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A New Aztec on "Little International Street" in Taichung

There's a Mexican style restaurant on Wu-Chang St. between Jian-Xing Rd. and Mai-Ting Street near China University Medical Center in Taichung, Taiwan on what I call "Little International Street."  The restaurant used to be called "Red & Green" to distinguish it from its sister restaurant on Xi-Tun Road, Sec. 3, but since that location closed its door last year, the Aztec name reverted to the original location with the original chef, much better cuisine than the offshoot. Do not confuse the two. The old Aztec, according to an ex-pat Californian, "used Chinese rice, fake sour cream, canned beans, oil that gave acid reflex, and small portions."  Not the new Aztec!

             The new Aztec has excellent Mexican food for Taiwan, maybe even good enough for a Californian. The portions are large, with homemade sour cream and guacamole. The chicken fajitas are good and so is the deep-fried chimichanga. For beverages, try non-alcoholic horchata, a refreshing creamy cold drink like rice or almond milk, or  try their alcoholic mojito if you're not driving. Corona would hit the spot, too, on a hot summer day. But back to the tacos and burritos. I liked the combination burrito, taco, and enchiladas with beans on the side and a choice of homemade toppings such as salsa or tomatillo; don't ask me where they got tomatillo from in Taiwan. 

     Before I get off the subject, try the Aztec Mexican veal chop, but you will have to call in advance to reserve it.  The newly decorated store is air-conditioned and next to a parking lot. 
     While you're there, stop across the street for awesome Japanese-French style pastries and bread at Boulangerie Roi. The baker is an award-winner. Try their giant spiced soft pretzels or cheese and bacon Italian bread. 

     Also on Wu-Chang St., you'll find Las Fallas.  Can you say that your Mediterranean Taichung restaurant makes its own pesto sauce and mint-apple julep? Fallas does. Can you say your restaurant offers real zucchini, crab meat, pine nuts, squid ink pasta, ingredients, couscous and tabbouleh salad? Las Fallas does! You will be surprised what Chef Tim can whip up for your business lunch or romantic dinner under a life-sized photo of a Venetian canal. The desserts are homemade, too; vanilla pana cota, cakes, and fresh brewed espresso cappuccino. I happened upon Las Fallas and have been back often to relish their dreamy creamy mushroom linguine.

     Oh, I almost forgot; if you have a hankering for Russian Uzbeki dishes, like shish-kabob or salad with homemade yogurt sauce, a short block away  you will find "Oh My G-d". I know you've been searching all your life for it. 

      Thai, Mexican, Japanese-French, Mediterranean Italian, Russian and a hamburger joint, all excellent independent international eateries. Now you know why I call it "Little International Street." 

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                           Chef Tim from Las Fallas Mediterranean Cuisine

Boulangerie Roi  on the corner of "Little International Street

What strikes first time visitors as unusual when they arrive in Taichung

Quora Question: 

What strikes first time visitors as special or unusual when they arrive in Taichung, Taiwan?

Transportation problems is what strikes first time visitors as unusual when they arrive in Taichung. If they arrive by plane in Taichung Airport, The taxi from the runway is extremely long for an airport so small due to its being a small section on a large air force base. Once you hit the street, there is no train and only slow buses to bring you into the city 45 minutes away. Within the city itself, there is no subway or MRT, though one is planned to open soon. The national railroad covers half the city with one line, the new main station only partially finished. The dozens of independent bus companies are uncoordinated and are slow. If you are driving, highway #1 going north is not connected to the local #74; one must exit and through the streets wait up more than an hour in rush hour traffic to travel a few miles. There are an exorbitant number of motorbikes because of the poor transportation, and very few traffic laws are followed by many motorists. Many streets have no sidewalks so pedestrians have to walk in the roads. Transportation problems are definitely what a first time visitor will be stuck by as unusual, which is okay if you are not struck by a vehicle itself.