Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks

XXL Crispy Chicken Breast
It’s gimmick-ly huge but very delicious. The chicken breast is pounded flat which allows for easy hand consumption – there’s no need for utensils. The breading used to fry the chicken is crunchy, light, and fluffy. The seasoning is perfect with a nice bit a spice. Since the chicken breast is pounded flat, the ratio of meat to fried crust is consistently equal which makes every bite enjoyable. 

Lemon Ai-Yu Jelly
The tangyness and sweetness from the lemon and Ai-Yu jelly pair well with salty foods. The jelly has a firm “QQ” consistency which is exactly how it should be made. By itself the drink is slightly on the sweet side, but with the chicken, it pairs nicely.   

---

We went to the soft opening of Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks and it was crazy. It coincided with the USC vs Cal game which further amplified the overall crazy atmosphere. The line was consistently long and moved at a snails pace. It roughly took about an hour in line to place our order, and another hour to receive the order. However, as it was the soft opening, coupled with a big football game, I believe that most of the efficiency kinks will be worked out in the future. 

Located off a bustling college town street in the back of small food plaza, Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks offers a glimpse in Taiwanese food culture. The menu is focused with a few choices which relate traditional Taiwanese street food. Prices are amazing, you can’t go wrong for a piece of chicken that’s larger than your face for $8. The space is small with a couple of seats inside, however, the small plaza has a bunch of available outdoor seating. 

Shihlin Taiwan Street Snack has very traditional dishes and flavors. Even with the crazy demand and crowd during the soft opening, the food still came out amazing. I can only imagine how much better the food will taste once they get into a regular rhythm.

Website – https://www.shihlinca.com