food, fun and fusion at Talde Jersey City

Talde Jersey City (or “Talde JC”) offers unique pan-Asian dishes with broad appeal and a welcome thread of authenticity that food-diverse locals have come to expect. The signature dishes showcase Chef Dale Talde’s experience bringing high quality Asian-inspired fusion to American restaurants. Recent additions reflect the lighter touch of Chef Ruby Felix, expanding the range and palette of the Talde experience. Add up all the elements: creative dishes designed for sharing, vibrant, industrial-chic decor, plus drinks thoughtfully harmonized with the flavor-packed food, and you have yourself a delicious date night.

photo by Jenn Kosar

First, a little history. Talde Brooklyn and Talde JC are named for Chef Dale Talde. Talde is an alum of highly established Asian-fusion restaurants including Buddakan (New York) and the now-shuttered Vong (Chicago). His eclectic style went nationwide thanks to his time on Top Chef, and his original Park Slope restaurant put him on the culinary map.  Maplewood readers are often happy to head to Brooklyn for a visit to the original location. Those of you looking to stay in New Jersey will not be disappointed; Talde JC features the same core menu, but with plenty of additional delights on the table.

The elegant casual, industrial-chic interior immediately lets you know you are in for a fun meal, and the service is light-hearted but attentive to match.  The team is happy to explain the family style menu to you, as well as to recommend both signature dishes and their personal favorites (and even steer you away from a few items that might not deliver as well as described). It can get a bit noisy and high-energy, but that’s part of the fun, especially if you gather at the communal table with a gang of friends.

photo by Jenn Kosar

If it is a table for two you are after, don’t head to Talde JC for a romantic candlelit evening. Instead, spend the night reliving your carefree dating days with shared plates, drinks, and a boisterous crowd. Dazzle your hip date with your knowledge of the secret basement Speakeasy, Miss Wong’s, open Friday and Saturday nights starting at 10pm. Just ask the bouncer to point you towards the hidden entrance to one of the only “true” speakeasy spots in the area (but here are a few more to try, courtesy of Hoboken Girl). If you are looking for something a touch more intimate, cozy up at Wine Down Wednesdays while you enjoy live jazz from 7pm-10pm.

Let’s get to the food.

Sure, it is not a traditional Filipino restaurant, nor does it claim to be one. However, the Filipino-inspired favorite from the Brooklyn original that migrated west is the Beef Short Rib Kare Kare with Hong Kong Noodles and Peanuts is, in my view, the top dish on the menu. It simply melts in your mouth with just the right balance of spice and richness.

photo by Jenn Kosar

Other pan-Asian favorites abound, including Bao Buns. Bao is the Chinese answer to bread; a doughy, steamed bun filled with (usually) seasonal goodies. Like most seasonal items, the success of this dish will depend on your love for the fillers. The lobster version for the summer is delicious; the always-available spicy chicken in the #6 Bao Bun appetizer is just okay.  Fans of the original Talde will be happy to see the Pretzel Pork and Chive Dumplings, a signature dish that doesn’t disappoint.

As usual, the appetizers are where I find my favorites. I could gobble the Kung Pao Chicken Wings with Peanut Sauce and Buttermilk Ranch all by myself and be a very satisfied girl. The Chili Soy Garlic Edamame is the perfect nibble with your pre-dinner drink, but caution: they are downright addictive, so you may find yourself ordering multiple rounds of more than just your beverage.

photo by jenn kosar

Side dishes stand out too, particularly the Blue Crab Fried Rice with Tobiko and Jalapeño Aioli. It is filled with rich, creamy flavor and yet somehow light, mostly thanks to the generous heap of crabmeat. A newer vegetarian addition to the menu, The Angry Pancit is big hit; “Pancit” describes the rice noodles, made “Angry” with a dousing of Singapore-style curry and scattered with fried tofu.

Remember those waiters that gave you the scoop on the less-than-favorite dishes? I should have listened to mine before I ordered the chicken. I assume this graces the menu to ensure less adventurous diners have something to eat. As a mother of still-learning foodies I completely understand. It is currently known as General Talde’s Chicken, but it is basically well-executed fried chicken with less-than-memorable sauce, garnished with a few grapes. Perfect for an 8-year-old in a picky mood; not so great for an adult searching for global flavor.

photo by jenn kosar

Speaking of kids, brunch at Talde JC was the perfect way to introduce them to some new tastes. Kids love the free traditional pancakes while adults graze on breakfast-adapted versions of the evening menu or unique brunch fare.  We love the Breakfast Ramen, with a rich broth made in the traditional Japanese style. The Kung Pho Chicken and Waffles and Kimchi Fried Rice were also delicious departures from Avocado Toast [although that was excellent as well!].

photo by jenn kosar

Whether a relaxing brunch, a food- and fun-filled evening with friends, or a carefree date night, Talde ensures delighted taste buds all around. I hope to see you there!

Talde JC

8 Erie Street⋅Jersey City, NJ⋅(201) 630-0077⋅www.taldejerseycity.com⋅book it on OpenTable

When researching for this article, I loved learning about the rise of Chef Ruby Felix. She is a rare female executive chef in a very male-dominated business. Check out this interview at Chicpea JC for more on her story.

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In the neighborhood?  Join us at the brand-new SOMA Eats Local for a discussion on the best of the dining out scene in South Orange, Maplewood, and surrounding towns.