Jo Jo TaiPei

Brings a comprehensive selection of Taiwanese fare to the Allston area. Service is pleasant and portions are generous. Fills up rather quickly at prime dinner time. A few large tables are available for groups. Tea was not served with the meal, and is most likely available upon request. The menu is long but no need to feel overwhelmed with the helpful smiley face icons to signify house recommended dishes. As a staple of Taiwanese cuisine, one must begin with the plump soup dumplings. The dumpling is thick and slightly chewy. Take a small bite of the dough to enjoy the flavorful soup and then pork inside. Dab with the soy and vinegar sauce. Enjoy in the spoon served with the dumplings. Pan-fried radish cakes provide a delicate contrast to the already silky soup dumplings. Includes four large rectangular cakes, moments of potato latke, a hint of fish sauce in the slightly sweet dipping sauce. Three cups chicken is another common Taiwanese dish - one cup soy sauce, one cup rice wine, and one cup sesame oil for the sauce. Delicious with plenty of garlic and basil. Note the meat is served on the bone. Diced chicken with sour cabbage is meaty with a nice chargrilled flavor. Chicken is cut into tiny chunks for the perfect small bite with tangy cabbage, cilantro, garlic, and hints of ginger. Roasted pork shoulder may be available as a weekly special. Sliced on the bone table-side. Perfectly tender with lots of five spice. A few slices of bok choy. Szechuan style fish is very standard for the dish. Tender slices of white fish in a spicy szechuan red pepper sauce. Have had this dish spicier elsewhere. Modest heat. Why not try the Jo Jo famous smoked duck? Plenty of meat and note takes it longer to serve. Crispy crust and the smoked flavor isn't overpowering. Could use a little dipping sauce.

For vegetarian eaters, the eggplant with garlic sauce is think and slightly sweet. Served with green and red peppers, the purple eggplant is tender and beautifully presented with a bite of heat. For adventurous eaters, the mala beef hot pot is spicy and plentiful with thick cellophane noodles, bok choy, tender beef, and tripe in a red pepper broth. The hot pot itself is enough for a meal.

Will be back for the bow bin (shaved ice) dessert!