HOME CENTRAL TAIWAN DINING

COMPASS MAGAZINE June 2008
　

Vegetarian Steamed Dumplings are stuffed with baby greens and green bean noodles. Vegetarian Steamed Dumplings are stuffed with baby greens and green bean noodles.

Xiao Long Yuan By Lishea zheng Translated by Ann Lee 171, TianJin Rd, Sec 3 (04) 2230-9737 Hours: 11 am-2 pm, 5-9 pm all years round Credit cards not accepted. No service charge. Xiao Long Yuan is a delightful restaurant that serves an authentic selection of cuisine from northern China. Their carefully selected chefs are hired by their ability to make hand-rolled noodles and their stir-fry experience. Vegetable dishes start from NT$68 and go to more expensive table dishes that are meant to be shared. One of the most expensive dishes Dai Mao (NT$128) is a northern Chinese specialty dish that comes with a roasted duck wrap on the side. Extra condiments are NT$10 each. With such an inexpensive menu, it's no wonder that people are fans of dishes like their tasty Omelet Rice, Beef with Chinese Broccoli (NT$168), and appetizers like Bean Curd with Choy Sum. One of the most popular dishes at Xiao Lon Yuan is the Crispy Skin Chicken (NT$250/half chicken). A good pot choice is that Pickled Cabbage Hot Pot (NT$580/small). Other pots include: Homemade Pork Meatballs, Assorted Seafood, Beef Brisket, Cabbage, Braised Fish Head in Clay Pot, and the North-eastern Preserved Vegetable Hot Pot. A small pot is enough for four or five diners. The owner marinates the veggies here himself and is meticulous about the preparation and storage of ingredients. He makes sure to keep the fresh food at room temperature, away from humidity and harsh weather. Xiao Long Yuan also serves handmade appetizer dishes like Vegetarian Steamed Dumplings (NT$75), Pork with Oven Baked Rolls (NT$40), or the Baby Rice Congee (NT$15), which takes about 45 minutes to make. This month, there are six new menu items, including Sauteed Stinky Tofu (NT$198) and Fried Shrimp with Crisp Rice (NT$238). Rice and noodle dishes range from NT$70 to NT$90. This inexpensive, restaurant also serves various grilled breads (NT$85). (Left) The ingredients used to make Bean Curd with Choy Sum are thinly sliced and then chilled for 15 minutes before being mixed with Chinese vinegar. (Right) The Northeastern Pickled Cabbage Hot Pot is made with homemade broth, pork meatballs, fresh crab meat, oysters, clams, tofu and pig's blood cake.