台東越鄉.越式小館

The store is not very big, but it is always filled with the strong aromas of lemongrass and fish sauce. This time, I ordered the pork rib rice and seafood rice noodles, along with the restaurant's signature chicken.

As soon as the pork rib rice was served, it made my mouth water. The exterior of the rib was fried to a golden crisp while still retaining its juiciness inside. Paired with tangy pickled vegetables and white rice, the overall flavor was well-balanced. The subtle hint of lemongrass infused into the rice made me want to take bite after bite. The seafood rice noodles provided another layer of surprise—the broth was refreshing with a savory taste, and the shrimp, squid, and fish slices were fresh and springy, while the restaurant's specially made chicken was the finishing touch. The chicken was tender, with a mild salty flavor and the fragrance of fried shallots. Together with the rice noodles, it created a rich yet non-greasy mouthfeel.

What is most unique is that although the dishes have a distinctly Vietnamese flavor, there is a delicate Taiwanese balance in the seasoning, combining sour and sweet flavors while maintaining a refreshing taste amidst the salty and savory notes.