Hakka cuisine is usually simple, salty, oily and savoury. For instance, additional oil was added to restore physical energy required to perform strenuous labour work.
Hakka people comprises about 20 per cent of the total population in Taiwan. They are largely descended from Guangdong immigrants that form the second largest ethnic group.
I visited Taipei on a recent weekend getaway and stayed near Taipei Main Station. We took a walk one day and explored Nanyang St. Then, a warm and mouth watering fragrance attracted us to the restaurant - 馨記桐花小吃.
The simple interior decorations with a stint of olden settings made me feel cosy.
We quickly made orders and waited impatiently for the food.
The restaurant was a good find. At times, you could even see Taiwanese stars at the roadshows near the street. It is a treasure waiting to be found.
Preserved Cucumbers (凉拌黄瓜)
I was amazed by the crunchiness and sweetness of the preserved cucumbers. They were great appetisers and made every dish served tasted delightful. Mixed with garlic and chilli slices, it was simply divine! I would greatly recommend this for my friends. (Food rating: 4/5)
Popular Hakka noodles (招牌客家扳条）
Another recommendation was the noodles. Cooked al dente, it tasted very well with the sauce and the ingredients. I would love to order another one but we ate too much along the way.
The chives, minced meat, bean sprouts and noodles blended very well. The vegetables added extra crunch to the dish. The dish was simple refreshing and delicious. (Food rating: 3.5/5)
Hakka Pig Trotters （客家猪脚）
The braised pig trotter with soy skin was another divine dish. The meat was tender and lean. A small portion of the meat would keep you want to order more. (Food rating: 3/5)
Braised Fish Cake（卤香甜不辣）
As for the fish cake, I thought it could be made better. The fish cake tasted a little inferior compared to the preserved cucumbers. Well, it is forgettable. (Food rating: 1.5/5)
Preserved vegetables with pork belly (梅干扣肉) is a must. This dish was the only one I ever eaten that tasted closest to home. The sweet preserved vegetables braised in tender pork belly. (Food rating: 4/5)
Braised Pork Trotters over Rice (客家猪脚饭) was fragrant. There were more bones than meat for the pork trotter. The rice was perfectly cooked. (Food rating: 3/5)
Specialty Hakka Flat Noodles（招牌客家板条）was a good choice during chilly weathers. The soup was light and flavourful. There were huge portion of bean sprouts in the bowl. Secondly was the flat noodles. The rest was a piece of meat ball, a slice of pork meat and a braised egg. The noodles were firm and chewy. The pork ball was about two inches in diameter. The pork slice was thin and small but very soft and tender. (Food rating: 3/5)
The bottle of soft drink (弹珠汽水) tasted very much like cream soda or F&N Fruitade soda drink. (Food rating: 3/5)
Price: $
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommended dishes: Braised Pork Trotters over Rice (客家猪脚饭), Popular Hakka noodles (招牌客家扳条), Preserved Cucumbers (凉拌黄瓜)
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