Tainan Guantian / Enjoying a Slow Life Exotic Atmosphere, Hainan Chicken Rice, Laksa Noodles

After leaving the Guantian Visitor Center, I randomly found this restaurant called "Wei Mei Nanyang Bistro" for dining nearby. Wei Mei Nanyang Bistro is located at No. 132, Zhenshen Road, Guantian District, Tainan City. The restaurant itself does not have a dedicated parking lot, but parking along the nearby roads is quite good.

At Wei Mei Nanyang Bistro, the dining area is designed using light colors and warm wooden elements, creating a cozy and relaxing dining atmosphere. Two large rattan chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and their unique woven texture along with natural materials adds a touch of rustic and elegant natural style to the space. Most tables are round wooden tables paired with rattan-backed chairs, complemented by beige long bench sofas, creating a unified and harmonious overall visual effect, making it comfortable and suitable for relaxed gatherings among family or friends.

The restaurant also has another dining area, with a modern minimalist decor style, which features large floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light from outside to illuminate the space, making it bright and airy. Guests can always enjoy the beautiful views of the courtyard while dining.

The menu at Wei Mei Nanyang Bistro not only offers a rich variety of main course options but also thoughtfully considers the needs of different customers by adding children's meals, afternoon snacks, and a variety of Nanyang-style appetizers. Whether for a hearty meal during main dining hours or a casual drink during afternoon tea, this place can meet all cravings. Notably, the menu highlights featured dishes, including fresh shrimp laksa noodles, Hainan chicken rice, white pepper pork rib soup, KAYA toast, and banana spring rolls, all of which are iconic classics of Nanyang culinary culture.

The "Hainan Chicken Rice Set" includes Hainan chicken rice as the main dish, along with two kinds of pickled side dishes, a bowl of warm chicken soup, and a daily dessert (I had purple rice sweet soup, which was creamy, pleasantly sweet, and not overwhelming), plus a refreshing cup of black tea.

The main component of the Hainan chicken rice is boneless chicken thighs. The chicken I tasted that day had a slightly firm texture, allowing the natural sweetness of the meat to be appreciated while chewing. The rice was also perfectly cooked, each grain distinct. The essence of Hainan chicken rice, besides the chicken and rice, lies in several classic dipping sauces, including the homemade chili sauce, mild ginger sauce, and black soy sauce. The homemade chili sauce offers a mild spicy kick, adding flavor to the light chicken; the ginger sauce is refreshing and lightens the palate; while the black soy sauce provides a rich sweet-salty taste. With the combination of these three sauces, diners can create their own rich flavors.

The "Malaysian Combination Platter" includes curry puffs, Hoh Mi bao, and banana spring rolls. Each of these three Nanyang-style appetizers has its own unique flavor and texture, making the platter delicious.

✔ Fried Banana Spring Rolls: The outer layer is crispy and emits a crunchy sound when bitten, while the filling is soft and sweet banana. The contrast of the crispy and soft texture, along with the natural sweetness of the banana, makes it irresistible to take one after another.

✔ Curry Puffs: The outer layer also maintains good crispiness, filled with a mixture of ground meat, potatoes, and boiled eggs. The rich curry flavor perfectly blends with the substantial filling, providing a warm and satisfying taste experience.

✔ Hoh Mi Bao: The flavor of its filling is similar to that of char siu bao in Cantonese dim sum, with a honeyed sweetness, coupled with a crispy outer crust, resulting in a very unique mouthfeel.