拾松

🍃 Shousong｜11:30-14:00, 17:00-20:00 (closed on Mondays)｜No. 50, Section 1, Ankang Road, Xindian District, New Taipei City.
Today, I came to this small restaurant that specializes in the flavors of Yilan’s Lanyang area. The overall vibe is very homely and local, and the menu is so extensive that it can be a bit overwhelming, but it actually allows you to sample a wide array of Lanyang flavors at once. 😌

🍲 I started with the signature Xilu Pork at 160 TWD. The broth is thick and rich, but the flavor is somewhat one-dimensional, lacking that layered aroma which left me with a slight feeling of unmet expectations. Next, the Chicken Soup with Tea Tree Mushrooms at 180 TWD performed quite well. The chicken broth is refreshing, and the mushroom flavor is pronounced, making it quite enjoyable.

🍢 The snack options are stable: the Fried Cake Crumbs at 120 TWD are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the kind that can burn your mouth when you bite into them; the Sugar Smoked Duck Slices at 135 TWD are a must-try in Yilan and are quite flavorful; the Pork at 160 TWD, although different from the version I had in Sanxing, is still delicious.

🍚 The main dishes are a bit disappointing. The Taiwanese Fried Rice at 120 TWD has a strong oily taste and lacks the wok flavor; the Taiwanese Fried Noodles at 120 TWD are just your standard safe choice. On the contrary, the Sweet Glazed Ribs at 220 TWD are sweet and sticky, enhanced by the aroma of Yilan’s Kumquat, making the dish really stand out. The Japanese-style Cat’s Paw at 70 TWD and Shaoxing Drunken Chicken at 160 TWD are also quite palatable.

🍧 Finally, the Taro Paste at 90 TWD received positive reviews. It comes in a generous bowl topped with peanut powder, rich but not overly sweet, making it a worthy way to end the meal. 😌

💸 The restaurant only accepts cash, so don't make the same mistake I did by almost not having enough money. Next time I come, I should try the Ice Plum Tomato and Lamb Hot Pot; both look quite tempting.