Neihu has been an interesting place these past few years.
Engineers by day, food lovers by night.
More and more of these places with a bit of everything keep opening.
A jumble, you say?
But after work, this is exactly the kind of no-thinking-required meal people want.
I walk into 2018搞食堂.
A very down-to-earth name.
Inside, it isn't really a canteen.
More like a night market brought indoors.
——
Let's start with Pineapple Shrimp.
This dish knows what you need.
It's like scrolling on your phone after work.
Sweet.
Crisp.
No thought required.
That crisp coating around the shrimp—
biting into it feels a little like finding out you don't have to work overtime today.
The pineapple handles the finish.
Sweeping away that lingering oily feeling as it goes.
Very considerate of it.
——
Next, Crab Roe and Tofu Clay Pot.
This one feels more like coming home and sinking into the sofa.
Hot.
Soft.
Silky.
The tofu falls apart as soon as it hits your mouth,
like your whole self switching off.
That quiet when you don't need to say a word.
With rice, it's dangerous.
You'll take bite after bite.
And won't be able to stop.
——
Last up, Thai-Style Peppercorn Chicken.
This one has more attitude.
The skin is really crisp.
The kind of crisp that feels as sharp and fresh as a new haircut.
Inside, it's tender.
Quite a contrast.
Tang, heat, and fragrance all arrive together.
A bit like the boss calling your name, then realizing you're off the hook.
A quick jolt.
But it actually feels great.
——
This place isn't about refinement.
It's about feeling lazy.
Too lazy to choose.
Too lazy to think.
Too lazy to go to several places.
It's all here.
Like certain moments in life.
You don't need the very best.
You just need—
a bit of everything.
