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Tienmu is usually not the first area that springs to mind when thinking of Taipei's dining hot-spots or recreational hubs. Although Tienmu, a preferred residence of expatriates, can be characterized as a quiet area, labeling it as tame and bland would be a mistake. Long considered a popular shopping area consisting of factory outlet shops, Section 7 of ZhongShan North Road is just one part of Tienmu that is home to restaurants offering multifarious dining delights.
The area is well served by public buses, or you can choose to whet up your appetite by trekking uphill to the top of Section 7, where Shing Peng Lai Restaurant is located. The restaurant serves a wide range of authentic Taiwanese cuisine and prides itself on traditional dishes that capture the essence of Taiwanese flavors, whether it is Steamed Chicken (NT$350) or Fried Tender Tofu with Bacon and Shrimp (NT$150). The menu includes stir-fried and deep-fried dishes, vegetables, noodles, cold dishes and hot pots such as Chicken with Sesame Oil Sauce (NT$650). Like most Taiwanese cuisine, there is a story behind each dish, and the popular and fragrant Taiwanese Specialty Stew (NT$700 or NT$900) is no exception, as its name is translated into "Buddha Jumps over the Wall." The restaurant also accommodates large groups, with special set meals offered for groups of ten (NT$5,800-8,800).
Venture further down the hill, and you will find P.S. BuBu, a place that is small but ideal for those searching for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The restaurant takes the idea of "meals on wheels" to another level, with its classic Western dishes served in retro car-themed interiors. Diners can sit in cut-away Austin Minis and Volkswagen Beetles "parked" in the restaurant. P.S. BuBu offers Italian and American food; its pasta dishes are especially popular due to the use of fresh seafood, spices and homemade sauces. Choose from an array of soups, salads, appetizers and entrees such as Cajun Style Grilled Spare Short Ribs (NT$390) and pasta dishes like Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Chili Sauce (NT$280).
Located halfway down Section 7 is Sizzler, one of the two restaurants in Tienmu that specializes in steak, seafood, and salad. With a large seating capacity and diner-like ambiance, the restaurant's focal point is its colorful salad bar, which offers a range of soups, salad, drinks, and fruit. The menu features grilled meats and seafood, accompanied by French fries and salad. Main courses include succulent Mustard Chicken (NT$438), Lemon Herb Chicken (NT$438), the Sizzler House Specialty of BBQ Spare Ribs (NT$588), Shrimp Fry Platter (NT$468), and steaks.
Savor the unique flavors and aromas of homemade pizza at the cozy Pizzeria Rialto, a pleasant restaurant reminiscent of Italy. Diners can choose from twenty varieties of pizza (starting from NT$280) baked in a big stone oven. One tasty option is Vegetariana (NT$420), topped with mozzarella cheese, eggplant, zucchini, fresh mushrooms, and grilled peppers. Pastas are all freshly made and are key ingredients in tantalizing dishes such as Penne Arrabbiatta (NT$250) and Fettuccine alle Vongole (NT$280), made with clams and white wine sauce. Set lunches are also available. The culinary journey, however, doesn't end at Pizzeria Rialto; Tienmu has many more restaurants that beckon diners constantly in search of fine dining and unique flavors.
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June 2008
