Hey Doc

Tan-kau aka charbroiled is a popular method of cooking in Taiwan. You see that mostly in restaurants or out picnicking because where most of us live don't have the convenience of lighting a fire to cook at home. The price varies a lot to have a Tan-kau meal in the restaurant. Depends of what kind of meats offered or if its all-you-can-eat type. Younger people with big appetite often choose the AYCE thinking that they can eat for all their money's worth. I personally don't like going to AYCE places because I always ended up eating more then I should. The only thing I found its acceptable is that I can try out many different stuff.



Tan-kau is not just an eating frenzy, its also a social gathering. You and friends surrounding the small fire stove drinking and cooking the food together. There is a lot of interaction than eating from your individually served plates. You and your friends even have time to chat while the meat is cooking on the fire. Slow cook is the secret.



In addition to Tan-kau, optional Hotpot is also featured at the same table. It cooks by boiling the food in broth, often used to cook the vegetables or none meat items. This way, keeps the moisture in the food nicely.
The restaurants who serve good deserts is also a big draw. One of the popular deserts is the Häagen-Dazs ice cream. A single scoop in Taipei will cost you nt$120, that is close to $4 a scoop. If you can eat 5 scoops, that will pay for the whole cost of your meal. For me, I can eat a pint in a heart beat. I have the waist to prove it ;)