Grandma's Thai Restaurant 1039, JianShing (ChienHsing) Rd. (04) 2319-3639, 2319-3327 Hours: 10 am-2 pm, 5-10 pm Credit cards accepted

Exquisite food and surroundings at Thai Grandma' s

By Uvia Chang; Translated by Annie Chen & Matthew Godsey

       Behind The Splendor Hotel is a special Thai restaurant that has been doing a thriving business for a decade. One distinctive is its name¡XThai Grandma's--which gives you a good sense of the friendly atmosphere there.

       The restaurant's comfortable dining area is accessed via a flight of first-floor stairs. Inside, the walls, chairs, decorations and even stairs are made from Southeast Asian hardwoods. All chairs and tables were shipped from Thailand and are made from dense, strong wood that is impervious to insects. Since the owner of Grandma's also runs an antique business, the restaurant is full of striking Buddhist statues, portraits, wall paintings and sculptures, creating an exquisite collaboration between art and fine food. Clad with bands of shining Thai cloth, servers carry wooden rice tubs as they glide from table to table.

       In general, Thai cuisine focuses on sour, spicy and sweet flavors. While some may be concerned about overwhelming flavors, Thai food uses all-natural spices and is quite healthy. The sourness comes from lemon, which contains vitamin C. The spiciness comes from chili peppers, which contain vitamins A, B, C, and D. Mint, lemon grass, basil and garlic--all commonly used in Thai cuisine--are also very healthy, as are traditional cooking methods, which use little oil.

Among several dishes that deserve special recommendation, the Cold Mint Grass Shrimp (NT$280) is very fresh and light, but not oily at all. The Steamed Sour Tamarind Bass (NT$460) uses fresh bass and special Thai spices, and has a mouth-watering sour tamarind flavor. Thai-Style Hot Pot (NT$580), consists of various types of seafood cooked in a thick, coconut milk-based broth and is a great choice for a wintertime meal. These are just a few examples of the many fine dishes on the menu.

       Grandma's can host banquets, with a fast and efficient kitchen, even when cooking for large parties. Although it's best to make a reservation, it's often possible to hold a meeting here without any prior appointment. There is also a big conference room that seats around 40 people.

       Splendor Hotel guests often dine here because of its delicious food and proximity. However, hotel guests aren't the only ones regularly making their way to Grandma's Thai, thanks to an unbeatable combination of striking surroundings, friendly service and outstanding food.