UNCLE RAY 串燒·牛飲·咖喱 台北大安

Located in the bustling alleys of the East District, 【uncle ray】 is a popular yakitori izakaya. During dinner hours, the restaurant is always crowded, so it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance. This visit included a comprehensive selection of appetizers, grilled items, fried dishes, and drinks. Overall, the atmosphere is lively, the food quality is consistent, making it a great place to relax with friends and satisfy your cravings!

Surprisingly impressive “Rich Miso Soup”
This bowl of soup has a rich miso flavor with a hint of garlic, its texture is thick but not overly salty, leaving you with a feeling of wanting to refill your bowl.

“Cumin Lamb Ribs”
The lamb is grilled to a perfect crisp outside and tender inside, with no gamey taste, and a strong cumin aroma with a hint of spiciness that makes it increasingly enjoyable.

“Shiso Plum Salad”
The salty and sweet tanginess pairs perfectly with the grilled skewers!

Another popular dish is “Crispy Fried Potatoes with Truffle Sauce.”
The fries are excellent—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, fried to perfection without being greasy. They are delicious on their own. However, the signature truffle sauce felt somewhat ordinary to me; while it had aroma, it wasn't overwhelming and even somewhat masked the natural flavor of the fries. It’s recommended to eat the fries first and then dip them as needed to truly appreciate their charm!

For the skewers, both the “Braised Grilled Chicken Butt” and “Signature Grilled Tofu Skin” were delightful surprises. The chicken butt is well-marinated, with a slightly crispy exterior, rich in fat yet not greasy, grilled just right; while the tofu skin is layers of crispiness with a hint of saltiness, making it an excellent side dish with drinks. The mushrooms are simply seasoned with salt and grilled, retaining moisture and freshness—though there are no standout features, they are decent. The “Rice Blood Cake” was quite average, lacking memorable qualities.

The seafood highlights come from the “Grilled Scallops,” featuring fresh scallops with a noticeable grilled aroma, showcasing the quality of the ingredients. In contrast, the “Tender Salt and Pepper Chicken” isn’t a traditional skewer but is well-fried, with a crispy skin and juicy interior; it could have been perfect with a bit more basil aroma, as it currently feels like a plate of “tasty but missing something” Taiwanese fried chicken.

Overall, uncle ray is a sincere yakitori restaurant, excelling in the grilling of skewers, handling of fried dishes, and pairing of soups and drinks, all above standard. While not every dish is exceptional, the overall dining experience is satisfying, and the prices are proportional to the quality. I left feeling extremely full! XD