A Utopia for Non-Spicy Eaters: Taiwanese Cuisine

As a Korean, I enjoy spicy food. On a scale of 1-10, I think I have a spice tolerance of at least a 7. However, there's always those days when you're looking for something more mild. The restaurant "阿不就小馆" shows that mild food can still be flavor-packed and delicious. Serving simple Taiwanese classics, prepared like a home-cooked meal, the restaurant is a perfect spot for lunch. With a variety of dishes from Taiwanese fried chicken and braised beef bowls to egg tofu, they can satisfy whatever food craving you're having - as long as it's not for something spicy.

With a sleek white wall and bright lights, the restaurant is very approachable. Along with mirrors that face the restaurant, abstract paintings on the walls add color. But everything below your eye level has a completely different interior style.

The chairs with a woven-basket texture and wooden frames feel traditional. White porcelain cutlery blends in with the wooden table. The modern ceilings, walls, and paintings merge with the tables and desks to create a comfortable, but not antiquated, atmosphere.

The restaurant also hung some pictures of Taipei streets, each decorated with a different picture frame. The unique lanterns are a cool touch, although slightly cliche with how many restaurants seem to have similar "quirky" lantern designs.

Dishes

Silken Tofu with Egg Coating - est. 30 rmb

Inside the egg-covering, which has its own appeal with a pleasantly spongy mouth-feel, is the silkiest tofu I've ever had. As you bite through, it's softer than pudding. Coupled with the soy sauce and nuttiness from the egg, the dish is fabulous. The egg covering gives the tofu a much-needed contrast. A sweet and salty sauce completes what could have otherwise been a bland dish, making it a hearty and warming appetizer.

Egg-fried Rice with Shrimp - 58 rmb

There's got to be MSG in that was my first reaction when I tasted the fried rice. That doesn't make it any less delicious! With juicy and plump pieces of shrimp and perfect pebbles of rice, the fried rice definitely trumps the plain rice. The smoky char from a wok and just the right amount of spring onion to balance it out, the egg-fried rice is a must-try.

"Three Cup Chicken" - 88 rmb

Three Cup Chicken? I promise I didn't make a translation error. The dish is thought to have originally been invented in Jiangxi province, where a folk story describes how a sympathetic prison warden cooked the dish for a general of the Song Dynasty who fought against the Yuan forces. It is rumored that the traditional recipe called for soy, rice wine, and sesame oil - 3 cups of sauce. Speculative folk story aside, the sanbeiji was very tasty. It comes sizzling in a stone pot, steaming and bubbling as the pot is lifted off. The smell of the basil, garlic, ginger, and other aromatics hit you straight away. The chicken is tender and extremely juicy. Personally, I'd skip the Taiwanese-style fried chicken and try this instead.

Towel Gourd with Scallop - 50 rmb

Got to keep it healthy. Don't be deceived by the "with Scallop" part of the dish. There's barely 2 or 3 pieces. However, the towel gourd is delicious on its own. It seems like they braise the towel gourd in chicken stock to infuse flavor into the vegetable. With a slightly slimy (in a good way) texture and mild seasoning, the towel gourd is an awesome pairing with the other heavier dishes.

Braised Beef on Rice - est. 30 rmb

One of the street food classics of Taiwan, the braised beef bowl is particularly popular at this restaurant. The rich and fatty pork is braised in soy sauce for a very long time. Then, it's diced and placed on some rice with garnishes like pickled cucumber and radish. It is way too addicting. The decadent pork belly with a sweet glaze goes perfectly with the fluffy white rice. Try it out!

Overall Summary

"阿不就小馆" is a great spot to enjoy some Taiwanese classics. With relatively affordable prices and a lot of different items on their menu, it's perfect for lunch. You don't have to order much else except for a delicious bowl of braised beef on rice with the silken tofu for a satisfactory meal. Or, you can explore the variety of dishes they offer, some of which weren't covered on the blog. If you prefer mild food but you still want to try out some Asian cuisine, nothing can beat Taiwanese food. With quick service and a nice interior design, it's worth a visit.

Address:

Pudong, Shanghai, Kerry Parkside B1