Lai Lai Family Restaurant

Now that I've been to Taiwan, I look at the country differently - I have more affection for its culture, and many various facets, everything from the way they communicate to how their food is flavoured.

One thing's for certain - I miss Taiwan. I miss the cool weather, the mountains, the hospitable people and of course the food. Yes, especially the food.

So you can only imagine my delight whenever I pass by a restaurant that claims to be selling Taiwanese food. Some are obviously bucking the trend while others are really authentic. At least now, I can't be fooled because I've eaten the real deal :)

Last weekend, after Easter mass on Sunday, my sis and I were searching for a new place to eat. We were pretty ravished since it was about 8pm+ when we reached town. We were craving for something Indian but we were at Liang Seah St so I guess that was quite a stretch. Nevertheless, we decided to walk further down the street in search of something delicious.

We didn't have to walk far before we came across this restaurant with the prominent 来来 (Lai Lai) logo. Translated to English, it means come, come. I was very much tickled by the image of a concussed cow/bull as well. I kept calling it 'dead beef'.

Anyway as soon as I saw it was an eatery selling 台湾小吃 (Taiwanese food), I knew I had to go in. It's been a long time since I last ate Taiwan food.

Sis and I didn't take long to figure out what to eat. The obvious choice was the beef noodles ($6.80). I wanted something different so I had the braised pork rice ($5.20). Both were really good. So good that I regret not bringing my camera to take photos. But it's okay, I went there again this week with my colleagues and this time, I brought my camera!

Here's a shot of the lovely beef noodles:




The broth was really good. Sis thinks it was even better than the one we had at a roadside beef noodle stall in Taiwan. Perhaps it was. I didn't protest. The beef itself was tender to the bite. Trust me, it's that good - we cleared the bowl well and good.

I don't have a photo of the braised pork rice but you should try it if you're a fan of those fatty bits of pork. The sauce was also really yummy. I love nuts and totally appreciated it being served with the rice. Oh, one more thing - if you love chilli, you have to try the dried chilli concoction that's placed in a small jar on every table. They mix the chillies with fried shallots that's super crisp. Quite addictive actually. I did finish up a fair amount.

The second time I went there with my colleagues as mentioned above, I had the Taiwan vermicelli ($5.90):



You can choose the type of meat you want - fried fish fillet, pork meat balls or shredded chicken. I chose the meat balls. I really like this vermicelli. It's kind of different from the normal mee sua we have here. Check it out:



Slightly thicker in width, this vermicelli has a better bite. Brings back lots of memories :)

My other colleague had two side dishes, the beef tendon, and a smoked egg.





I didn't try them so I can't comment! But she said it was good. The egg looks yummy too. I'm currently into hardboiled eggs with soft centres. Liquid yolk is always delicious.

Here's how the interior looks like. You'll get a glimpse of the 'dead beef'. haha.




The exterior:



Can you see the logo? I like it alot, it's quite distinctive. Love this place as well. Will be back again soon. I want to try the rest of their menu!

I still have more photos from my Taiwan trip that I haven't posted! I will definitely be putting up more soon. A great chance to reminisce and let all of you appreciate its beauty!

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Lai Lai Family Restaurant
No. 20 Liang Seah Street
Tel: 6837-1556
Open daily 11:30am to 3am