A Haven of Quality and Consistency in Taipei - A Love Letter to The Antipodean
In a city where the culinary scene can sometimes be a mixed bag, with restaurants often swinging between hits and misses, The Antipodean stands as a beacon of consistency, quality, and sheer delight.
From the moment you step in, a comforting wave of hearty aromas welcomes you, hinting at the culinary journey you're about to embark upon. It's no hyperbole to say that breakfast here is nothing short of a revelation. The Antipodean has managed to crack the code of serving the freshest avocados - a vivid green sight that greets you on your plate, never a trace of brown, promising a burst of freshness with each bite.
As someone who finds joy in the simple pleasure of a hearty breakfast, discovering this place has been nothing short of a blessing. Their portion sizes are not only generous but smartly balanced, leaving you satiated without feeling overwhelmed. Their magic, however, isn't limited to just the food. The dirty chai is a stroke of genius, a perfect amalgamation of flavours that are hard to come by in Taipei, acting as a warm hug to start your day with.
When news came that they were expanding, a part of me feared the loss of this sanctuary of consistency and quality. But my worries were in vain. Not only has the quality remained steadfast, but the warmth and efficiency of the staff have doubled. It seems like no matter how much they expand, they hold dear the core principles that make them a jewel in Taipei's culinary crown.
To the owner and the remarkable staff, a heartfelt thank you from the bottom of my heart. You've not only managed to preserve the essence of what makes The Antipodean great but have indeed elevated it. You help me and my wife greet our day with smiles and satisfied appetites, a cornerstone in our daily routines.
I can't recommend The Antipodean enough. It is not just a restaurant; it's a testament to the beauty of consistency, quality, and exceptional service, a place that truly understands and caters to the palate of its patrons.
Make sure to drop by, and when you do, find yourself a cozy corner, order a dirty chai, and watch your day transform into something truly spectacular. Highly recommended, without a...
Read moreDined here last Saturday and ordered the Big Breakfast (NTD 420).
Here’s my honest review:
We were really disappointed with this restaurant, especially considering how difficult it is to get a reservation here. Given all the hype, we expected much better.
If you’re looking for good food and a pleasant dining experience, I’d suggest spending your money elsewhere.
Mediocre food for the price. Portion-wise, it was generous—but flavor-wise, it fell completely flat. For NTD 420, you’d expect something more memorable, but everything on the plate was bland and uninspired. Honestly, the bread was the only thing I actually enjoyed.
Stressful and unwelcoming service. We were a group of six, two of whom arrived late, but we ordered as soon as we could. About 30 minutes into eating, a staff member came over to tell us that last call was in 20 minutes. This would’ve been helpful to know before we ordered—we might have chosen a different place.
To make things worse, while I was on the phone trying to get my friends’ orders, a man (possibly the manager or a server) kept pressuring me to order immediately. I politely asked for five minutes, but he refused and literally stood next to me while I was on the call, which felt incredibly intrusive and rude.
Even while we were still eating, he kept insisting that we pay right away. It felt like we were being rushed out the door the moment we sat down.
Overall, the food didn’t live up to the hype, and the rushed, borderline aggressive service completely ruined the dining experience. Definitely not worth the trouble of booking...
Read moreThe service was great at this location as well. My friend wanted to try this resto during a week day so that it would be possible to get a seat without waiting for hours. I knew to avoid the Minsheng location because even on weekdays that place is a nightmare with college students and housewives who will sit there for HOURS with a single drink.
This location was busy but not so busy as to be considered crowded. The service was efficient and when we asked to sit outside they quickly reseated us and took our orders promptly.
Again, the food is fine. No complaints, nothing bad, but also not stellar. I’m confused why they don’t improve the taste of the menu. You can have an all natural organic vibe and still make stuff taste delicious.
While I enjoyed the atmosphere of this place better because of the smaller crowd, the aesthetic and environment isn’t quite as luxurious as the Minsheng location.
Glad their business is doing well, but 4 stars is...
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