Having a hard time deciding which of the many Japanese restaurants in Davis Square you should visit to satisfy that Friday night sushi or Chinese food craving? Look no further than Taipei Tokyo Cafe, located right across the street from the T stop in the heart of Davis. Taipei Tokyo is a welcoming Asian fusion restaurant that juxtaposes fine Chinese dishes with a Japanese− inspired sushi bar to provide American diners with myriad choices.
The cafe's prime location is one of the many factors that contribute to its lively atmosphere. It also makes the trip incredibly convenient for Tufts students and those willing to follow the Red Line. It is small and almost always crowded (especially on a Friday or Saturday night) — for good reason — but this can result in a bit of a wait to get seated, so be sure to call ahead or set aside sufficient time. Impatient diners may find the wait irksome, but it is worthwhile once the food arrives.
After the diner is seated, the flavorful food is served fresh and fast. The waitsaff constantly speeds about, probably to avoid torturing patrons who cannot help but watch the rolls being prepared in the open kitchen.
Unfortunately, Taipei Tokyo is not an ideal location for intimate conversations, since the close proximity of the tables means that whoever is sitting next to you can't help but overhear. On the other hand, the crowd of people adds to the energy of the atmosphere and definitely brings a lot of life to the dining experience. It is the perfect place for a night of laughter, fun and accidental eavesdropping over some delicious sushi rolls. This casual, bustling effect is also enhanced by the simple, bright decor.
The cheerful spirit is kept strong through the creative, whimsical names given to the menu items. Ranging from the "Davis Square Box" and "Sexy Girl Maki" to the "James Bond 007 Maki" and the "Batman Roll," the menu is peppered with items that are sure to bring a smile to your face, even if the connection between moniker and menu item is not always clear. The quirkiness of the names is also reflected in the ingredients themselves. With unusual sushi fillings — such as pineapple, mango and cream cheese — no diner's mouth will ever get bored.
The staples of Japanese and Chinese dining can also be found along with these eccentric options. The miso soup, a must−have in any sushi joint, was flawless. Everything was fresh and well−prepared, from the broth to the tofu squares that give the soup its familiar texture. That being said, even the seemingly odd components of certain rolls are paired thoughtfully. This makes experimentation and a divergence from your typical roll of choice highly recommended.
Cost is obviously a major factor in dining decisions for college students. Not to worry: practically every item on the menu is under $20, making it a rather wallet−friendly choice as far as sushi is concerned. Great Chinese lunch specials, with meals starting at $6.55, provide an even more economical dining option, though portions tend to be on the smaller side so plan to order at least two dishes.
On the bright side, these little servings will help you avoid the nearly impossible task of choosing a single thing to order.
Taipei Tokyo has very little working against it. With its incredibly handy location, cheerful vibe and seemingly endless variety of deliciously prepared food options, it is well worth a visit (or two). As the very enthusiastic fellow sitting at the table next to me said, Taipei Tokyo is truly "foodgasmic."
