Lao Taipei: A Delicious Food Trip Couple Date to Taiwan
Hey mamas! Need a couple break from the usual lunch or dinner routine, but short on time (or maybe cash for a plane ticket ;))? Then let me tell you about our recent trip to Taiwan… well, almost! We discovered Lao Taipei in Kapitolyo, Pasig, a Taiwanese Restaurant and it was a total win for our tastebuds.
We went here after our DIY Tour of Fort Santiago in Intramuros. Although there were a decent number of parking spots, it was full when we arrived so we had to arrange for parking with the sidewalk barkers. Not a worry -they were nice and friendly. We walked into a warm and inviting atmosphere – a nice change from the usual hustle and bustle of Kapitolyo restaurants. The restaurant was filled with little touches that transported us straight to Taiwan, from the cute decorations to the friendly staff who were happy to answer all our questions about the menu. The chairs were a bit uncomfy for my old back though. It was lunchtime when we arrived, the restaurant was full but the food arrived earlier than we expected. 👏🏽👏🏽
What We Ordered
Now, onto the important part: the food! Lao Taipei offers a good selection of authentic Taiwanese dishes, and we decided to have a little feast. Our taste bud adventure began with the pork xiao long bao (soup dumplings). These were the real deal – the kind that explode with flavorful broth when you take a bite (be careful, little ones!). We also tried the Taiwanese siomai (steamed dumplings) that were perfectly delicate and delicious with bursts of meat juices in my mouth. Yum, just thinking about it is making me want to go back. My guy, usually a picky eater, devoured these in seconds!
For our mains, we couldn’t resist diving into some Taiwanese classics. The Taiwanese beef noodle soup was a revelation. The broth was rich and savory, packed with umami flavor, and the noodles were cooked to a perfect chewiness. We loved slurping them up, making a bit of a happy mess myself. We also shared a plate of shrimp salt and pepper – sweet, flavorful shrimp that disappeared in seconds.
And of course, no Taiwanese meal is complete without some sweet and sour action. We ordered the sweet and sour pork rice, and it was the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. The tender pork and fluffy rice were bathed in a delicious sauce that had us all fighting over the last few bites (oops! Maybe next time we’ll order an extra serving).
The best part? The prices at Lao Taipei are super reasonable, especially considering the quality and portion sizes. It’s a great option for a family outing in the food and gastronomy center of Metro Manila. Most main dishes range from PHP 200 to PHP 400, making it an affordable option for those seeking a taste of Taiwan without breaking the bank.
All in all, Lao Taipei was a win in our book! The food was delicious and authentic, the service was friendly and helpful, and the ambiance was perfect for a relaxed family dinner. If you’re looking for a new adventure for your tastebuds, I highly recommend checking it out! You might just discover your new favorite family restaurant.
