HOME CENTRAL TAIWAN DINING

COMPASS MAGAZINE May 2014
　

Sandwiches & much more at Mum 'n Pops Cafe By Ian Crews Translated by Angela Cheng 53, ZhongXing Lane, DongShan Rd, Sec 2, Beitun Dist. 0928-767-374 Hours: 11 am-3 pm, 5-9 pm English menu available. Located north of downtown Taichung in the Dakeng foothills, Mum 'n Pop's Cafe is an American-style deli that boasts, among other things, a sizable selection of over 20 sandwiches. Each sandwich is made to order with one of six homemade breads, ranging from the unique Onion Herb and Dark Rye to the classic Wheat and French. The ingredients that this eatery uses are fresh and sourced locally whenever possible. There are deli meats and cheeses to choose from, and the above-mentioned "other things" on the menu are by no means an afterthought. These include a number of appetizing salads, soups, burgers, breakfast sets, breakfast burritos, pastas, and even quesadillas. Thus, while it wouldn't be wrong to call Mum 'n Pop's a sandwich shop first and foremost, there's a lot more on offer here besides sandwiches. There is really only one word to describe the decor here: wood. Everything is wood--wooden walls, benches, chairs, tables, the floor and even the ceiling. All this wood lends a homely, relaxed feel to the restaurant, one that suits its location in Dakeng, yet feels decidedly and uniquely more "American" than Taiwanese. This pleasing aesthetic is reinforced by the juxtaposition between Mum 'n Pop's and neighboring buildings, or even the two floors above the restaurant, all of which are standard concrete affairs. Apart from a small table or two inside, all seating is on the large patio area in the front of the restaurant. Mum 'n Pop's is open daily and all orders can be texted in advance to 0928-767-374. Only orders over NT$1,000 can be delivered. There is also an on-going promotion: Customers showing their Costco membership cards receive a 10% discount on the total price of their meal.
	"The Sunshine" is one of the many breakfast sets and includes a healthy portion of scrambled eggs with cheese melted on top, a stir-fry of onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, a small salad, toast, and some salsa.
	"The Andrew" is a sturdy sandwich that includes pastrami (a true rarity in Taiwan), bacon, cheddar cheese, a fried egg, and mayonnaise and mustard, all on focaccia bread.
	Made with the bread of your choice, the Grilled Cheese at Mum 'n Pop's is the ultimate in nostalgic sandwiches. Tomatoes, ham and other ingredients can be added but this writer prefers his grilled cheese pure and unadulterated--two toasted pieces of bread encasing a gooey paradise of hot (but not too hot) melted cheese.
	All quesadillas at Mum 'n Pop's come with tortilla chips, salsa, and sour cream. Pictured is the Chicken Quesadilla, which includes plenty of cheese, a generous portion of chicken and, topping things off, a bit of bacon.
	Featuring another rare sandwich combination and condiment for Taiwan, the Turkey Pesto Sandwich contains thinly-sliced turkey breast, cheese and tomatoes, lightly covered in a delicious pesto sauce.