During my 3 days visit in Boston I went to the restaurant twice. The food was great! Their 3 Essences chicken was really impressive! Good restaurant except the place was too crowded.
Our lunch was highlighted by a really excellent and complex braised eggplant with basil. The scallions pancake was fine, though not crisp enough and needing its accompanying sauce. The beer-braised duck was ultimately boiled duck served in its beer-based broth/soup, with an overall nice flavor but leaning to the bland. The decor has been nicely upgraded.
Our lunch was highlighted by a really excellent and complex braised eggplant with basil. The scallions pancake was fine, though not crisp enough and needing its accompanying sauce. The beer-braised duck was ultimately boiled duck served in its beer-based broth/soup, with an overall nice flavor but leaning to the bland.
The decor is practically non-existent, the family-style service can be random, and the menu isn't for the faint of heart. But Taiwan Cafe easily has the best Chinese food in Boston. The prices are low, the portions are enormous, and it's open late into the night. What's not to love?
How can the same sauce be used in so many dishes? You may think you're ordering different dishes but they come out the same: salty and brown.
Mar. 2013