It's TJ Fest weekend in Burnaby, and the promise of a culinary adventure was too tempting to resist! We arrived shortly after noon, ready to explore the diverse Taiwanese dishes. While the wait times were long (over an hour!), the anticipation only amplified our excitement.
Our exploration began with the Vegetarian Bao Bun. The pillowy-soft buns cradled a savoury filling so incredibly flavorful it was hard to believe it was meat-free.
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| Vegetarian Bao Bun from TJ Fest |
Next up was the Taiwanese Omelette. The sweet-and-sour sauce drizzled on top was a flavour explosion, perfectly complementing the fluffy texture of the egg.
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| Taiwanese Omelette from TJ Fest |
The Vermicelli Stir-Fry was another winner. It evoked a sense of comforting familiarity. The savoury notes reminded me of pancit dishes from the Philippines but with a distinct Taiwanese twist that kept things exciting.
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| Vermicelli Stir-Fry from TJ Fest |
While my usual go-to at Taiwanese food stalls is the popcorn chicken, the Spicy Crispy Tofu seemed a tempting and potentially healthier alternative. This choice proved to be a wise one! The tofu was perfectly cooked, with a satisfying crispiness, and the sauce elevated it to a whole new level of flavour.
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| Spicy Crispy Tofu from TJ Fest |
After devouring our delicious finds (hunger pangs do wonders for your appetite!), we embarked on a 4km walk to Metrotown for some shopping – a perfect way to burn off some of those delicious calories.
TJ Fest is a true celebration of Taiwanese culture and cuisine. Despite the wait times, the delicious food, vibrant atmosphere, and opportunity to experience something new make it a worthwhile adventure. So, mark your calendars for next year and join the festivities—your taste buds will thank you!
