My mom and I were looking for a quick dinner after our realtor appointment. We wanted to go to Top Shanghai Restaurant but was annoyed by the big lineup. So we went to the place next door, Tri-Ty Cafe, a Taiwanese Tea House. I think I have mentioned that, a Taiwanese Tea House is similar to Hong Kong Style Cafe, they are full-on restaurants and provide a lot more than just tea or coffee. I had not been to this place for years, and barely remembered what was good. The dining room looked quite small but it was very clean and the decors were cute.
![Taiwanese Pop Corn Chicken](http://www.pickydiners.com/www/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_7023.jpg)
So we ordered the most 3 dishes you could find at a Taiwanese Tea House.
First we had Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken ($6.95). The bite sized chicken pieces was deep fried nicely, and they were quite flavourful from the special spiced salt. I could taste Chinese 5 spices.
My Beef Noodle Soup ($9.50) was decent. The braised beef was tasty but it could be a little more tender for my liking. Although I usually like my noodles a little bit chewy, here they were a little bit too chewy – another 30 seconds cooking time for the noodles would have made them perfect.
![Original House Beef Noodle Soup](http://www.pickydiners.com/www/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_7024.jpg)
Since Pork Knuckle dishes were their specialties, my mom ordered the Marinated Pork Knuckle with Rice ($9.50). I think they really should call it ‘Braised’ instead of ‘Marinated’. The braising sauce was good but nothing special. I could probably do a better job but braising hock ham does take a bit of time and labor, and I give that to them.
![Marinated Pork Knuckle with Rice](http://www.pickydiners.com/www/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_7026.jpg)
All the rice dishes come with vegetable condiments, which a nice feature for a Taiwanese style meat set.
![condiments](http://www.pickydiners.com/www/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_7027.jpg)
And we both got a small fruit jelly for dessert. I loved the yuzu flavour.
![dessert jelly](http://www.pickydiners.com/www/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_7028.jpg)
We didn’t have an exciting dinner but it was not bad. The food was consistent. I wouldn’t be surprised that they have their own group of regular customers who come here for the comforting and familiar flavours.
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