The menu is extensive, but not pages and pages like my favourite Chinese restaurant. Since Formosa is a “hidden gem” it is not usually busy, although I would love to see that change. We were promptly seated, I ordered a high mountain tea and hubby had a beer. The tea was a lovely, light flavour compared to most green teas. They do have a loose leaf version, but unless you specifically ask for it, you will get the convenience of the bagged tea.
I wanted to share my favourites from my preview visit with my husband, so I ordered the yam fries, popcorn chicken and the gyozas. My husband ordered the Teppanyaki Noodles with Deep Fried Pork Chop.
The yam fries are not like our typical North American sweet potato version. They are light yellow in color and lightly breaded. They smell like mini-donuts when they are placed on your table! They have a slightly sweet flavour to them and just the right amount of salt. It tastes like it should be a dessert.
The popcorn chicken also has a hint of sweet to it. You can taste the 5 spice in the breading. They are crispy, not greasy and hard to stop eating! Tender juicy morsels of deliciousness.
The Gyoza - not the ones you would think... No overpowering vinegar here. Perfectly fried, beautiful texture and a sauce that has a touch of vinegar, grapefruit, soy and wasabi. The sauce was the perfect companion.
The Teppanyaki Noodles did have the frozen veggies mixed in with them but it doesn’t distract from the taste of the dish. The noodles were tender without being mushy. This dish is served with a fried egg on top as well as the two large pieces of deep fried porkchop. It is a very large portion size.
Speaking of portion sizes, Formosa is generous. After we had eaten our fill, we still had food to pack up in to-go containers. For two of us, high mountain tea and 2 beer, the bill was right around $50. Great value for your money compared to a lot of places.
The food is nicely plated and the atmosphere is cozy and homey. The owners try to ensure that everyone feels at home when they walk in for a meal.
It truly is a “beautiful island” tucked away in a strip mall. I will look forward to my next “stay-cation” soon.