HOME CENTRAL TAIWAN DINING

COMPASS MAGAZINE November 2011
　

	Tea Work offers more than just tea By Lishea Zheng Translated by Sho Huang (04) 2258-8666 21, WenXin Rd, Sec 2, Nantun District Hours：10 am-3:30 am Weekdays 11:30 am-2 pm, 5:30-9 pm，Weekends and Holidays 11:30 am-9 pm NT$80 minimum bill. No service charge. Credit cards accepted only for bills above NT$500. Parking available (ShiZheng Rd). Tea Work has long been an eye-catching Taichung landmark, with its green lawn, glass walls and modern, simple, geometric architecture. For many patrons, the opportunity to enjoy a quiet moment here, relaxing and watching the fish swimming in the attractive pond, is an ideal urban escape. Despite its name, this place has become more than a teahouse. From now to the end of the year, a number of new dishes are being added to its menu, including some classic Western entrees, light American and Tex-Mex items, and Italian and French main courses.
	Fragrant Crispy Chicken Leg with Rice (NT$230), which also comes with a soup and drink selection, features chicken legs coated with fine bread crumbs for some some added texture and flavor. Another beverage, the French Apple Wine Smoothie (NT$60 extra), is cooked in red wine for five to six hours for a naturally-pleasant flavor.
	One of Tea Work's top dishes is Northeastern Style Sour Pork Pot (NT$320), which is served all day and comes with an under-NT$80 drink of your choice from the menu. Its refreshing broth is prepared with natural, healthy ingredients and portion sizes have been perfectly calculated to ensure that the meat and vegetables have a perfect texture. The shredded pork rice side dish goes perfectly with this hot pot, as does a flavor-filled, slightly-spicy special dipping sauce. The Wheat Black Tea also a part of this set adds some nice fragrances.
	Japanese Cheese with Fried Pork Chop (NT$230), which includes a soup, some tasty pickled vegetables and drink choice, is thick and juicy. For an extra NT$10, you also get to enjoy a small glass (NT$50 for medium) of Tea Works' signature Pineapple Delight drink, which is cooked slowly for five to six hours to draw out the great original flavors and contains tapioca balls.
	For a snack or light meal, the Smoked Chicken Mexican Burrito (NT$220) includes mushrooms, cheese and pickled chillis, and is served with salted sesame crackers that are a great complement to the fresh salsa sauce.
	If you're looking for something to munch on with your tea, it's hard to beat the Mixed Snack Plate (NT$180), which is also available all day and includes flavored boiled beans, stewed tofu, chicken feet, sausages and grilled meat. The tofu is especially delicious after it soaks up all the stew's savory flavors.