Thai Heaven 泰平天國 - Taipei, Taiwan
     
Last Visit: Feb 2008
 
   
  
      

OVERALL

I'm writing a chain review because, like I said in many parts of this website, I'm not a fan of chains but I don't want to spend too much time writing about them; however, I must clarify for those who might not know about chains outside of the US, particularly in Asia. 

Basically, the Asians have taken chains into a completely new horizon; where in the US chains typically mass market to the lower to middle income, many chains in Asia target the higher-end customers.  They may actually cost more and they can be more hip and creative than non-chains.

This is one of those I would actually go to - Thai Heaven in Taipei.  Down to earth good not-so-authentic Thai food (I think - I've never been to Thailand), downright fresh and high quality ingredients, full and spicy taste (by taiwan standard) and bold yet comfortable deocrations, how can I resist a review?  But I'll write an abbreviated just so that I don't contradict with myself.....

I've learned that in Asia, it's better to have Asian food (DAH!).  In Japan, China or Taiwan, you can find really amazing food from all other Asia.  Thai food in Taiwan has deep historic roots, so it's not surprising that Thai Heaven's quality is top notch.  From an excellent spicy and sour soup, delicate appetizers and salad, and well-done curry, fish and rice dishes, this place delivers an amazing Southeast Asian gourmet experience.

I must warn you that no matter how good the food is, you are NOT in Thailand.  I find the food a bit less spicy than I had expected from Thai, and also the hint of Taiwan-style flavoring (the kind of sweetness, use of corn startch, etc.) was too obvious.  If you've tried this place and has been to Thailand too, I'd love to hear your comments!

Service is friendly and attentive, maybe because we were there at a rather slow time - Sunday lunch.  Maybe rest of the country are recovering from overconsumption of alcohol the night before, but for some strange reason the place was deserted.  The waiters were very young, but they TRIED very hard to be detailed, oriented the dishes and utensils the right way, and packed take-out meticulously.  They would get a FIVE if they had not forgotten my pad thai to-go......

Given that it's in Taipei, here the hip rules, the place clearly HAD to be hip in order the charge a good premium.  Tasteful decorations and creative mix of colors - but I'm not sure how does it really relate to Thai except for the use of wood and somewhat tropical colors.  It's nevertheless very comfortable and it draws a sophiscated and affluent crowd.

I've tried many good restaurants in Taipei, but at few would I be so unimpressed with the value.  Taiwan's economy has been slow, so there are a ton of great values everywhere, but this place is not one of them.  You're paying mostly for the decorations and waiters' uniforms.  Granted the food was good, I'm not sure pricing out a lot of young people out is a good strategy.

Overall, a really good place to meet some friends and have some good food.  If you are price-sensitive, however, there are plenty of other great thai restaurants in Taipei.

  

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