Peshawar-Fine Beers, Good Food
and Quality Live Music

By Cat Thomas Translated by Liu Fang Ru

3, Lane 80, ShiDa Road Tel: (02) 2362-2218
Hours: 12 noon-2 am, closed Sundays

Located just round the corner from Roxy Junior is Peshawar. This restaurant/live music venue has a welcoming atmosphere. The decor, best described as a fusion of Mediterranean and Goa, is intimate and detailed, right down to their handmade business cards.

Their specialty is a selection of 22 Belgian beers, caringly detailed on the menu, including alcohol percentages and short descriptions (in Chinese only). However, Chih-Chiao (the owner) is more than happy to advise on your choice with her well-informed opinions. We tried Dulle Teve (Crazy Woman- 10%) which, just as Chih Chiao had promised, had a luscious hint of cognac to it. We moved on to Witcap Tripel (7.5%) which, despite its strength, was refreshingly light with a nice tang of grapefruit. For those seeking a lighter touch, Peshawar also serves Shandy.
The wine list is short but sweet, with the well-known Torres Negro (Spain), Terazas (Sauvignon/Argentina), Gracia (Sauvignon Blanc/ Chile) all priced at NT$800/bottle or NT$200/glass. Pleasingly, all are served in decent sized wine glasses which allows the wine to breathe.

The menu is delightfully set out in both Chinese and European languages: Penne Piccante Con Pomodoro e Melazane, Pain Perdu avec Bacon Englais ou petit salade, Taiwanese Mushroom Noodle (just like your mother makes it, according to the menu!). The prices are very reasonable, with a main course and choice of drink (black/green tea or coffee or juice) for NT$180, or other drinks can be subbed in with a NT$30 discount for alcoholic drinks or a NT$50 discount for non-alcoholic drinks. You can create a three-course meal by adding soup and salad for an extra NT$100. I tried the Rosemary Roast Chicken Tortilla Rolls (NT$120), which were fantastic.

There is good-quality live music every Saturday; call for details. Peshawar is a vibrant venue on weekends and a perfect place for dinner or a few drinks with friends midweek.