-this last trip in Manila, I made sure I came back to Taipei, FULLY STOCKED on my kind of COMFORT FOODS: 
FLAT TOPS
CHIPPY*PIATTOS*NOVA* BOY BAWANG
the following HEAT BUSTERS!!!
Counter Clockwise from the Top: Halo-Halo, Mango Bing, 4 Treasure Ice, & Scoopery Ice Cream
Rainy Saturday Nite... hunger strikes -- craving for some cold comfort food to warm the soul, or at least the tummy.... and we found just the answer for our cravings... "Stupid Big Bowl"...
Yes, you read that right! "Stupid Big Bowl" indeed -- that is the name of this little restaurant in the Roahe Night Market.. I too, had to asked David a couple of times if the name really is that... Though the bowls and portions are definitely big (and much to my delight -- colorful, too!), there really is nothing stupid about the dishes... they were quite tasty and filling... 
The 6 available choices!
The MENU boasts of 6 different flavours of soup only to choose from... depending on your choice -- selections of meat, veggies & other wonderful, though not easily identifiable, goods are thrown in together - much like Shabu Shabu but already cooked and prepared to everyone's delight and satisfaction...
Now and I again, I do get tired of Chinese, Japanese or Italian food in Taiwan; and crave for something really different -- Thank God for BiBimBap!!!!
This Korean dish always appeal to me... I mean, the name alone, BiBimBap, is just too good to pass up.... and it is tasty, with just the right amount of spice kick added to it.... and everything is covered with the dish - a nice serving of rice topped with meat, veggies, seaweed wrapper and egg... and you get to mix it all up -- hence the name, as BiBimBap literal translation is "mixed/stirred".
I first learned of this dish back in San Francisco, whenever we frequent Korean restaurants for a quick lunch.... it is fast... tasty... and quite filling... then I had it in KOREA and it was even better.... with so much side dishes to go with it... HEAVEN!!! Here in Taipei, one of the best places is the FOOD COURT in the MIRAMAR Mall.... fast and good heap of serving... just the right amount to fill one up.....
Next time you are in the mood for something different and fun - why not check this dish out - it is as sumptuous as the name is a mouthful!!! So practice saying that now...BiBimBap!!!
Jook or Congee, has been around in the Western world for centuries, and is more commonly known as Rice Gruel or Rice Porridge. Be aware though that it is very much an Eastern type breakfast that truly epitomizes Comfort Food. (Note: In the Philippines it is better known as "lugao".)
There are many regional variations of Chinese congees, but the simple fact is that to make congee, white rice is boiled in many times its weight of water for a long time until the rice breaks down and resembles the consistency of porridge. Congees made in other regions may use different types of rice with different quantities of water, thus resulting in a thicker or more viscous product.
(Congee, My Style: simple with a bit of veggies, pickled cucumber & bean curd paste for added saltiness)
Congee is often eaten with one's choice(s) of veggies, salted duck eggs, lettuce and dace paste, bamboo shoots, and with other condiments, meat or century eggs. Growing up in San Francisco, I used to see people in Chinatown eat Congee with fried bread sticks known as youtiao. Congee with youtiao is commonly eaten as breakfast in many areas in China & Taiwan. Depending on personal preference, congee can eaten watery or can be drained so that it has a texture similar to Western oatmeal porridge.
In many Asian countries, congee is considered to be food therapy for the unwell. Ingredients can be determined by their supposed therapeutic value as well as flavor.
The origin of congee is unknown, but from many historical accounts, it is usually served during times of famine or when numerous patrons visit the temples. Thus, it can be interpreted as a way to stretch the rice supply to feed more people.
