Mr. Meerkat

Review

Mr. Meerkat sits at No. 9, Lane 120, Dongning Road in East District and is one of the brunch spots Tainan media cover most. Supertaste has featured it several times; its defining feature is the meerkats living in the courtyard, which diners can watch through a fence while they eat. The interior is decorated with specimens and greenery, drawing families and couples who come specially, and its review count is very high among East District restaurants.

Supertaste names the smoked duck breast platter as a must-order, with a clear smoky aroma, and also singles out the large sous-vide chicken cold noodles, whose chicken stays moist. The menu also has brunch sets, Italian herb pork collar, red wine braised beef and handmade pudding. Diners generally find the smoked duck more flavourful than the chicken, and some like the mushrooms and small yoghurt that come on the plate.

Fans praise the cute meerkats, the photogenic setting and strong air conditioning, and say the food is consistently decent. Complaints often concern the minimum charge: each person has a minimum that cannot be combined, and menu prices sit just below it. Some found the staff impatient and the desserts ordinary, some felt sorry for the meerkats' small pen, and some noticed that part of the greenery is artificial.

Online listings show daily hours of 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with irregular closures, so check the shop's social page or call before going. Staff ask whether you have a reservation, and booking is wise on weekends. The shop is down a lane off Dongning Road where parking is hard, so a scooter or taxi is easier; payment details are not clear in sources.

Good for families with children, couples who want photos and groups of friends who want to see meerkats over brunch. First-timers should order the smoked duck breast platter, with companions sharing the chicken cold noodles. Check the minimum charge rules before ordering, and budget around NT$300 per person to be safe.