Dadaocheng is an historic district in Taipei that used to be the main commercial port. In recent years, Dihua street in Dadaocheng has undergone a process of gentrification (a good one) and has become a vibrant artery combining traditional shops selling spices and teas with contemporary eateries, tea houses, and design outlets. Walking along Dihua street to get to Peacock Bistro was really a pleasure. Among other things, there was a museum dedicated to the topic of comfort women in the Second World War, a day time food market, and a temple known to people looking for their soulmate.
The visit
I had a reservation easily made through innline.app for a Saturday brunch.
The actual entrance was through a coffee shop. Many buildings on this street have this kind of false bottom. Beyond the coffee shop there was a lovely court and then the entrance to the bistro.
The dining room had a designer feeling, yet it felt warm and comfortable.
I ordered from their regular menu (no special menu for brunch) and my first dish was a delicious cauliflower soup with yam and tempura crumbs called U Ka Bu Yume. Most of the dishes had Japanese influences.
The meal continued with some fried chicken (Chicken Karaage on the menu). The chicken wings were pitch black as the butter was mixed with squid ink. It was quite good, but I would have preferred a crispier skin. Inside the chicken was very juicy. It came with two dipping sauces, one made with sesame and another with cucumber yogurt. The dish was listed as an appetizer but it could have easily been shared between two people.
Finally I had a risotto called “Three Tresures”. It was made with kale, fermented tofu and included a generous portion of tenderized beef strips (indicated as shacha beef fillet on the menu).
The risotto was pleasantly spicy and all was well amalgamated together. The meat was very fresh and tender. It was a nice fusion risotto combining Chinese and Italian cuisine.
No dessert as I headed to Ice Monster afterwards.
The check
Total price 1078 NTD (including 10% service charge) or 35 USD. Considering the size of the dishes, an honest price in my books.
I applaud the attempt (mostly successful) to fuse different cuisines into original creations. There were many more interesting dishes on the menu.
Where in Taipei:
No. 197, Section 1, Dihua St.
In Chinese: 迪化街一段197號二進
Menu from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/thepeacockbistro/menu/