Bistro Bonbon's Taiwanese food with a twist
Bistro Bonbon is a cozy gem of restaurant inside a compound at 758 Julu Road, where a mix of people love to gather after work for comfort fare, refreshing drinks and enjoy some good cheer.
The establishment’s owner, Jason Tsai, says he is offering Taiwanese food with a difference.
“It’s not your typical Taiwanese food joint. It’s a cozy, family-style venue where we offer the food we love to eat — Taiwanese dishes with a twist,” he said.
The cozy interior makes a good first impression. Art, fun knickknacks and retro objects are hung on the walls in different corners to give off a playful, personal touch.
On a recent visit the place was fully occupied with happy diners. Tsai recommended several different types of gin from his personal favorites to start before my meal.
Braised pork and foie gras on rice
“We are not a bar but we offer special bottles from lesser-known gin brands to niche wine choices as well as our home-made plum wine from Taiwan,” he said.
Every evening before 9pm, Bistro Bonbon offers a three glasses of house wine at only 100 yuan.
As for the food style, Tsai said they offered sincere and whole-hearted preparation with a prime focus on original flavors, while most of the recipes come from his mom.
“Taiwan has had different cultural influences in its history which is evidently shown in our cooking styles. For example, our braised pork on rice is a different version to others — a small piece of pan-fried foie gras on top of it simply enhances the flavors and textures,” he said.
Bistro Bonbon has a cozy space offering Taiwanese dishes with a twist.
Indeed, emphasis is placed on a combination of aroma, flavor and texture, through which the most common ingredients are transformed into a culinary delight.
I also liked the cabbage with cordia dichotoma seeds. The olive-like seeds, native to Taiwan, feature a special taste giving a rather simple vegetable dish more complex flavors. The basil clams and the pacific saury are relatively plain compared to other dishes I’ve tried.
The cozy space also serves a fun ramen concept during the day and Taiwanese food during dinner hours.
Info
Opening hours: 6pm-midnight (closed on Mondays)
Tel: 156-1888-7260
Address: Unit 106, 758 Julu Rd
Average price: 150 yuan
