Ping Chuan Lan – 品川蘭

We came to Pin Chuan Lan on a friend’s recommendation and also based on CNN review which my brother had posted and shared earlier this year.  The decor is fresh and modern, but the place was just opened last year. Service was top notch after you got their attention.

One of the appetizers were these stuffed red chili peppers.  There were OK, and not as hot as you’d think.  I’d recommend getting the pictured plum tomatoes below instead.

What else is highly recommended is the beef rolls which I did not have this first time, but will try next time.  

The stewed beef noodle was fantastic, the best I’ve ever had.  The broth was what really made the soup special.  Its really smooth, balanced, light and well seasoned in a mild fruity way.  I wouldn’t call it traditional Taiwanese but I like it a lot.

The beef was nothing special, and honestly a little bland.  Also, just 3 pieces, and 2 pieces of tendon.  $230 NTD.

The other type of popular beef noodle was the braised beef noodle soup you see below.

Their particular version was also on the light, more neutral side direct from the kitchen.  However, adding the chilis and salty vegetable additions on the table bring the soup up to Taiwaneses standards.  

For both beef noodles, the noodles were Q and delicious.

There are other menu items to try, including chicken noodle, and a big steak patty version as well for close to $500 NTD.

I do recommend their Plum Juice.

The chayote greens are popular here in Taiwan, and while good its nothing spectacular.