Tina’s spicy tofu I felt like the spicy was left out. It made me wonder if this is what the Japanese like. In short, the food wasn’t spectacular, but more regular everyday food – diner food.
If you’re looking for a late night dinner or up for trying something completely different for a night, Uta Maro may be the place to go.
The storefront with some pictures from the menu.
Two types of seating available – Japanese or western.
Direct TV from Japan, magazines as well as authentic decor
Other reviews:
BoyLondon (Chinese) (He has some nice pics)
View Larger Map
Mexico To Go
Posted: February 15, 2011 Filed under: Dining, District, Low, Mexican, Price, West-Central, Western | Tags: burrito, Cheap, foodie, Mexican, mexican rice, Mexico To Go, Restaurant, Tainan, tainan food, Taiwan, Western Food, 台南 Leave a comment »The Place to Fill Your Taco Void
|
Style: Mexican
Single: 50~100NTD
Combo: 130~150NTD
Beverages: 20NTD
Beer: 80NTD
Hours: 12pm-10pm Mon-Saturday, closed Sunday English Menu: Full Pros: It’s Mexican food |
A staple in Tainan, this little stand called “Mexico to Go” on Zhongcheng Rd. has been providing relief to those Tainanians craving Mexican food since 2005.
Karen, the owner, provides burritos, soft tacos, quesadillas, and Mexican rice among other favorites. There are also vegetarian options without meat. A typical platter is accompanied by tortilla chips and bean dip on the side, although it can be substituted for a salad or a rice by asking. Many of these special orders are named after her regular customers.
I ended up eating the rice burrito platter, which includes 2 burritos (one chicken, the other beef) and substituted my nachos for rice and a salad. Both burritos were great – filled with Mexican rice, lettuce, onions, green peppers, cilantro, sour cream and Karen’s homemade salsa. After, it’s lightly toasted on the grill and onto your plate. This all topped off with some Tapatio hot sauce that was brought over from California by one of Karen’s friends. It adds a smokey, chipotle flavour. I don’t think it lasted 10 minutes on my plate. I was full, happy and satisfied. I had gotten my fill.
It might take you a little while to find this little gem, but once you do, it might be one of your weekly stops for lunch, dinner or even a quick snack on your way to work. It’s fast, convenient, and cheap.
iTainan
Almost Taiwan (Japanese)
Foodspotting
Garfie0918 Blog (Chinese)
BlattusfromTaiwan (Chinese)
View Larger Map
Tomato Cafe
Posted: February 14, 2011 Filed under: Dining, District, East, High, Price, Western | Tags: east district, Fine Dining, foodie, Italian, lobster, Restaurant, Steak, surf and turf, Tainan, tainan food, Taiwan, Tomato Cafe, Western, 台南 Leave a comment »Great Taste at a Price
|
Summary
 Style: Western
Food Price Range: 580 ~ 1500 (set meal)
Lunch Special: 380NTD (set meal)
Beverages: 100~150NTD
Wine: 1000~1900NTD
English Menu: Limited Pros: Excellent food |
On the second floor above a bakery is where the Tomato Cafe is located. It can be easily missed, with the Pizzahut overshadowing this quaint restaurant’s location at the corner of Changrong Rd. and DongNing Rd. Walking into the restaurant, a feel for Western fine dining is the mood set within – with huge bay windows overlooking the street.
The experience started with Tina and I being 20 minutes late for our 7:55 reservation. The maitre’d/ the owner of the establishment apologized but under the circumstances (it being Valentine’s Day) they had to give our table away – but would try and get us seated a little faster than the walk-ups. Totally understandable. After waiting about 15 mins, we were sitting down and waiting for the experience to begin.
The Tomato Cafe offers a set meal, which includes an appetizer, salad, soup, entree, dessert and drink. I was quick to take a look at the wine list which was limited to only 5 types of wine. We settled on the Australian Shiraz which I was a bit disappointed – chilled (a TIT momemt) and a pouring spout had been inserted for ease of use.
We quickly ordered and waited patiently.
The food came out and courses were delicious. Appetizer, salad and soup. Nicely executed and complex in flavours.
Tina had prime rib, that was absolutely money – The way prime rib is suppose to taste. I ordered the surf and turf – except my turf was a little tuff to my liking. I wanted it rare and they wouldn’t give it to me that way. I asked to send it back, but received a new piece that was equally as well done. I assume, that’s the way the chef wanted me to taste it. Still very good, beautiful piece of meat. Dessert came (cheese cake and truffles) and we were stuffed.
Funny story. Apparently on Taiwan news, they’re reporting that only 20~30% of chocolate truffles have actual (mushroom) truffles in them – and it’s a government report. WTF? I thought chocolate truffles were name truffles because they only resembled mushroom truffles. Ah Taiwan.
The downside: During my eating experience, I ending up pouring my own wine, which normally wouldn’t be a big deal, except for the fact it was placed about 4 feet away from the table, so I was constantly getting up and sitting back down to pour the wine. At this price, I expect to be waited on.
Would I recommend this restaurant to my friends? Of course – if you’re going out on the town. Just pick a less busier day.
Other reviews:
lty8250′s blog (Chinese)
ruantt0937′s blog (Chinese)
iPeen (Taiwan food blog – Chinese)
View Larger Map
