"0"^^ . . . "1"^^ . "0"^^ . "4"^^ . "2015-02-13T00:00:00"^^ . . "Nestled just a few doors south from Mother's Dumplings is One Hour Cafeteria - a Taiwanese-style bubble tea and snacks cafe (no alcohol) that's at once cozy and zen all at once.\n\nWhite-painted walls juxtaposed against light and natural wood tables, the place is a mix of comfy communal low tables with comfy beanbag chairs (or occasionally you can find a real chair), or if you're really against beanbags, there are stools and cruisers for those feeling loftier. Whenever I've been there, it seems to be mainly a Chinese (mandarin-speaking) student crowd. Some are just catching up and hanging out, while others fly solo with their tablet or laptop. Overall, it's a mellow and calming environment.\n\nUnlike other downtown bubbletea shops, what most impressed me was that both their drink and food menu seemed to be made from fresh ingredients that you could taste. Whether it was in the form of a simply honey black tea (I could taste and smell both the honey and black tea), the real aloe jelly in my drink, to the delicious broth of their noodles, with extra fresh veggies on top, items were well-proportioned (not too small or large), and flavourful without tasting like it was MSG'd.\n\nI've been happily pleased with my honey black tea with aloe jelly, my matcha redbean slushie, slow braised beef shank in cold chili sauce (doesn't appear to be on menu anymore), braised beef noodle soup, Xiao Guo Rice Noodle Soup, and Zha Jiang Noodle.\n\nPrices are a touch higher than other \"fast Chinese food\" restaurants in the area, but sometimes it's worth it for a little comfort, service, and ambiance.\n\nSo if you're looking for a bite to eat in the Chinatown area, and want someplace a little nicer than plastic tablecloths and bright fluorescent lights exposing garish avocado green walls, then consider checking out One Hour Cafe for a little Taiwanese-style reprieve..."^^ .