Taking its name from the Buddhist mantra "om ma ni pad me hum," Om Pot Hum, is one of the best vegetarian spots in the city. Situated in the urban sprawl of the Shida area, this restaurant offers a pleasant spot to eat and retreat from the bustle of the neighboring market, though first-time patrons will have to practice a little Buddhist tolerance while they wander the lanes and alleys looking for it.
The building is a two-story house at the end of a small alley. The interior is a spacious dining area with a combined Moroccan and Rajasthan decorating theme. Private rooms that have a similar decor and Japanese-style tables where you sit on the floor are also available, but the well-designed outdoor courtyard is the best place to reserve a seat.
The menu has evolved over the last eight years and the food is best described as Asian fusion. The selection of dishes differs each day of the week and offers at least five main courses to choose from daily. Meals are divided into two sets. Set A (NT$280) comes with a soup, main course, fruit jelly, chocolates and choice of hot or cold drink. Set B (NT$ 380) is the same with the addition of an appetizer, a soup with a puff pastry on top and a slice of cake.
PHOTO: DIANA FREUNDL, TAIPEI TIMES
The appetizer was a small plate of radish pieces served in a sauce that tastes similar to the creamy vegetable soup base. Although the choice of main dishes varies from day to day, at least one of the varieties of cheese bakes (the most popular dish on the menu) is available daily. All the clay-pot casseroles are made with long-grain rice and vegetables.
The tomato-and-cheese bake had a tangy, slightly too sweet flavor, but the use of fresh seasonal veggies instead of a frozen pea-and-corn mix made up for it.
The fruit jelly, chocolates and pot of tea served afterwards are a satisfying dessert without the extra slice of cheesecake included in set B.
Reservations are recommended on the weekends, as it can get busy from 6pm to 8pm. It might take a while to find, but the secluded atmosphere is worth the effort.
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