C & L Imperial

Small Taiwanese restaurant south of Chinatown. Workers were super friendly and you can tell they care about their customers! Ordered: -3 Cup Chicken: So tender. I’ve never had this before, but it reminded me of chicken adobo without the vinegar and different spices. -Oyster Omelet: edges are crisp and the insides are gooey. Delicious. -Fried Pompano: crispy fish sitting in a gingery sauce. Yum! Would I go back? Yes! They were so friendly and it’s helpful that I went with a Taiwanese friend. She said the restaurant reminds her of Taiwan. Make sure you bring cash because it’s cash only.

The door front, store settings and atmosphere just reminded me of local food stalls in a taiwanese neighborhood. I first visited the restaurant in 2018. After all these years, I still feel the warm hospitality from the waitresses, bringing the friendliness of taiwanese to all guests. - Minced Pork on Rice 滷肉飯 - Three Cup Chicken 三杯雞 - Chef Special Crispy Pork Chop 林師傅排骨 - Shredded Pork w/ Diced Bean Curd 香乾肉絲 - Intestine w/ Sour Mustard 酸菜大腸 - Clams w/ Black Beans 炒蛤蜊 - Cuttlefish w/ Chive 韭菜花枝 - Chinese Cabbage 高麗菜 - A Choy A菜 The dishes were stunningly delicious, yet sometimes it tasted slightly too salty, such as the shredded pork. Both Three Cup Chicken and Crispy Pork Chop were excellent in taste, the meat was tender and well sauced. While for vegetables, the Chinese cabbage were sweeter and softer than A Choy. The price surprisingly doesn't raise considerably, but of course comparing to the portion size 4 years ago, the dishes become a bit fewer. As long as they could maintain the food quality, the size doesn't really bother me. If you are craving for outstanding authentic taiwanese food in NYC, this is certainly a place you shouldn't miss. My Recommendations: Minced Pork on Rice, Three Cup Chicken, Shredded Pork w/ Diced Bean Curd

Here for a table of 6 and about 10 minutes wait. But that’s not always true. This place can get busy and very traditional spot. Food is amazing. I love the three cup chicken and all tofu dishes. I would ask for suggestions if you are having trouble but speaking Chinese will help with ordering. Service is typically Chinese spot. Expect less and enjoy the extra attention if any. Smile and say thank you will be appreciated. Ask for tea. Ambiance will be like going to a fancier takeout spot. It’s not great for a date but a casual meal or family dinner. You should expect to overhear other’s conversations if you understand. If you are adventurous, I would order stinky tofu.

I always love coming here for Taiwanese food. There's a few dishes that we always get when we go, fly heads(not really fly heads the black beans), 3 cup chicken, tea pork ribs, sautéed cabbage, and bitter melon with salted egg. The portions are a little small but you get to order alot of different dishes to try.