There is a bit of an identity crisis going on with this cafe. Is it Stubborn Chef or AsUsual Cafe or both? As it stands, both names are displayed on the sign and window. Given the incredibly creative logo for AsUsual Cafe (i.e a drink with a straw, which together form the letters, A and S), I would opt for this name only instead.
Another thing - the prices have increased quite a bit since my last visit here! I was quite surprised to see our standard order of the Meat Pot and Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup at $2-3 more than their initial prices. Granted, AsUsual recently underwent a minor renovation (and it seems to be a mom and pop restaurant), so the higher prices are slightly more understandable.
MEAT POT ($15.95): For my mini hot pot, I went back to my "as usual" choice of lamb with a coconut soup base, but this time, with rice noodles. As expected, it was fragrant, yummy, and packed with veggies and tofu to accompany the lamb. The lamb did not smell or taste gamey either. Like the hot pots at Boiling Point, it is cooked on top of an open flame; however, there are far fewer ingredients given and alas no drink deal at lunch despite paying more.
TAIWANESE BEEF NOODLE SOUP ($13.95): AsUsual's version is not reminiscent of the traditional Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup with thick cuts of braised beef brisket, tender bok choy, pickled Chinese mustard leaves, springy rice noodles, all submerged in a rich, spicy broth. Instead, you get thin slices of beef brisket, a medley of different veggies aside from bok choy, and a broth that could use more depth of umami flavour. As for the rice noodles, AsUsual used to serve very unique flat noodles with curled ridging, but it is now simply a standard kind. If you prefer the traditional version, then I would recommend ordering it at Lee's House around the corner because it's only a fraction of the cost at $8.99.
Admittedly, our dishes weren't bad, but they aren't astoundingly delicious or special either for the price that you're paying and the portion that you're getting.
While I don't think I will be going back anytime soon, I will say that the service has been decent each time I've gone. There is one staff member in particular who has always been upbeat, whether he was taking our order, working in the kitchen, or behind the cash register. If you do decide to give AsUsual a go, be mindful that it is a small space and has limited hours (e.g. closed on Sundays). read more