Qin Wei Guan - 秦味館

Address: No.2, Lane 138, YanJi st, Taipei. 台北市延吉接138巷2號

Telephone Number: (02)8771-3288

Hours: 11:30 - 14:30 ; 17:30 - 22:00

I'm not one to ever complain about protein overload, and I'm not going to start now. But that's what I'll think of when I reflect back to my first dining experience at Qin Wei Guan - 秦味館, the delicious delicious meats that I was locked in battle with. Qin Wei Guan - 秦味館's cuisine is inspired by the Shaanxi Province of China. The province is home to a large number of Muslims and the food of the area is a reflection of that with a wide array of beef, lamb, broad-cut noodles and paomo (a type of broth served with un-leavened bread). The restaurant is richly decorated with items and tapestries that exhibit the art and feel of the Qin Dynasty, and the wall is adorned with the John Hancock's of many a Taiwanese celebrity. Qin Wei Guan - 秦味館 is a very popular restaurant so you better call ahead if you have any hope of finding a spot and gorging yourself on all that they have to offer.

First thing we ordered was this paomo. A disc of a dense bread that I was ordered to rip up into small pieces. My hands had to be properly cleaned and inspected before I was allowed to start on my menial task. At the time it made sense to me, but that was before I knew that it was to be used as part of the soup dish you see above. Just saying, pretty sure boiling the bread in hot soup would've done the job of the soap. Back on topic.. this was a big hit and the bread created an interesting texture when eaten with the meat and vegetables.

Potato Dish.

This rice concoction is a must get for anyone coming here to dine. Its call the Qin Wei Egg Rice, and at first glace it appears to be nothing too special, but the rice and egg are both incredibly light and fluffy. Like I always say, the true skill is making something simple and turning it into something really great, and this rice dish I feel accomplishes that.

Lamb Skewers.

Pork goodness. They bring it out for you first then cut it up in juicy juicy portions.

I promised thee meat... and meat thee shall have. I thought the lamb skewers was a little light the lamb department. Slightly dry and not enough meat is a bit of a problem. They used a large amount of spices on the skin of the skewers, but overall, I think its a dish i'll leave off of my order next time. The pork I found to be very tasty and again, they were very liberal in their use of a variety of spices (a common practice in the province) to dress the meats. It was tender, juicy and i liked the balance between the exterior of the meat and the tender flesh beneath.

Fried eggplant with pork

Two types of chicken. On the right, chicken with taro, and on the left, chicken with scallions.

I think if we had to do it again, I would've liked a few more entrees that were in the carb family. Not to say that i didn't enjoy the proteins, but they were all heavy in flavor, and a few more rice and/or noodles dishes would have been nice to even out some of that flavoring.

The favorite among the kids. Ended up ordering this dish three separate times. Broad noodle.

These desserts will be walking through my dreams for days to come. Great pastry filled with cheese.

I want it now.

Wow.. that's what I have to say about the desserts. I think they had the power to save lives.. or at the very least be the life preserver to a crappy meal (our meal was great, just saying that they had that sort of ability). Fullness be damned, but sure to gorge on these or you'll be disappointed.

Qin Wei Guan - 秦味館 possesses the charm and food of a powerhouse restaurant. There was much and more on the menu that we couldn't get to, but what we did have bordered between good and excellent in quality and flavor. The waitstaff was attentive and friendly and the prices were more than reasonable (probably less than 500NT to eat to your hearts delight per person). I was more than pleased that we saved our Friday night meal for Qin Wei Guan - 秦味館.

Overall Qin Wei Guan - 秦味館 receives: