Cintai Malay 301, Shr Cheng N. 2nd Road, Shi Tun District, Taichung 04-22521789 10:30 am-1am (Credit cards OK)

The flavors and feeling of Southeast Asia at Cintai Malaysia Restaurant
By Uvia Chang   Translated by Daniel Ellingburg

Known all over the world as a country of unique atmosphere, culture and tastes, Malaysia is a nation that many yearn to experience but few get to partake of. However, just because you haven't had the opportunity to visit Malaysia does not mean that you can't experience its atmosphere and wide variety of flavors right here in Taichung. The avenue for doing this is Cintai Malaysian Restaurant.

     Approaching the restaurant through the surrounding greenery and tropical trees begins the process of taking you to a different land. You quickly begin to forget you are in Taichung as you choose to either sit outside, to enjoy the garden and gentle sounds of the fountain, or inside where you can savor the spacious, high-roofed traditional Malaysian architecture.

The doubt of being in Taiwan becomes certainty as you experience the cuisine. Too numerous to recount and rich enought to never grow wearisome, the dishes are simply delicious. Starting from NT$200, any of the meals will satisfy you, although the "most popular" award goes to the Spicy Curry Fish Head Soup (NT$250). Choose your own degree of spiciness when you order and enjoy! Also don't miss the group meals. Serving four to six people, these meals have salad, seafood, unseasoned fried vegetables and other items for a total of eight dishes (starting at NT$1,880).

     Also, don't miss this month's specials. Every day between 2:30 and 5 p.m. you can enjoy a tea time for only NT$79. It includes one of three snacks--Wrapped Chicken, Shrimp Cookies, or Indonesian Cookies--and a drink--coffee, fruit tea, slushy, flower tea, or fresh juice.

      Also, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week, there is live music from 9 to 11 p.m. With so much to offer, there's no better place to experience a unique piece, and taste, of Southeast Asia than Cintai Malaysia.