Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks has set its sights on its next Bay Area location: downtown San Mateo.
The international chain is set to open at 142 E. 3rd Ave. (former a boba tea shop) this summer, according to spokesperson Jason Shiao.
Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks operates close to 200 locations worldwide, including locally in Berkeley, San Francisco, Milpitas and Pleasanton. They all serve virtually the same menu of street food inspired by the famous Shilin Night Market in Taipei, including a fried chicken cutlet, sweet potato fries dusted in plum powder, lou ru fan (braised meat over rice) and oyster nee sua, a thick soup with vermicelli, oysters and shredded chicken.
A selection of food from Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks. Photo courtesy Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks.
All the dishes are "handmade in the traditional way and fried per order to deliver the freshness and the best quality," Shiao wrote in an email. "All seasoning ingredients and powders are imported overseas to guarantee the authentic taste."
(Shihlin got a mention in this recent New York Times story on the increasing popularity of Taiwanese food in the U.S.)
San Mateo won't be the Shihlin's last Bay Area location. The company is working with potential franchisees to expand further in the region, Shiao said.
Look for Shihlin's San Mateo opening in late July or early August.
