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Welcome to Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks

At Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks, we celebrate the vibrant flavors of Taiwan right here in San Mateo. Our journey begins with a passion for authentic Taiwanese street food, capturing the essence of bustling night markets. Each dish is crafted with care, from our signature fried chicken bento boxes, bursting with flavor and generous portions, to our refreshing milk teas and smoothies. Customers rave about the customizable spice levels and fresh ingredients, making each visit a unique experience. With a welcoming atmosphere that caters to takeout and delivery, we aim to bring a taste of Taiwan to every customer’s table. Join us and indulge in a culinary adventure that excites the palate!

Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks: Reviews & Ratings

Stephanie L.
Stephanie L.

The fried chicken bento box was no joke. So much food and so delicious! I asked for regular flavor and added desired spiciness since they have the spice shaker available. Added on the milk tea option which surprisingly wasn't too sweet and such a good deal.

Priscilla K.
Priscilla K.

Got takeout from here right before they closed one night back in January. The food was sooooo delicious and super generous portions. I loved my boba drink too--can't recall what I got, but it was yummy. The place is very small with only one table I think. Brightly lit and clean. My kiddo mentioned this place again the other day and asked to go back.

Dipti S.
Dipti S.

Picked up a 3 cup mushroom bento from here earlier today. My first time there and the staff was very friendly and helpful - and explained what 3 cup means in Taiwanese food. Big portions and very tasty. I substituted extra tofu instead of the egg to make it vegan.

Cynthia X.
Cynthia X.

Fried chicken bento is great! I always choose the vegetable of the day instead of the broccoli, and usually it's bokchoy w mushrooms. One bento is enough for my husband and I to share if we are not too hungry. Pro tip - you can add more seasoning yourself at the store. I usually pile on all the seasonings. Skip - definitely skip the discounted milk tea they offer w the bento. It's watery and not even worth it at the discounted price

Jonathan C.
Jonathan C.

Solid quick lunch spot. They have a variety of different Taiwanese hot snacks. A popular item seems to be the popcorn chicken. Their bento box comes with a small amount of Lu rou fan, veggies, corn, one whole egg, and fried tofu. We tried their Grilled eel and Three cup basil chicken. Both were solid. next time I would try their popcorn chicken. Can add drink for $2.50. Tried their peach green tea, which was fine, but I wouldn't come here specifically for their drinks.

David K.
David K.

3.5 stars Chopstix offers Taiwanese bentos and street food in a casual, self-service setting. The Braised Chicken Cutlet Bento featured a breaded cutlet made of boneless chicken thighs. Interestingly, the cutlet was deep-fried and then braised in a savory soy sauce, which made the breading slimy and not crispy. Not sure why anyone would prepare a breaded cutlet this way. The bento also came with garlicky Chinese greens, broccoli with carrots, corn, fried tofu, and a soy sauce egg. I also tried the Three Cup Shrimp, made with shrimp and chopped oyster mushrooms in a sauce of rice wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil. At the counter were several powdered seasonings including spicy, mala, pepper salt, curry, seaweed, and plum. Along with the bentos, I got a cup of Classic Milk Tea with boba, which was disappointingly watery and flavorless. Overall, this restaurant made for an affordable, casual place for a meal, snack, or drink, though the offerings left something to be desired.

Cindy C.
Cindy C.

Came here again with group for dinner. They were running a promotion of spending x amount to get a free takoyaki dish. We shuffled the seating a bit to make a big enough table for our group of 5 and it was a bit of a tight fit. The takoyaki dish came out first with 6 pieces. It was hot and delicious with a decent seasoning of bonito and nori flakes. Ordering was easy and the wait wasn't too bad. Food was good as usual with the fried stuff coming out perfectly. The vegetables were under seasoned and sort of sad. We could tell they were canned or ready made as they came out cold or warm with a dull taste. Other than that, it's a great place for a meal when hungry. We cleaned up our table and threw our trash away before we left. Make sure you do this instead of leaving your trash around. This is more of a fast food setup than a restaurant.

Jessica G.
Jessica G.

5 stars for their fried chicken cutlet! Found this place because I was searching for Shihlin Taiwanese Street Snacks. I think this used to be Shihlin but to be honest, the fried chicken cutlet tastes exactly the same. For $11, you get a pretty decedent sized cutlet and you can ask them to fully cut it for you so it's easier to snack on. The one cutlet is enough to share if you're just looking for a savory snack. I like the mala spice best, it's a little extra spicy. The only thing that would make this even better is a really good sauce to dip it in. Surprisingly, the popcorn chicken was not as great as the cutlet. Not sure what it is, but the first time we went, we got both. The second time, we ended up just getting the cutlet. The shop is small so it's easy to miss if you're driving by. It's in downtown San Mateo though, so it's likely that you might just be walking by. Park on the street or in the nearby garage and walk up to the shop.

Jessica L.
Jessica L.

Food - many types of bentos for everyone! We got popcorn chicken and chicken cutlet bentos. The breading is the same, extremely flavorful. If you like spice, definitely choose chili spice but if you don't, do not. There is so much protein added to each bento on top of your protein choice, including 1 egg, tofu, and a meat gravy over the rice. Service - you don't really talk to anyone since there are ordering kiosks. Ambiance - plenty of seats, super loud music. Nice if you are loud, but if you are soft spoken like me, take out might be the best way. :)

Alice H.
Alice H.

I knew this place through the name Shilin. After its rebranding, I'm glad the taste is the same. We ordered one Matcha Fresh Milk and one Popcorn Chicken. Their popcorn chicken was unbeatable. The matcha fresh milk was also very good. At least, I thought it was real matcha flavor. Next time, I will try other dishes when we go picnic

Location

Discovering Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks: A Taste of Taiwan in San Mateo

If you are on the hunt for authentic Taiwanese street food, Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks should be at the top of your list. Nestled in San Mateo, California, this charming eatery is conveniently located at 142 E 3rd Ave. With a welcoming atmosphere that allows dogs and offers both takeout and delivery, it’s the perfect spot for casual dining, whether you’re enjoying a meal inside or grabbing something to-go.

Perfectly Crafted Bentos

The star of the menu at Shihlin is undeniably the bento boxes. Each option showcases a delightful balance of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and generous in portion size. Here are a few standout selections:

  • A1. Fried Chicken Cutlet Bento - Juicy and crispy, this highlight serves up a delicious chicken cutlet paired perfectly with rice. It's a meal that brings joy to the palate.
  • A2. Popcorn Chicken Bento - Featuring signature crispy popcorn chicken, this dish is undeniably a fan favorite among patrons who rave about its deliciousness.
  • B1. Curry Chicken Cutlet Rice - For those looking for a flavor punch, the crispy chicken cutlet paired with aromatic curry rice is simply mouthwatering.
  • A3. Braised Chicken Cutlet Bento - A savory soy sauce-based marinade makes this dish a standout, showcasing authentic Taiwanese flavors.

Each bento is not just a meal but a reflection of Taiwanese culinary heritage that is both scrumptious and fulfilling. Many customers, like Stephanie, have commented on the vast portions, making it easy to share or save for later.

Delicious Smoothies to Elevate Your Experience

To complement your meal, don't miss out on Shihlin's delightful smoothie offerings. Priced at $8.45 each, options range from Avocado to Passion Fruit, all crafted to refresh and enhance your dining experience. Although some reviews suggest the boba drinks may not meet expectations, the smoothies are typically well-received.

A Touch of Personal Experience

Every visit to Shihlin is more than just a culinary experience; it recalls the vibrant street markets of Taiwan. The bustling, friendly atmosphere captivates as much as the flavorful dishes. You might find the small setting charming, complete with bright lighting and a clean design, which adds to the authentic experience of enjoying Taiwanese street snacks.

Reviewers like Dipti have praised the accommodating staff who are eager to explain menu items, enhancing not just the meal but also the overall experience. The love for the food shines through in comments about generous portions and great service.

Control your Flavor Adventure

One of the unique features of Shihlin is the spice shaker available for diners, allowing you to customize the flavor intensity of your dishes. It’s a delightful aspect that enhances the experience and resembles the freedom of street food culture, where you can adjust flavors to suit your preferences.

In the ever-growing landscape of culinary experiences, Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks undoubtedly stands out. With its inviting ambiance, decidedly delicious bento boxes, and refreshing smoothies, you are sure to find a dish or two that will keep you coming back for more. So whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by this gem and indulge in a taste of Taiwan!