More Taiwanese burgers at 藍家割包 (Lan's Family Gua Bao)

Still a continuation of the 一一八巷 (118th street) theme... with my new obsession that is 割包 (gua bao). As previously mentioned, gua bao are pillowly pockets of a bread similar to 饅頭 (man tou), stuffed with sweet, in the form of peanut flour, and savory flavors, the latter being represented by pickled vegetables and slow cooked pork belly, half lean and half fatty, dripping in a soy sauce base that is the secret of every individual shop. This time, we found another relatively busy cart in one of the alleys across from NTU's main gate. Named as 藍家割包, it's quite obvious that Mr. Lan's family has done quite well selling his wares. His cart stands outside a small shop, but since few students were going in, it was quite clear that they got famous for their small cart outside. A simple, no frills cart, one side had a steamer that held Chinese style rice balls called 粽子 (zong zi) and the bread pockets, the other side held the filling of meat and veggies. They worked with frightening efficiency, dropping the line that extended around the corner in no more than 10 minutes. So the two men make quick work assembling sandwiches and dolling out rice balls... but would it mean a sacrifice in quality?

At 45 NT ($1.50) the gua bao were priced about the same as most places (so were the rice balls btw). In terms of taste... once again they live up to their reputation, and I'm happy to say that their speed of assembly doesn't hurt in terms of quality haha. Expertly packed, the bao here has an indented pocket, something the one at 石家's lacked. Directly inside the pocket, went the peanut flour, followed by the pickled vegetables, followed by the cilantro, and finally the meat. I should add that, because it has this 'pocket' the bun holds together much better than that of other places. So while on first inspection the sandwich might seem smaller, it isn't. The bun to meat ratio remains perfect, but deceptively appears larger. Uh... would I go back? Yes, yes, and yes again. Quality ingredients, amazing taste, at an amazing price (even by Taiwan standards) makes this a definite visit (as far as finding it... seriously, main gate of NTU, cross the street, and you'll find a small alley filled with food... it's on the corner of the 4 way intersection).

I apparently have to go on a 5 day orientation trip before I start work, so I'm not entirely sure how much I'll be able to post for the next few days. I won't be able to run (I don't think) during orientation either. Sad panda is sad panda *cries. So today, I made a point to do a distance run (I failed at this), and ended up doing a 7.10 mile circuit. Up to 大安, around 台灣大學, down 基隆路 (Keelung Road... on a side note, I hate that they don't follow pinyin rules) to Taipei 101, and back home. I thought I ran further... so that's a bit disappointing. Anyway, I think I've hit a plateau in terms of distance and speed. I'm certainly not faster, and that 50 mile a week barrier is one that I can't seem to cross. Maybe a few days off'll get me back on the right track.

distance for the day: 7.10 miles
distance biked for the day: 0.00 miles

distance on the year: 355.79 miles
distance biked on the year: 142.68 miles