The Attap Hut 186, FuShin Rd., sec. 4, 3F (Taichung Central) Tel: (04) 3608-0838 Hours: 11 am-10 pm (last order 9 pm)

Southeast Asian delights at The Attap Hut

By Douglas Habecker

       Probably no other region in the world generates the savory rainbow of spicy, sour, tangy and sweet flavors that Southeast Asia does. From the cooler northern reaches of Burma, Laos and Vietnam to the steaming tropical jungles of Indonesia, the food reflects the dynamic mix of cultures and climates.

In Taichung, at least one establishment, The Attap Hut, has dedicated itself to showcasing this delicious spectrum. Located on the third floor of Taichung Central mall and opened by famous local model Cheng Ming, this medium-size restaurant has been drawing diners with its extensive menu of Southeast Asian delicacies, as well as pleasant atmosphere, complete with tropical colors and palm trees. From Singaporean to Thai dishes, it’s all there.

     A good place to start is the salads, with favorites like the spicy, cold Thai-Style Seafood Salad (NT$150). There is also a international variety of fried rice and noodle dishes, in the NT$110-to-NT$150 range and including Singapura Village Spicy Seafood Fried Rice, Malaysian Spicy Fried Noodles, Teochew Fried Flat Noodles, Singapore Laksa Lemak, Indian Beef Curry Rice, and Attap Hut Pork Chop Rice.

While these hearty selections can be ordered alone, the best way to enjoy yourself is to go with some friends and order a bunch of dishes, including meat, seafood, soup and vegetable items. These include South Indian Beef Curry (NT$220), Thai-Style beef red and green curries, Vietnamese BBQ Pork (NT$180), Claypot Mixed Vegetables with Tofu (NT$180), Banana Leaf Grilled Fish (NT$280), Spicy Tamarind (Assam) Fish, Butter Prawns and, of course, beef, chicken or pork satay (six sticks per order) with peanut sauce. If that list doesn’t have your mouth watering, there’s something seriously wrong with you.

     Top this all off with one of the tasty, exotic tropical desserts and drinks, such as the hot pink Air Sirap drink (NT$60), the orange-colored Tarik Milk Tea, lime juice, coconut juice, mango nectar, or Ice Rambutan. For indecisive, or inexperienced, diners, The Attap Hut has made it easy, with “A? “B?and “C?set-menu meals. With the “A?set (NT$138), for example, diners select a drink, one of three main course options, and a dessert. Add NT$40 to this and get a stir-fried vegetable dish as well.

      The next time you get a craving for something Southeast Asian, but can’t quite pinpoint what type of cuisine to focus on, head for The Attap Hut, which does it all, and does it well.