Nong Lai Small Table Introduction
Located on Wu Feng North Road, "Nong Lai, Little Dining Table" offers a blend of old-fashioned yet trendy, fresh, homemade Taiwanese comfort food. The restaurant features a mural of a landmark in Chiayi at its entrance, and although the owners are not originally from Chiayi, they chose to settle in this city due to their love for the area near Alishan. The dining space is filled with unique old-school Taiwanese elements that evoke nostalgia for older generations, while also appealing to the younger crowd with its modern retro vibe. Nong Lai specializes in homestyle meal sets, with the owners personally visiting the market daily to procure fresh ingredients. Almost all of their signature sauces are homemade, including soy sauce, chili oil, and pickled vegetables. Popular dishes include the "Thai-style Lemon Fish," which features fresh fish and a homemade Taiwanese version of Thai sauce, as well as the "Private Beef Hot Pot," which is a must-try, and "Private Plum Chicken," made using plums pickled by the restaurant every year. Despite being located within a building, the restaurant's design showcases a Taiwanese street food style. Since opening in 2020, it has consistently attracted young diners, who often bring their families for gatherings, perfectly aligning with the original goal of creating a family restaurant that conveys the flavors of Taiwan and fosters generational connections. Image source: Chiayi City Government Tourism and News Office | Photographer: Margot
