The rain finally cleared and since I had hung out at the hotel all day, I thought I’d go out for dinner. I found a great steak restaurant in Taipei called Le Blanc, a popular local hangout with excellent food and great service.
Steak Dinner In Taipei – Restaurant Review Of Le Blanc
This place popped up in my Instagram feed (boy that algorithm know me well…) and I thought it looked great. This is a simple restaurant with a simple menu: ribeye steak, lobster, or a burger. The steak or lobster are served with soup or salad to start and unlimited French Fries. The ribeye was 1000 NTD, which is about 32 USD.
It was a long walk over from the W Hotel, but a pleasant and one. I had made a reservation, but was early enough that it wasn’t necessary.
First came a hot popover (what I would call Yorkshire pudding when I go out to Tam O’ Shanter in LA).
Then a fresh salad with mixed greens, toasted walnuts, shredded parmesan cheese, sliced radish, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
The ribeye was nicely marbled and had a great flavor, cooked medium rare exactly as specified. The French Fries were fine and the horseradish sauce not needed for the meat, but a nice dipping sauce for the Fries.
I asked for a few more Fries and was brought a whopping second portion.
To conclude the meal, I ordered a cappuccino and was also offered a small profiterole (French cream puff) for dessert.
A very nice dinner in Taipei at a place that was filled with locals by the time I left and at 1298 NTD (42 USD), a good deal.
I’m sharing about my whirlwind trip through Asia.
I eat at Le Blanc when I visit Taipei. One trip I ate there twice.
That is a fascinating contribution.
That looks amazing; and, I bet it tastes even better than it looks. We, the USA, really do need to formally recognize and actively defend our allies, the free, independent, sovereign people of Taiwan. Enjoy and safe travels!
What a lovely dinner ! While I didn’t think the ribeye would be your first choice, but to me it looked yummy. In fact, my homemade popovers are similar in height, and are a family holiday favorite here. We frequently stuff any leftover roast slices into the popover vent for a late night snack. Mmm
As Japan gets overrun I almost hate to see these Taiwan posts as the country is still an under the radar absolute gem. Polite, calm, lovely countryside, great hotels and Inns, fantastic food comprising the many cultural influences it has embraced OR endured, and the rich culture it has developed as a result.
Don’t go there. You will hate it. Listen to Dave Edwards.
No, we want more Americans, and Canadians, Australians, Europeans, and all our allies to visit, invest in, and support Taiwan, because if we don’t, Xi will murder those people. Reject dictatorship.
No local option? I would definitely try something local.
That is a local option?
@Matthew: ok, let me rephrase it.
No local cuisine from Taiwan? Don’t think an Italian green salad, steak and fries is the typical dish of the country.
I would expect noodles, dumplings, beef noodle soup, pork rice, etc…
Growing up next a Twainesn family that introduced me to the flavors of asian cuisine was an experience. Homemade dumplings were unparalleled to what I found later in life. I feel both grateful and dispirited not being able have replicated this later in life. I guess life is full of such. But my Twainesn travel agent did introduce me to EVA, which has been a blessing .
I wonder if it was in early to mid October? That is my guess.
My visit? It was just a few days ago.
The Republic of China flag is not commonly flown on the street because the blue part looks very similar to the KMT party. That would be like if the US flag had an elephant or donkey in the blue canton. Their national day was on October 10, sort of Taiwan’s July 4th.
That looks delicious. A nice place for a western meal. When I am in the mood for local delicacies or I am in a hurry, I often opt to find one of those walk-up “steamed pork bun” stands for a grab and go. They usually open at 7 am. The buns are very filling and cost about 25-30 cents each.
Another favorite of mine is “The Duck House” on the edge of Ximending Market, about a 15 minute walk from the Main MRT Station
Correction. Cost of the steamed pork buns are about 50-60 cents each
The existence of this restaurant is, to me, the perfect illustration of the difference between the ROC and the PRC. While you’d be more likely to find me in Taipei’s night markets for dinner, this meal looks fantastic.
There is only one China, the Republic of China. The People’s Republic of China was a separatist movement. I am fine with that. However, the People’s Republic of China wrongly claims that the Republic of China is the separatist and that they may invade. Who separated from whom? The Republic of China dates from 1912. PRC dates from 1949.
Well said, derek.
Might as well refer to ‘mainland’ China as ‘west Taiwan’ just to upset Xi.
Looks good, but the real question is, where did you get your Mexican food fix?
Sadly, no Taco Bells in ROC! 😉
Teotihuacan or Macho Tacos
I love their burgers, and it must be the only place in Taiwan where you can find popovers.
This is the type of place one would go to if they were staying for a longer visit (like 5 days or more)…for less, it’s a shame to skip out on all the tasty local cuisine they have in Taiwan.
But you know me!;)
Ok but…not even hotpot? Lol
Tawainese know how to cook beef properly. Would you go to a steakhouse in Japan? Of course. Same with Taiwan on a separate but fantastic level.