Address: 21 Yunho St., Taipei (台北市雲和街)
PHOTO: GAVIN PHIPPS, TAIPEI TIMES
Telephone: (02)2362-9333/2362-2077
Open: 11am - 2pm; 5pm - 9pm
Average meal: NT$250
Details: English menu. Major credit cards accepted
For the past 20 years Chang Fu-song (
Chang opened Ta Hsiang Yuan Chuan Tsai Kuan (
While it's been two decades since he first filled his wok with oil, Chang only found the time to take the national chefs examination last year. Not that this meant Chang's cooking wasn't up to par. Far from it, in fact, he simply never got around to taking the test. He's also never been to Sichuan to sample traditional cuisine from southwest China. But again, this hasn't proven a handicap.
His restaurant may not be much to look at from the outside and , indeed, the interior design is sparse to say the least, but the gastronomical delights that Chang creates in his kitchen are not to be missed.
With a 14-page menu that includes just about every conceivable form of edible object from tofu to lamb intestines, there is something for everyone at Chang's joint. And all of it is very reasonably priced.
Spicy seafood lovers will be in heaven, as Chang always has plenty of fresh fish. Some varieties of fish cost as little as NT$180, while the cost of seasonal specials varies according to weight.
It's not only fish lovers who will feel torn by the extensive choice of dishes. Dozens of styles of pork, beef, lamb and chicken dishes fill several pages and range in price from NT$120 to NT$260.
There are also numerous vegetable dishes, soups and cold plates, all of which are as reasonably priced between NT$70 to NT$200.
Because many of the dishes come immersed in chili and garlic and can be very spicy, diners who enjoy good food without the intense zest should make this known when ordering so the dish can be altered to suit specific tastes.
While two or three people can enjoy a great meal at Chang's restaurant, if you really want to experience a dining sensation, then it's advisable to take a larger group of friends to sample as much on the menu as possible.
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