𝗧𝗮𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 (第一臺 懷念ㄟ所在) is one of a growing number of Chinese restaurants from Mainland Penang who’d decided to expand to the more lucrative market on Penang Island. It’s also the latest in a slew of bistro-like eateries in George Town offering Taiwanese casual eats.
Offering mainly plate lunches and set meals to cater to office workers, this newish Carnarvon Street branch serves up simple, tasty options. Our lunch today:
Signature braised pork rice - Taiwanese-style braised pork served with steamed white rice is called Lu Rou Fan (Chinese: 卤肉饭). The pork dish tends to be very aromatic, scented with Chinese 5-spice like star-anise, Shaoxing wine and soy sauce. Often, pork belly is used, giving the dish a very rich, fatty, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
The majority of Penangites are similar to the Taiwanese as they are also of Fujianese descent - but the Penangites’ palate has evolved in the past two centuries here to demand a spike of chili heat in their food. Here, a chili-garlic condiment on the side was the perfect accompaniment to undercut the richness of the dish.
Three-Cup Chicken - this is the classic Taiwanese dish, known as San Pei Chi (Chinese: 三杯雞), comprising of chopped, bite-sized chicken pieces cooked with slivers of ginger, and 1 cup each of sesame oil, soy sauce and rice wine.
Soy-braised chicken leg with egg noodles - another simple lunch plate, done very well here with perfectly-balanced seasoning and very tasty noodles.
Taiwanese-style fried chicken - not a big fan of panko crumbs, which was what’s used here. The chicken nuggets were well-marinated, though.
Cheese tuna omelette roll - a modern-ish Taiwanese snack: tortilla-like roll filled with minced tuna. The chili sauce saved a rather dry-ish dish from ignominy.
Dessert: Signature mixed boba shaved ice dessert, with red beans, taro balls and milk. Very good.
Love the efficient, friendly service. Food renditions here are lighter and tastier than those served in similar establishments around town.
Address
Taiwanese Palace (第一臺 懷念ㄟ所在) Georgetown
254, Carnarvon Street,10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +6016-925 1296
Opening hours: 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30pm to 9pm Tue to Sun. Closed on Mondays.
