This is a no-frills dining experience that focuses on the food. The food is very authentic, very fresh, great portions. The menu is big and exciting! You cannot beat the price at this restaurant,... More

This is a no-frills dining experience that focuses on the food. The food is very authentic, very fresh, great portions. The menu is big and exciting! You cannot beat the price at this restaurant, either, which makes everything an amazing value. Great place for lunch with friends during work. Service and kitchen are fast.You can get in, eat a great meal, and get out in reasonable time. Although the place really looks like a hole in the wall and there is nothing average about the place settings, you'll be having so much fun with the food you wouldn't even notice. Very charming. Pros: Variety and taste of food Cons: Hole-in-the-wall atmosphere
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I think Taiwan Cafe is a great find. Generous portions, friendly service, fabulous food! I find myself going again and again. Their "Spicy Beef" is my favorite dish. And the wonton soup is amazingly... More

I think Taiwan Cafe is a great find. Generous portions, friendly service, fabulous food! I find myself going again and again. Their "Spicy Beef" is my favorite dish. And the wonton soup is amazingly good. Taiwan cafe is by far my favorite Chinese restaurant in Chinatown.
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it's the only taiwanese restaurant i find that offers quality cheap eats (i.e. wisteria on newbury doesn't make the cut), and it's close to work, so what more can i ask? service fluctuates and is... More

it's the only taiwanese restaurant i find that offers quality cheap eats (i.e. wisteria on newbury doesn't make the cut), and it's close to work, so what more can i ask? service fluctuates and is greatly dependent on individual wait person, but usually it's... "tolerable". the place can get very busy during weekday lunch and weekend brunch hours, so go early or at other times. my fav dishes (english names are guesstimates as i go by their chinese names). rice dish: pork chop (must try!), beef w/tomato sauce, fried chicken w/salt & spice ("yen su ji"). noodle (sauteed, soup, or dry): braised beef, pork & veggie wonton, meat sauce (dry); satay beef vermicelli (sauteed). main courses: "3 cup chicken" ("san bei ji"; named such bc sauce is made w/1 cup of soy, water & wine each), braised string beans, veggie w/satay beef, spare ribs w/sweet vinegar sauce ("tang chu pai gu"). weekend breakfast/brunch: sticky rice ("ci fan"), soy milk (conservatives: try the sweet; adventurous: try the salty), potstickers ("guo tie"), scallion pancake. dessert (summer time): crushed ice w/self-selected ingredients (my personal fav: red bean & condensed milk). :) Pros: consistent quality food Cons: inconsistent food; lines during peak hours.
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When I first discovered Taiwan Cafe in Chinatown, I went back to the restaurant 3 times in 2 weeks. It is hands down the most authentic Chinese restaurant I've been to in Boston and really reminds... More

When I first discovered Taiwan Cafe in Chinatown, I went back to the restaurant 3 times in 2 weeks. It is hands down the most authentic Chinese restaurant I've been to in Boston and really reminds me of Mom's home cooking. The dishes come out piping hot within minutes of your order, and I have yet to try anything that I didn't like. If I had to pick, I would recommend the mini steamed buns w/ pork (xiao long tang bao), the spicy salt & pepper soft shell crab, the beef stew noodle soup w/ spinach, and the sauteed beef w/ long-horn pepper. All are extremely tasty and made memorable culinary experiences. I think the best way to enjoy Taiwan Cafe is to go with a group of friends and order family style. The atmosphere is lively and the place is perpetually packed. Beware: The array of items on the menu is really geared for those with an adventurous palate and can truly appreciate authentic Chinese cooking. I'm native Chinese so it's all good for me :) Also, remember it's cash only! Pros: Fast, attentive service; authentic and very tasty Chinese cooking Cons: Cash only and does not deliver via any type of service
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I'm not taiwanese/chinese or taiwanese-chinese, so I can't really vouch for its authenticity, but I love this place! The "Home style braise eggplant with basil", "Crispy Tofu", "Chinese watercress"... More

I'm not taiwanese/chinese or taiwanese-chinese, so I can't really vouch for its authenticity, but I love this place! The "Home style braise eggplant with basil", "Crispy Tofu", "Chinese watercress" dishes are so yummy! I've been here almost 10 times and the service is always so quick! Beware - CASH ONLY!. A must try if you're in Chinatown.
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Considering Boston has only a handful of Taiwanese restaurants, Taiwan Cafe used to be the place for Taiwanese eats, but a recent visit there changed the picture. While some dishes are still... More

Considering Boston has only a handful of Taiwanese restaurants, Taiwan Cafe used to be the place for Taiwanese eats, but a recent visit there changed the picture. While some dishes are still decent, the overall quality of Taiwanese dishes has gone downhill. I think for some of the traditional Taiwanese 'small eats,' May's Cafe in Allston is better, and much better presented if you're around the area. Pros: Not like before Cons: Still the same value
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