Sahara Cafe 110, Jung Ming South Road 0915-476-291, 0961-397-071 Hours: 5 pm-2 am

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     It's hard to beat the combination of relaxed setting, decent food and very reasonable prices offered by this friendly little place, which is run by two brothers from Tajikistan, Jan and James. Located at the T-intersection of Jung Cheng Street and Chung Ming South Road, about half-way between Taichung Gang and Gung Yi roads, Sahara Cafe is situated on an open-air, raised wooden deck, decorated with vine-covered lattices and a profusion of plants. The patio-like setting has seating for about 35, either under the stars or a glass-roofed area, and the cooking is done right in front of you at a barbecue station. Jan, who has lived in Taiwan for 16 years, has run similar cafes in Danshui and Kaohsiung and offers an international menu that includes the house favorite--chicken, lamb and beef burritos (NT$80-90) that have an excellent Middle Eastern/Chinese flair to them. The menu, which includes halal dishes for Muslims, also features Lamb Biryani (NT$190), barbecued beef/lamb/chicken shishkebabs (NT$30-50), submarine sandwiches (NT$80-100), samosas, vegetable tortillas, Tomato Beef rice dish and other items. There are hot and iced coffees (NT$60-80) and teas, from chrysanthemum and honey to lavender herbal mint. For the next couple months, there will also be a buy-3-get-1-free deal on beers (NT$100-120). With Sahara Cafe's growing popularity, Jan says that lunch hours may be a future possibility.