When you've had enough of soy milk or cereal breakfasts and want something warm and substantial to set you up for the day, a visit to the Pot Pie Cafe, a sympathetic little joint that opened two months ago near the Technology Building metro station is just the ticket.
The restaurant boasts a "British" menu of potpies, fish and chips and a "full British breakfast."
The "full British breakfast" includes two eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, sauteed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, fried sliced bread and coffee or tea (NT$380). If all that is a bit too much, almost any variation of this selection is available, and regular toast can be substituted for those who fear the artery-clogging fried slice.
PHOTO COURTESY OF POT PIE CAFE
"We are a small restaurant, and are very flexible in meeting our customers' needs," said Simon Lin (林清華), the owner.
The breakfast is available all day, but the real highlight for this reviewer was the variety of potpies, after which the establishment is named. The shepherd's pie (NT$180) is made of finely chopped lamb topped with feathery light mashed potato. Served with a lightly dressed salad, it's considerably better than anything you could get in Britain for anything near the same price. The use of chopped lamb rather than mince, along with the rich herbal seasonings, made the simple dish stand out.
"We made a few modifications of our own," said Maggie Liu (廖憶嘉), the culinary consultant behind the menu who owns Le Bistro de l'Olivier on Anhe Road. Her touch may account for the hint of Continental elegance in the British staples. The chicken and mushroom potpie (NT$150) is lightly flavored, but also delicious. Eaten in the restaurant, the pies are served in ramekins, but are also available for take-out in a light, flaky suet pastry shell (NT$120 for shepherd's pie; NT$100 for chicken and mushroom).
The fish and chips err on the side of sophistication. The fillets are more tender and the batter lighter than you'd get from many a greasy spoon back in Blighty. The potato wedges served with malt vinegar show that Pot Pie Cafe understands its spuds.
To finish off, the homemade apple and walnut crumble (NT$150) is lovingly put together and served piping hot.
The general feel of the food and the place is homey, the flavors fresh, the atmosphere relaxed. Whether you're going for a meal with friends or just a coffee and crumble with a good book, Pot Pie Cafe is an excellent option.
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