Bian Dang: The surprising magic of Taiwanese for lunch

If I were to confess that I’ve never actually had Taiwanese food, would you judge me? To be honest, after having the delicious surprise from Bian Dang, the “Taiwanese Lunch Box” food truck, I definitely judge me. How have I gone so many years in New York without ever trying this special cuisine?

As I neared the truck and took a look at the menu, I honestly couldn’t figure out exactly what I wanted off of the menu–which is why I asked them what some of their favorites are. That’s when they pointed me to some of the appetizers and I decided to go for it.

I bought the pork dumplings and the Buddha’s Delight (a combination of various cooked veggies, served cold). The four pork dumplings had a really delicious combination of flavors on the inside. They were perfectly salty and sweet at the same time. I’ve definitely never had this unique mix of flavors and I loved it all the more for opening my eyes to how great Taiwanese dumplings can be.

Meanwhile, I have to admit that the combination of veggies in the Buddha’s Delight appetizer was one that really scared me. I couldn’t tell what many of them were, except that they were all cold, shiny and most were a brown-ish color (from being cooked together, I’d assume). After I tried them, I admit I liked the veggies a bit more. Though, to be perfectly honest, I didn’t completely love them. Maybe it’s because the dumplings were SO amazing that anything in comparison was not as great.

Still, this is definitely one food truck that I can’t WAIT to go back to again. Next time I’m sure I want to try one of the main dishes (like the fishcake over rice) or the Zong-zi (Chinese tamale, which came in a carnivore and vegetarian version).

The truck, which is described as “possibly the first Taiwanese-style food turck in the United States” opened last summer in New York City and has been feeding Midtown ever since. If you’re interested in trying some of their delicacies, visit their website, plus check out their Facebook and Twitter feeds for more updates. After just one bite into their delectable dumplings (or any other dish), you’ll definitely want to keep going back.