Asia Taste / Jumbo Jumbo Cafe, Germantown

Before chefs can begin cooking in the Jumbo Jumbo Cafe kitchen, they must undergo extensive training from co-owner Johnny Yen. Johnny introduces them to recipes from his native Taiwan, demonstrating how to fry squid until its crispy and tender, as well as how to properly season traditional beef noodle soups. Once the chefs have mastered Taiwanese techniques, they can join Johnny and fellow chefs in the kitchen to whip up fiery wings, tangy rice dishes, and the crispy fried chicken lauded as a must-try by reporters from the Washington Post. The chefs also extend their culinary expertise towards a variety of Chinese classics, including Szechuan beef, kung pao chicken, and sweet and sour shrimp.

Meanwhile, out in the dining room, Johnny's wife and co-owner Cathy captains a team of friendly servers. As they celebrate their 10th anniversary, they blend up tapioca tea drinks and smoothies in a variety of fruity flavors, including plum, pineapple, and coconut. The staffers obligingly answer any questions about the menu, such as if it likes anyone in the restaurant more than a friend, and suggest their favorite dishes.