Taiwan Cafe
Boston, MA 02111-2002
Phone: (617) 426-8181
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Beach Street
- Specialties:
- Chinese Food
- Hours:
- Daily 11am-1am
Editorial Review for Taiwan Cafe – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
Unadventurous diners take note: This is not a Chinese-American restaurant--there's no chicken fillets or beef with broccoli, and your server may not speak much English. Asian-American families fill the bright, but characterless dining room. Quiet, respectful servers are everywhere; you won't have to wait long for a water refill or an extra plate. Tsingtao Beer is the only alcoholic libation available.
The Food
For the brave, there's fried pork intestines, chilled jellyfish with garlic, spicy pork ears and five-spice duck tongue. More conventional options include simple scallion pancakes, fried noodle dishes and gigantic bowls of soup. Handmade steamed dumplings and raviolis make for perfect starters. Portions are huge across the board; its best to order one or two dishes at a time. Those looking for dessert are out of luck, but can stroll across the street to one of the many area bakeries.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoTaiwan Cafe accepts cash only.
When to GoHuge lunch specials cost $6 each, or $16.95 for three.
User Reviews for Taiwan Cafe
08/03/2008 Posted by JohnHugo
I think Taiwan Cafe is a great find. Generous portions, friendly service, fabulous food! I find myself going again and again. Their "Spicy Beef" is my favorite dish. And the wonton soup is amazingly good. Taiwan cafe is by far my favorite Chinese restaurant in Chinatown.
04/12/2008 Posted by freewilly7
it's the only taiwanese restaurant i find that offers quality cheap eats (i.e. wisteria on newbury doesn't make the cut), and it's close to work, so what more can i ask? service fluctuates and is greatly dependent on individual wait person, but usually it's... "tolerable". the place can get very busy during weekday lunch and weekend brunch hours, so go early or at other times. my fav dishes (english names are guesstimates as i go by their chinese names). rice dish: pork chop (must try!), beef w/tomato sauce, fried chicken w/salt & spice ("yen su ji"). noodle (sauteed, soup, or dry): braised beef, pork & veggie wonton, meat sauce (dry); satay beef vermicelli (sauteed). main courses: "3 cup chicken" ("san bei ji"; named such bc sauce is made w/1 cup of soy, water & wine each), braised string beans, veggie w/satay beef, spare ribs w/sweet vinegar sauce ("tang chu pai gu"). weekend breakfast/brunch: sticky rice ("ci fan"), soy milk (conservatives: try the sweet; adventurous: try the salty), potstickers ("guo tie"), scallion pancake. dessert (summer time): crushed ice w/self-selected ingredients (my personal fav: red bean & condensed milk). :)
Pros: consistent quality food
Cons: inconsistent food; lines during peak hours.
