If you’re on the hunt for delicious street food with the warmth of homemade flavors, look no further than True Tasty. Unassumingly located in the heart of Frankfurt, this charming eatery has become a favorite among those who appreciate authentic Chinese eats. My previous visit had me raving about their lip-smacking dumplings and savory beef pies, but there’s so much more to explore. This time, we’re excited to introduce you to a few more of their must-try dishes that embody the irresistible charm and comfort of homemade cooking, which we absolutely adore.
Restaurant Profile
- Name of the Restaurant: True Tasty
- Adress: Ludwigstraße 6, 60327 Frankfurt am Main
- Style: Chinese – Street Food
- Price: around 15 – 25 EUR per Person (incl. Drinks and Tips)
猪肉锅贴NO4 Fried Dumplings with Pork, also known as 冰花锅贴 or Ice Flower Potsticker, holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of locals. These Potstickers are celebrated for their crispy and lacey bottom, which resembles an ice flower (冰花 bīng huā) due to the unique pattern formed during cooking. Once beloved mainly in northeastern China, these days you can find them gracing street stalls across the country.
Crafting these potstickers is an art in itself, requiring careful attention to detail. From mastering heat control—knowing precisely when to crank it up or dial it down—to managing the water temperature and the flour-to-starch ratio for optimal elasticity and crispness during frying, every step shapes the final flavor and texture.
The dumpling fillings are made from minced pork mixed with soy sauce, rice wine, pepper, salt, and sesame oil. Due to the short frying time, the dumplings must be thoroughly steamed before they are swiftly pan-fried, to achieve their signature ice flower pattern on the crispy base — a step that must be executed flawlessly to avoid any doughy texture.
It’s served with its crispy bottom side up, so you can start with the most enticing part – the golden-brown, lightly charred, and incredibly fragrant pieces. As you bite into the juicy, savory filling beneath its soft top, you’ll relish a pleasurable crunch and a burst of aromatic flavors all at once – a moment that never fails to excite.
“Noodles with Pork in Soybean Paste” (炸酱面NO7) is a highly popular dish in northern China, especially during the summer months. This traditional noodle dish originates from northeastern China and was brought to Beijing by the Manchus after their conquest in the early 17th century.
The dish features homemade noodles topped with meat sauce, cucumber slices, scallions and cilantro. The meat sauce, made in-house, involves diced pork stir-fried with ginger and scallions until golden brown, then combined with soybean paste for a deep, savory flavor.
The real magic lies in the distinctive Northeastern soybean paste, which owes its existence to the region’s long history of soybean cultivation. Crafted from fermented soybeans in a process that takes from months to years, this thick, dark brown sauce has a robust, salty-sweet flavor with earthy undertones.
Once boiled, the noodles are quickly cooled in cold water, enhancing their firm texture. For those seeking a spicy kick, True Tasty’s homemade chili oil is a must-try.
A scoop of fragrant chili sauce and a dash of vinegar, mix them up well and ensure every strand of noodles is coated in this savory goodness – isn’t it just downright appetizing?
Grab a little bit of everything – the firm, smooth noodles, covered in rich umami sauce, paired with fresh cucumbers. Each mouthful is full of aromatic and refreshing flavors, deeply satisfying.
In a previous post on True Tasty, we delved into the barbecue culture that’s so prevalent in Northeast China, especially in the vibrant, bustling night markets. These markets are where you can truly feel the lively, down-to-earth atmosphere. Street food stalls line the streets, teeming with people on their evening food hunts, their faces light up with excitement, enjoying both the delicious food and the company of friends.
As an authentic spot for northeastern cuisine, it wouldn’t be right if True Tasty didn’t offer BBQ. Last time, we introduced a few of their BBQ highlights, such as lamb skewers, grilled tofu rolls with tongho, string beans, grilled chicken wings, and octopus. This time, we’d like to spotlight two more must-tries: the grilled chive skewers and the grilled eggplant.
Grilled chives skewers (烤韭菜 G09) offer a bold and unique flavor.
The grilling process brings out a slightly charred, smoky flavor that enhances the chives’ natural sharpness and garlicky undertones. Each bite delivers a satisfying chewiness, accompanied by a mild, grassy sweetness.
Seasoned with cumin, garlic, pepper, chili powder, white sesame seeds and True Tasty’s special barbecue sauce for a touch of sweet, umami flavor, these skewers are savory, aromatic, and pack an intense yet refreshing flavor punch.
Grilled eggplant (烤茄子 G06) is a popular dish, as the silky softness of the eggplant perfectly complements the smoky, savory BBQ flair.
The tender eggplant is brushed with BBQ sauce for a sweet, tangy, and spicy touch, then generously topped with sesame seeds, cilantro, and green onions. It’s also loaded with freshly minced garlic, whose enticing aroma mingles with black pepper and cumin for a mouthwatering blend of smokiness and umami.
In the Northeast, grilled eggplant with garlic is the ultimate pairing. The sharp, zesty flavor of the garlic cuts through the sweet, creamy eggplant for a balanced taste that’s both soothing and exciting.
Scattered along bustling streets, the familiar flavors of street food are not only a sentimental favorite for many locals, but also remain a perennial pursuit for food lovers around the world. These humble foods reflect the profound depth of culinary artistry, embodying the skill and dedication of their makers. While some local delicacies are best enjoyed in their hometowns, many have journeyed across oceans and found a warm welcome among international food enthusiasts, like at True Tasty. Offering dishes that weave tradition and innovation, it’s a great place to deepen your journey through global flavors.
