- Attraction: Taipei 101
- Location: 121 E Chatham St, Ste A, Cary, NC 27511
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://carytaipei101nc.com
Enter a world where hand-pulled noodles meet delicate soup dumplings, and every dish transports you straight to the bustling night markets of Taiwan.
Taipei 101 has been serving authentic Szechuan and Taiwanese cuisine since February 2011, earning a devoted following among Triangle food lovers who recognize genuine Chinese flavors when they taste them.
Named after the iconic 101-story skyscraper that once dominated Taipei’s skyline, this unassuming Cary restaurant delivers the kind of complex, regional Chinese cooking that’s increasingly rare to find in American suburbs.
Signature Dishes
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): These hand-made treasures represent the restaurant’s crown jewel – delicate steamed dumplings filled with flavorful broth and pork that burst in your mouth with each bite. The careful craftsmanship shows in every perfectly pleated dumpling.
Dan Dan Noodles: This Szechuan classic delivers complex flavors of sesame, chili oil, and Szechuan peppercorns with perfectly textured noodles and a spicy-numbing sensation that authentic Dan Dan should provide.
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Keep Exploring →Braised Pork with Preserved Vegetables: A traditional Taiwanese comfort dish featuring tender pork belly slow-cooked with pickled mustard greens, creating rich, savory flavors that exemplify home-style Chinese cooking.
Scallion Roasted Beef Pancake Roll: Flaky pancakes wrapped around seasoned beef and fresh scallions provide the perfect balance of textures and flavors, showcasing the restaurant’s skill with traditional preparations.
Mapo Tofu: This Szechuan favorite combines silky tofu in a spicy, aromatic sauce that delivers the characteristic “ma la” (numbing spicy) sensation that defines authentic Szechuan cuisine.
Walnut Shrimp: Sweet and savory flavors combine beautifully in this popular dish featuring crispy shrimp with candied walnuts in a creamy sauce.
Dim Sum & Small Plates
Steamed Dumplings: Beyond the famous soup dumplings, you’ll find various steamed options showcasing different fillings and preparation styles, all made fresh daily.
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Discover MorePot Stickers: Pan-fried dumplings achieve the perfect balance of crispy bottom and tender top, filled with seasoned pork and vegetables.
Chinese Crispy Dough Strips: Traditional breakfast accompaniments that provide satisfying crunch and mild flavor perfect for dipping or eating alongside congee.
Mini Steam Buns: Fluffy, pillowy buns filled with savory ingredients offer another dimension of traditional Chinese bread-making techniques.
Scallion Pancakes: Flaky, layered pancakes with fresh scallions deliver the perfect appetizer or side dish with their satisfying texture and onion flavor.
Atmosphere & Décor
Authentic Ambiance: The restaurant maintains an older, traditional feel that prioritizes substance over flashy décor, letting the food take center stage in an environment that feels genuinely Chinese rather than Americanized.
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Keep Exploring →Clean and Comfortable: While modest in appearance, the space is well-maintained and comfortable, with practical seating arrangements that accommodate both couples and larger groups.
Casual Dining: You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere where the focus stays on enjoying excellent food rather than elaborate presentation or trendy design elements.
Traditional Service: The approach emphasizes efficient, attentive service that reflects traditional Chinese hospitality values.
Other Considerations
Pricing: Expect higher prices than typical American Chinese restaurants, reflecting the quality ingredients, authentic preparation methods, and generous portion sizes. Most diners find the value justified by the exceptional quality.
Parking Challenges: Limited parking can create difficulties, especially during peak hours. The small lot fills quickly, so arriving early or being patient with parking searches helps ensure a smoother visit.
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Discover MorePortion Sizes: You’ll receive generous servings that often provide enough food for multiple meals, making the higher prices more reasonable when considering the quantity.
Weekend Dim Sum: Saturday and Sunday offerings include a special dim sum menu featuring traditional small plates and tea service, though the selection is smaller than dedicated dim sum restaurants.
Spice Levels: Authentic Szechuan dishes deliver genuine heat and numbing sensations – be prepared for serious spice if you order traditional preparations.
Vegetarian Options: Several dishes accommodate vegetarian diners, including the excellent Mapo Tofu and various vegetable preparations that showcase traditional Chinese cooking techniques.
Takeout Friendly: All menu items travel well for takeout, allowing you to enjoy authentic flavors at home when dining in isn’t convenient.
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Keep Exploring →Taipei 101
📍 121 E Chatham St, Ste A, Cary, NC 27511
