Restaurants, kitchens and the people cooking in them. 290 dispatches.
May 1, 2026
Korean-style marinated crab that started as a sister's craving is now Taichung's most crave-worthy comfort meal.
May 1, 2026
Escape to this serene forest hideaway near Nanzhuang for European-inspired cuisine and soul-soothing mountain views.
Apr 1, 2026
A Washington native's smoky American BBQ passion finally opens its doors this June with authentic Texas and Louisiana recipes that'll make you forget you're in Taiwan.
Apr 1, 2026
Discover crispy, affordable burgers hidden in Tunghai Villa's alleyways—each one stuffed with a surprise hash brown layer.
Apr 1, 2026
A Taipei institution brings bold New Cantonese cuisine to Taichung, blending tradition with playful innovation—think Peking duck meets popping candy.
Apr 1, 2026
Spring arrives at this elegant Italian restaurant with a fresh seasonal menu, expansive views, and chef Chauveau's masterful semi-buffet experience.
Mar 1, 2026
An Argentinian chef brings 36 years of passion home to Taichung, serving authentic charcoal-grilled steaks that are winning hearts across the night market.
Mar 1, 2026
Escape to this serene 800-meter hilltop retreat where creative cuisine, mountain vistas, and eco-conscious hospitality create the perfect respite from city life.
Feb 1, 2026
From food cart to cozy shop: discover Stanley Chen's authentic German pretzels and hearty Bavarian platters in Taichung.
Feb 1, 2026
Crispy-edged smash burgers crafted with care at this intimate six-seat kitchen are worth seeking out in Taichung.
Feb 1, 2026
Darren Lee's late-night Thai gem in Fengjia serves creative Southeast Asian fusion with showstopping volcano pork ribs and hand-brewed tea.
Jan 1, 2026
Authentic Thai flavors, generous portions, and a welcoming vibe make this cozy two-floor spot perfect for any occasion.
Jan 1, 2026
Step into a serene culinary sanctuary where a husband-and-wife team crafts intimate omakase meals and rare teas in a treasure-filled heritage setting.
Jan 1, 2026
Taichung's beloved hot pot tradition finally meets five-star luxury at InterContinental's elegant new restaurant, complete with tableside broth tastings and winter broths simmered for hours.
Jan 1, 2026
Fresh Italian-inspired cuisine and European charm await just ten minutes from Yuanlin Station, perfect for casual meals or group gatherings.
Aug 9, 2023
This vegan restaurant, jointly operated by Malaysian and Taiwanese owners, doesn’t use eggs, dairy or the five common pungent spices (like garlic). Despite its small size, Y.N. Vegetarian serves outstanding, delicious dishes with a touch of Southeast Asian flavors. Various spices such as curry, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric and chili, plus other Indonesian and Malaysian ingredients…
Aug 7, 2023
黎小安/文 By Ann Li If you were born in the ‘50s or ‘60s and grew up in Taichung, you’ll probably be familiar with “cao dai fan” (草袋飯), or “grass bag rice”, which was once incredibly popular. Originally located on GuangFu Road and helping pioneer this dish, Chin Chih Yuan restaurant has been around for 50-plus…
Aug 3, 2023
Sicily native Dario Di Falco originally came to Taiwan on a short-term business assignment. However, after falling in love with this island, he informed his colleagues he would be staying longer-term. A search for a new business venture, a longing for cuisine from his homeland and his years as a professional chef led to this…
Jul 3, 2023
This large classy, attractive bar (whose name means “spirit/soul” in Arabic) is located on the second floor of Chilliesine Indian Restaurant’s Chaofu branch. Up to 60 can relax in the atmospherically illuminated premises, with Indian and other exotic decorative highlights, and enjoy romantic evening views of 7th Redevelopment Zone skyscrapers and Maple Garden Park across…
May 19, 2023
Hausinc Cafe, once ranked among Taiwan’s 25 best coffee shops, has expanded into a century-old Japanese-style building with its new Hausinc 1035 branch as part of the 1035 Collab team between four different brands. The number “1035” is derived from the telephone number of this building during the Japanese colonial era and represents the new…
May 18, 2023
Located near Shuinan Market and identified only with a small “Beiping” sign, this little no-frills eatery is a classic Taiwanese family-run “hole-in-the-wall” serving delicious, reasonably-priced Chinese cuisine. The restaurant was first opened in Taipei about 40 years ago by owner Wang Wei-hua’s father, a native of Shandong province, before moving to Taichung in 1993. Today…
May 17, 2023
The noodle dishes here are rather ordinary-looking but offer unforgettable flavors, as shown by the fact that this little shop earned a 2020 Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation. The delicious noodles are paired with succulent, thick-sliced pork ribs in the signature Pork Ribs Noodles (NT$120/large). Other top dishes include Beef Noodles (NT$140/large) and Preserved Vegetables Noodles…
May 16, 2023
You won’t find many Taichung restaurants that have survived for more than 60 years, but Qin Yuan Chun is one of them. Currently managed by a fourth generation of owners and recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand ranking, this establishment dates back to 1949 and retains a nostalgic ambiance from bygone days, with bamboo steamers…
May 15, 2023
Rare French Cuisine & Bar ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a fine dining establishment: Creative, delicious cuisine from a chef with international experience at Michelin-rated establishments. Refined, upscale ambiance and excellent service. An impressive, extensive selection of fine wines and other spirits, introduced by an experienced sommelier. A beautiful, inviting bar…
May 12, 2023
Named after a Hindu sacred plant and goddess, this attractive, cozy Indian restaurant was opened in April by Chandan Singh and business partner/chef Baraf Singh and aims to offer authentic cuisine from their northern Indian homeland. Served in generous portions, their dishes include some unique items like Handi Chicken or Mutton (NT$350/400)–milder, still flavorful, curry…
May 11, 2023
Celine 廖家瑩 Xuhe Interior Design 敘禾設計 Thirteen Cafe’s motto, “Together is Better”, reflects its goal of creating togetherness with its tranquil setting–featuring about 16 seats and a private room with a cozy sofa–in a Beitun District neighborhood. Owner Celine focuses on offering her favorite healthy meals, including sourdough bread items in her selection of light…
Apr 14, 2023
Flaming Fish Alley is yet more evidence that good things often come in small packages. Located in the older Mofan Street-Dahe Road neighborhood that is home to a growing number of creative establishments, this place has a modest entrance marked only by a small sign, blue awning and two camping chairs that provide a smoking…
Apr 12, 2023
Every time I walk by this small noodle shop in the Tunghai commercial district, I enjoy the aroma of pork noodles. This fragrance helps draw customers inside for a taste of its so-called energy noodles. These curvy noodles are all handmade and, before being dumped into a boiling cooking pot, are hand-kneaded and massaged to…
Apr 11, 2023
When Edward Ho and his wife opened this little 13-seat restaurant, they offered just four kinds of ramen. However, in the eight years since then, they have earned many loyal customers and expanded their menu to nine main ramen options (NT$150-320) that highlight Mr. Ho’s special variations on this Japanese favorite. These include both milder/lighter…
Apr 10, 2023
Phoenix Hotel Taichung, affiliated with Evergreen Resort Hotel Jiaoxi, offers this large second-floor brunch buffet restaurant (open 7 a.m.-1 p.m.) under the management of experienced chef Wu Jian-ping. With stylish industrial-style decor and black and gray tones, the spacious, comfortable interior accommodates about 500 in a well-organized L-shaped seating area. There’s also a children’s play…
Apr 7, 2023
This casual, upscale European continental-style restaurant was opened in late 2020 by Jay Liu and fellow chef Kurt Huang on a quiet corner between SongZhu and ChangPing roads and its English name refers to the character “yi” (made of four “fire” characters) in its Chinese name. The wide range of creative dishes here combine French-Italian…
Feb 17, 2021
You can enjoy Taiwanese delicacies at this restaurant, regardless of whether you’re dining alone or with a group of friends or relatives, with its modern-feeling, quiet ambiance providing a nice setting for a coffee and meal. Shin Yuan was listed among the Michelin Guide’s 2020 Bib Gourmand selection of recommended eateries, and its owner likes…
Feb 17, 2021
With a pizzeria that remains popular after over 18 years in business, it would be easy to keep everything just the way it is. However, Salut owner Danielle Huang isn’t resting on her laurels, making some attractive recent changes that include renovations to give a fresh, more upscale feel to the premises, seating about 50…
Feb 17, 2021
This restaurant offers a cornucopia of dishes and flavors, with the Amber Roasted Goose (NT$480-1,700) being the main menu focus. Other authentic Chinese dishes (NT$180-520) include Sichuan Stir-Fry; Mixed Squid and Escargot with Garlic; Dong Po Pork with Wine; Stir-Fried Minced Meat with Chives; Pork Belly with Pickled Cabbage Hotpot (NT$180-520). All items are prepared with…
Feb 17, 2021
As Hawaii remains one of my favorite places in the world, I am always delighted to encounter any reminder of the Aloha State in Taichung. Undoubtedly, the best local place to do this is Kua’Aina Burger & Sandwich at Mitsui Outlet Park. This restaurant and a sister eatery at Mitsui’s mall in New Taipei City’s…
Feb 17, 2021
Tucked into a quiet alley near the always-busy Fengjia Night Market, Date With Poke offers delicious and nutritious meals. The menu is small with only a few meals and drinks on offer, but what they do offer is excellent and doesn’t cost too much. Walking into the restaurant, customers are greeted by upbeat music and…
Feb 17, 2021
A variety of handmade, rarely-seen Southeast Asian style hotpots featuring Laksa, Coconut, Bakuteh, and Tom Yam Kung flavors are offered with many fresh ingredients at this restaurant. Besides soup bases (NT$79-99) and chicken, pork, US beef and wagyu beef meat platters (NT$178-1,188), other dishes include Thai Basil Chili Pork over Rice; Crisp Fried Bread Sticks…
May 24, 2020
An abundance of colorful dried flowers decorating the walls adds to the coziness of the sofa dining area at this small bistro, which offers light meals and alcoholic beverages together with a homey, comfortable ambiance, reasonable prices and long business hours. The hand-written menu features several pasta, rice and deep-fried food items options (NT$150-220), such…
May 24, 2020
This restaurant offers a mix menu and menu-less teppanyaki and other Japanese meals and dishes. Located near Dakeng Scenic Area’s Lantien Baiyun Bridge, Shang Hong also provides spacious indoor-outdoor dining areas, a white sandbox for kids, and convenient parking. Business lunches start from NT$490 and menu-less meals (NT$1,600-2,000) are made from fresh ingredients of the…
May 24, 2020
The former Little Italy Art Parkway branch has been completely transformed into this attractive Taiwanese pork ribs and American beef ribs restaurant by its interior decorator owner, who also opened the separate Cafe Task upstairs (see other “What’s New” article). Seating 40, the first-floor interior is a striking combination of white walls; medium-hued wooden tables…
Mar 17, 2020
Japanese owners Jin Nakayama and Naomi Hada, both long-time Taiwan residents, opened their izakaya bar/restaurant last June in a popular neighborhood near Civic Square and Calligraphy Greenway. There is seating for about 50 in the cozy interior, plus a 10-person private room and some outside tables. The sizable menu offers a variety of izakaya and…
Mar 17, 2020
The name of this swanky-looking hot pot restaurant (adjacent to Karuizawa massage center and Texas Roadhouse) refers to its most unique selling point—fresh, 18-degree, non-frozen beef, delivered daily from the Tainan farm where it is raised, ensuring outstanding texture, juiciness and flavor. Prior to Win 18’s opening a couple years ago, this delicacy was largely confined…
Mar 17, 2020
Taichungers sometimes forget what many outsiders–including Taipei visitors–love about this city: Its many world-class dining experiences for very reasonable prices. I was reminded of this when revisiting The Prime – Grill & Lounge on the top floor of Millennium Hotel Taichung. The upscale, soothing ambiance is wonderful day or night, with a high curving wooden…
Feb 15, 2020
Although it’s been seven years since this restaurant opened, its premises are still enriched with its interesting background, passion and art, offering diners a friendly ambiance to enjoy food and drink. When not preparing quality dining fare, the chef enjoys studying the culture of exotic cuisine and wine, and befriending the many customers drawn to…
Feb 14, 2020
This eatery is famed for the abundance of fresh vegetables that go into its healthy, delicious hot pots. The soup base is made with herbs, chicken bones, amomum fruit, cardamon and Angelica sinensis (female ginseng), and simmered for 10 hours, resulting in a natural, fresh taste that complements and enhances the natural flavors of meats…
Feb 2, 2020
This restaurant’s Tibetan owner, Tenzin, hails from Ladakh in northern India, where the movie “3 Idiots” was filmed. He has enjoyed studying Tibetan and Indian cooking since a young age and the menu here contains reasonably-priced dishes with these exotic influences and flavors. A special item is MoMo (10 steamed dumplings) stuffed with either pork…
Feb 1, 2020
Delhi Bistro stands out in a number of ways, offering high-quality food and service for lower prices and doing a good job at adjusting flavors to the Taiwanese palate, which makes it a good option for those who want milder, less-spicy Indian cuisine. A sampling of dishes includes Mix Veg Pokara (NT$120), featuring soft vegetables…
Jan 20, 2020
With delicious hamburger buns, fresh lettuce and tomatoes, Lettuce Burger.Sub allows burger fans to create their own tasty dream burger of choice. No burger is too tall as customers can add as many meat patties and as much peanut butter, cheese and egg as they desire. Standard burgers include one layer of meat, such as…
Jan 19, 2020
By appearance, Tang Family looks like any neighborhood restaurant, perhaps a little neater and cleaner than most. The food is what is special. Considerable thought and care has gone into making the dishes here a step above. The cook, Tang Meizhen (唐美珍), from Hunan Province in China, brings some special touches to Taiwanese classics–making them…
Jan 18, 2020
While Taichung is home to thousands of restaurants, finding one that has been around for a long time and stands out for its unique characteristics and quality narrows down the field significantly. Among such places is this authentic Cantonese dim sum eatery, next to Taichung Folklore Park, which is usually packed with diners and emits…
Jan 17, 2020
It’s the ambiance that probably first impresses most diners at Hung’s Mansion hotel’s Chez Hung restaurant. The large, spacious 70-seat area feels more like a gigantic, stylish living room, with cushy chairs, sofas, book shelves and contemporary art, all brightly illuminated by natural light pouring through giant windows. The relaxing setting, which begs you to…
Jan 16, 2020
The first floor in this cozy coffee shop showcases daily limited-quantity baked goods for take-out or enjoyment on the premises. The second floor, decorated in a simple modern style, is a dining area where customers can savor a French-style Seasonal Set Meal (from NT$790) with options from among four starters, four main courses, desserts and…
Jan 15, 2020
Wafting warm steam, this tiny Japanese ramen stand on a bustling street presents authentic Kagoshima-style ramen, featuring a soup base simmered with chicken bones and vegetables for over 10 hours. The broth is made without artificial additives and contains bean sprouts, roasted meat slices, seaweed, bamboo shoots and chewy noodles. The heart-warming result savory and…
Jan 11, 2020
This restaurant-meets-art gallery is located in a Fengyuan department store and offers occasional arts exhibitions and seminars alongside tasty Italian cooking. Menu options include pasta dishes, steak, roast chicken, German pork knuckle, pizzas, snacks, Italian-style coffees and other drinks. Pizzas range from the simple Margherita to more elaborate Seafood, and also include the creative Hakka-Style…
Jan 10, 2020
This spacious Japanese restaurant next to Taichung Park offers set meals during regular open hours but also has a second floor with private rooms and dining tables equipped with “lazy susans” for special occasions (available by reservation). The chef/owner uses his refined culinary skills to prepare sashimi, sushi, sushi rolls and donburi (NT$140-880) as well…
Dec 27, 2019
This seafood buffet restaurant offers myriad cold and warm dishes, plus fruit and desserts, with the plentiful delicacies including oysters, shrimp and piles of crabs. Other well-made selections include steamed seasonal fish, lobster miso soup, the chef’s recommended beef broth (don’t forget to add some rice wine to it), steaks, radish cakes, and king mushrooms.
Dec 26, 2019
There are some great Indian restaurants in Taichung and Sree India Palace is one of my favorites–a quiet, cozy place offering a comforting ambiance and friendly, helpful staff. Every dish on the extensive menu is also delicious so it’s best to bring a few friends to help you sample as many as you can. My…
Dec 24, 2019
Tempus Hotel Taichung La Mode lights up your Christmas with roast turkey La Mode restaurant is offering an authentic roast turkey infused with mixed nuts and fruit flavors. The turkey is slowly roasted and paired with cranberry sauce, American-style. Other take-out a la carte options include U.S. Ribeye, Seafood Pumpkin Soup, and many varied European-style…
Dec 21, 2019
Taiwan’s old military dependents’ villages, created for arriving mainland Chinese in the ROC period after around 1949, represent a unique local subculture. Although most of these communities have now been torn down or renovated due to outdated/aging housing, nostalgic scenes from their heyday can still be seen at the Taichung Military Cultural Village Museum in…
Dec 20, 2019
This establishment, combining dining and extreme sports, is run by five young men who enjoy skateboarding. Owner Liean Cheng built a standard skateboarding pool on the premises to make this a one-of-a-kind Taichung hangout. When patrons aren’t getting exercise and showing off their skateboarding skills, they can also enjoy the unique grilled, top-quality kebabs, made…
Dec 16, 2019
This inventive oriental-style brunch shop offers a mix of nostalgic and creative dining that includes top-end traditional dishes, stir-fried cooking and bistro-style snacks. This well-lit, recently-renovated interior is simply decorated and a place where customers can linger over a drink, use WiFi access and enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea time. It’s also an excellent venue…
Dec 15, 2019
Hanaya has been well-known among many Taichungers as a Japanese grill restaurant since its 1996 opening by Chef Satomi Sumio from Sendai, Japan. It has now located to this old white house, decorated Japanese-style, and offers high-grade meat and unique homemade sauces from Japan. Whether dining alone or with friends, you can enjoy grilled meat…
Dec 6, 2019
Five years after opening its first popular Indian restaurant, Ganga now has a second Beitun District branch a few meters off of ChongDe Road, Sec. 2. This cozy eatery, attractively decorated with vibrant colors and photos, seats 33 inside and outside and features the same food offerings—prepared by an experienced Indian chef—as the original branch.
Dec 5, 2019
Persian Papa Meal offers an excellent culinary experience unique in Taichung and well worth sampling, thanks to the effort, care and quality ingredients the owner puts into his dishes. He hand-makes every item from scratch, creating even the soup stock from bones, and cream from fresh milk. The Lamb and Beef Kobideh (NT$280) features a…
Dec 4, 2019
Famous interior designer Mr. Tai-Lai Kan is the creator of this high-end restaurant’s exquisite decor, featuring high ceilings, attractive windows, marble, and gold and black colors. The Wang is also the Wow Prime restaurant group’s first foray into top-grade, dry-aged steaks and is located inside the striking National Trade Center office tower in Taichung’s 7th…
Nov 25, 2019
This evening hang-out offers refined dining delicacies and alcoholic options to customers, many who enjoy the new late-night hours here. Chef Chen Guan-ting, who worked at Sydney’s Quay Restaurant, uses his experience to prepare international-standard fine dining fare that can be savored in the enjoyable bistro-style atmosphere. This combination means that you can really relax…
Nov 24, 2019
This restaurant’s Japanese-style wooden building, fronted by a flower garden, is hidden along an alleyway next to the Art Museum Parkway that gives off a retro Japanese flavor. This sensation continues when you enter, take off your shoes and walk on the clean wooden floor in your bare feet. Besides bar-style seating, there are relaxing…
Nov 22, 2019
Three cups chicken, Beijing roast duck, night market grilled corn, gaoliang and Shaoxing liquors…if you think these flavors are limited to Taiwan’s traditional eateries, think again. From now through April, hints of such items will be highlighted in the most improbable setting, The Landis Hotel’s Top of ONE western fine-dining restaurant. For the past 13…
Nov 19, 2019
Elegantly decorated with a gorgeous retro-colonial design, this stylish restaurant offers authentic Sichuan-style hot pots that exude the pungent aroma of Sichuan pepper. Among two hot pot soup base choices is Chongqing Style with Preserved Vegetables and Fish, prepared with fish filets and Chongqing’s traditional mouth-numbing sour, aromatic and spicy flavors. The other option is…
Nov 15, 2019
A favorite among Taiwanese diners is the ubiquitous “re-chao” (hot stir-fry) eatery, serving up a wide range of fresh-made, cheap, tasty cuisine, usually in a noisy, no-frills venue. For the past nine years, Tempus Hotel’s Ali Seafood Restaurant has modified this concept for diners wanting to enjoy similar food in a refined, upscale ambiance. Walk…
Nov 15, 2019
The owner/chef of this Thai restaurant comes from the third generation of a Thai-Burmese Chinese immigrant family and works with his wife to offer a selection mainly consisting of authentic Thai and Burmese flavors. Prepared with imported spices from Thailand and Myanmar and fresh, local ingredients, these creative, reasonably-priced entrees offer good value for large…
Nov 14, 2019
This Japanese restaurant actually began life as a night market vendor before opening its first branch on MeiChuan East Road in 2014. Since then, it has earned a strong reputation and customer following for reasonably-priced, quality cuisine and attentive service. This particular branch is similar to the original store, offering delicately-made Japanese cuisine, with the…
Oct 27, 2019
This scenic restaurant is located along Changhua’s County Highway No.139 in a simple, but eye-catching, Southeast Asian-style log villa. Head Chef Hung Kuan-chu, who began his cooking career at the tender age of 10, has worked in many hotels and received gold medals in Chinese Gourmet Association competitions in addition to other national awards. At…
Oct 25, 2019
In Taichung’s booming hotpot market, there is a special niche for mini-hotpot shops like this family-oriented, pet-friendly place that includes several toy vending machines for kids to enjoy while waiting to be seated.The Stone Hot Pot’s soup base is made with stir-fried onions, scallions, sesame oil and vegetable broth. Customers can pay extra to change…
Oct 25, 2019
Recently reopened after some changes, this drinking and dining venue is located on the fifth floor of National Taichung Theater and offers an extraordinary, romantic ambiance that includes great daytime and evening views of the city. The tall curved walls also add a sense of spaciousness. These factors make it perfect for weddings, private wine…
Oct 24, 2019
Kappo Ryori’s cooking techniques originate from early 19th-century Osaka and can be observed by diners as the chef cooks right in front of them. The menu-less restaurant offers various kinds of fish, purchased fresh daily, to create a seven-dish set menu of the day. Like the seafood, all other ingredients such as beef, side dishes…
Oct 24, 2019
The royal castle-like atmosphere at Thai J restaurant, located in the first-floor of Carrefour Market building, is filled with plenty of plants and colors. The first-floor restaurant now has expanded to offer a second-floor Thai-style hotpot restaurant. A primarily black color theme, accented by sparkling, elegant chandeliers, creates a high-end ambiance. There are three unique…
Oct 23, 2019
Owner Ann treats animals like family members and her business provides both pet grooming and pet hotel services as well as dining delicacies and a cozy dining area for animals and their owners. The tidy premises, complemented by relaxing background music, has helped attract many owners and their pets since Ta Ta Earth’s opening. Made-to-order…
Sep 30, 2019
Near National Taichung Theater, this Cantonese restaurant is located on the third floor of a high-rise and doesn’t have a very large dining space, giving it the atmosphere of a private venue with various differently-sized private rooms. Hong Kong banquet chef Yeh Zhi-guang uses his refined culinary skills to prepare Fu Chai’s exquisite, premium dishes…
Sep 29, 2019
Many eateries offer three ways of enjoying roast duck but this place takes it to another level with about 128 variations, such as Duck Stir-Fried with Chilis; Salt and Garlic Duck; Sichuan Duck; and Korean-Style Duck. Nine available sauces and sides include pickled vegetables, chilis, orange sauce, mustard, and Japanese-style sauce. Fat Calf Hotpot Restaurant…
Sep 28, 2019
This nostalgic-feeling restaurant is situated in a renovated old, two-floor house built in the 1960-70s. Owner Mr. Chen is responsible for the attractive aesthetics that can be seen everywhere and give off a relaxing, home-style ambiance. This ranges from dining utensils to the landscaped front yard, flourishing with plants and decorations. A recommended entree here…
Sep 27, 2019
Attracting diners with a sizable sign and appetizing peppery aromas, this establishment is situated on an alley adjacent to In Sky Hotel in the Fengjia shopping area. The recommended Aromatic Spicy Fish in a Barrel (NT$680-880) includes tender, nutritious snakehead fish imported from China and a delicious broth made with green chilies and peppers, cucumbers…
Sep 25, 2019
Mr. Good is run by a young married couple (Chiu Yu-si and his wife) who originally ran an on-line business selling their handmade golden pickled vegetables and fruit- flavored radishes. However, they’ve now made their dreams come true with their own eatery. The cozy interior has limited seating but is comfortable and doesn’t feel crowded.
Sep 23, 2019
Top-grade ingredients and flavors are undoubtedly among the reasons for the consistent, big crowds that this restaurant attracts. With a relaxing ambiance that includes a view of trees out the windows and indoor forest-inspired decor, Go Home offers brunch, burgers, desserts and drinks. A limited-quantity item is the Go Beef Burger (NT$275), featuring a tasty…
Sep 21, 2019
It’s a fact that some of Taichung’s best-kept dining secrets can be found inside the city’s hotels, these being “secret” because many diners don’t automatically consider hotels when it comes to eating out. An attractive example of excellent, reasonably-priced hotel dining can be found at Inhouse Hotel Grand, a relatively new residence that continues to…
Sep 16, 2019
Besides its name, WOO stands apart from your standard Thai eatery in a number of other ways. Situated above the swanky Tsutaya Bookstore Shizheng branch and famed WuPaoChun Bakery, its 120-seat interior is stylishly decorated with a modern Greco-Roman theme that includes decorative floor tiles, white marble tables, glass chandeliers, statues, painted wooden furniture, deep…
Aug 2, 2019
It’s rare to find authentic brisket in Taichung but this place, near Taichung Veterans General Hospital, is a relaxing bistro for enjoy such delicacies and drinks. The GOTCHA Smoked Brisket (NT$400, 7 oz.) is well-marbled while the GOTCHA Smoked Ribs (NT$500/half rack, about 7.5 oz.) uses pork from Yunlin. This high-quality pork tenderloin is produced…
Aug 2, 2019
This scenic dining establishment boasts its own private rice field and is surrounded by birds nest-filled trees, grass, an oriental-style courtyard and winding pathway, plus two lotus ponds filled with frogs and fish, making it an eco-friendly venue. The abundance of natural elements has made this an eco-friendly venue. Now run by the family owners’…
Aug 2, 2019
Youthful owner/chef Chen Guan-ting has worked in the culinary world for over a decade, including stints at numerous famous restaurants, as well as Sydney’s Quay Restaurant, ranked among the world’s top 50. With this experience, he infuses his exquisite dishes with an east-meets-west influence. Besides daytime brunch, this place becomes a bistro at night, serving…
Aug 2, 2019
Originally situated in the YiZhong Street shopping area, this restaurant has relocated to near the National Museum of Natural Science’s Botanical Garden. Its menu focuses on unique “borderless” culinary dishes that express the chef’s passion for cooking and this beautiful land and culture. Seating is limited and the Lunch Set Meal (NT$900) and Dinner Set…
Aug 2, 2019
This low-profile bistro originally opened on Beitun District’s SiPing Road over a year ago but recently relocated to North District’s CMYK Gallery. Diners who also enjoy art and relaxation should appreciate the brand-new menu created by Chef Marlboro Lin, whose earnestness and passion for cooking means that he always tries to present exquisite flavors through…
Aug 2, 2019
Youthful chef A-Min has a passion for Japanese cuisine and, after working in Taipei and Taichung for a few years, decided to open this tidy, bright restaurant with his wife. Seating for about 20 (reservations recommended)–dining bar-style and in a private room–is surrounded by refined decor. Two non-menu set meals (NT$1,100 and NT$1,800) include 10-plus…
Aug 2, 2019
Located near WenXin Road, this eatery promotes healthy dining by focusing on low-carb, ketogenic lunch boxes and has become quite popular with customers from a nearby gym and offices since May. Sourced from local farms, lunch box ingredients are nutritious and diet-friendly. For better flavor, succulent, tender meats here are prepared with a three-hour sous…
Aug 2, 2019
Fain Feast’s menu aims to satisfy appetites with both Asian and western flavors. Asian dishes include Kung Pao Chicken; Anka and Fermented Tofu Chicken; Japanese Pork Tonkatsu; and Grilled Meat and Tempura over Rice, while western fares includes pasta dishes (around NT$200, add NT$90-120 for set-meal upgrade) with tomato, pesto or white sauces, served with…
Aug 2, 2019
Working in this low-profile, but impressive, European-style restaurant, youthful chef Ken Hung demonstrates his principle of presenting traditional western cuisine with fresh local ingredients like duck breasts, seafood and a varied meats. Up to about 50 diners can enjoy his creations in an elegant dining area and private dining room. Set menus (NT$588-1,799) include bread…
Aug 2, 2019
This three-story, retro-oriental-style building in Taichung’s old downtown has blue bricks on the wall outside, wooden window frames and doors, in an architectural style common to Chengdu in China’s Sichuan province. This is part of an attempt to replicate Chongqing’s spicy hotpot restaurants and decorations include many traditional elements such as collections of antiques from…
Aug 2, 2019
This shop’s youthful owner used to work in the tech industry but, after meeting a goose breeder from his home county in Yunlin, decided to open a restaurant serving delicious fresh, water-boiled goose. All his geese are sourced from Yunlin and sent over when they’re 3-4 months old (about 3.5 kilograms). Based on the advice…
Jul 2, 2019
This restaurant, whose name means “abundant” in French, is located in a former U.S. military home and focuses on the use of local ingredients to create eastern and western cuisine, with every single dish offering its own exquisite, unique flavors. During its first season since opening, Le Plein is offering a “banquet table” menu plus…
Jul 2, 2019
An elegant decor, comfortable dining space, rare combination of vegetarian and barbecue dining, and a bamboo menu are all highlights at this creative restaurant. As dishes are served to the table, dry ice also adds to the exquisite plating presentation. In addition to plentiful salad and side dishes, the “7 Fairies” set meal (NT$1,380 for…
Jul 2, 2019
Outlaw BBQ is not only one of Taichung’s newest barbecue eateries, but also perhaps one of its most unique ones. Since its June opening, new dishes are still being added to an already-great menu, focusing on American cook-out style cuisine but soon expanding to include Asian-fusion entrees. If you’re hungry, the delicious ribs (NT$480/full rack…
Jul 2, 2019
Finga’s Fine Foods has for decades been a mainstay in Taichung’s international dining scene. Owner Dereke Bruce recently updated the menu here and, with everything handmade fresh to order, you’d be hard pressed to find a more delicious meal anywhere. When you walk in, you first encounter the Finga’s bakery, with lots of daily-baked specialty…
Jul 2, 2019
If you’ve been on the look-out for a unique kind of hot pot, this restaurant offers famous Pepper Pork Tripe and Stewed Chicken hot pots (NT$360-480). These are prepared with pork bones, chicken bones and various vegetables, stewed until the broth becomes creamy and rich with unbeatable flavors that are even better when enjoyed with…
Jul 2, 2019
This spacious, 5,289-square-meter vegetarian buffet (NT$680 per adult) offers diners interesting views of the city and enjoyable sunsets in addition to a convenient parking lot. The oriental zen-style garden landscaping features pine and cypress trees and a lotus-topped pond, creating a natural, relaxing ambiance. Furthering this effect is a vast dining space filled with wooden…
Jul 2, 2019
The Australian Mutton Leg (NT$980, approx. 1 kg.) served in this shop is enough for 2-3 customers to enjoy as part of a robust Mongolian-style meal and there’s an even bigger version (NT$1,680) for 4-6 people. These mutton legs are marinated with over 20 kinds of herbs–including bay leaves, cumin and nutmeg–then charcoal-grilled until medium-rare…
Jul 1, 2019
The legendary “Deli D” is now in a new, easy-to-find location on JinHua Road near BeiTun Road. Deli D specializes in authentic deli meats prepared by Montreal native Brian Desmarais, served in house, to-go and wholesale to restaurants. These include standard cold cuts, Italian sausage and roast beef. One absolute must-get item is the smoked…
Jun 1, 2019
V Di Ja, whose Taiwanese name means “hide here”, is hidden in a community next to Fengle Sculpture Park. It is run by a group of four friends who named it to express the idea that guests are welcome to dine here like at home. Carefully-selected ingredients include Dounan-cultivated Koshihikari rice, locally-farmed meat, cherry ducks…
Jun 1, 2019
AileRoy Kitchen offers a menu of expertly-prepared, mouthwatering western and Asian fusion cuisine. Executive Chef Roy prepares signature Western-style pasta, risotto, roasted-meat and other dishes with Taiwanese flavors and ingredients. A standout selection is Cherry Valley Duckbreast Sweet Trio (NT$520), featuring roasted duck breast on a bed of potato puree and mushrooms garnished with popcorn.
Jun 1, 2019
This modern-style restaurant has attracted plenty of business in its Tunghai University neighborhood. The chef and bartender have both worked at five-star hotels and incorporate their innovative ideas into their dishes and drinks. This includes creative Italian dishes like Sous Vide Chicken Breast Salad (NT$158), prepared with Cummingcordia Vinegar and French-style garnish, and Taiwan Style…
Jun 1, 2019
Located in quiet Liming Village, this eatery offers Thai-style curry dishes and its Southeast Asian wooden knickknacks and cotton decorations make this a cozy venue for a relaxing meal. For those who like it spicy, Green Curry Rice with Beef and Salad (NT$288) is recommended. Served with a eye-catching mountain-shaped mound of rice, this entree’s…
Jun 1, 2019
In cooperation with the Council of Agriculture, this shop–which is also a restaurant–supplies Taiwanese meats with Traceable Agricultural Product certification to almost 400 restaurants. The veterinarian owner aims to provide quality meat via a platform shared by local farms, restaurants and meat purchasers.The warmly-lit dining area’s unique decor resembles a Japanese bathhouse and the exquisite…
Jun 1, 2019
The meals here range from healthy vegetarian brunches to ovo-lacto vegetarian lunches and dinners and customers can enjoy the cozy dining area all day long. The young chef uses seasonal fruit and vegetables from Puli Township and Toushe Basin (頭社盆地), including mushrooms, gourds, pumpkins and passionfruit, as his ingredients. This fresh produce is cultivated by…
Jun 1, 2019
Japanese owner Taku San, whose wife is from Taichung, focuses on making authentic, traditional Napoli-style pizzas and received his culinary training in Italy. Since opening five years ago, he has only used high-quality Italian imported flour, canned tomato sauce, olive oil and cheese. Every day, he makes and leavens his pizza dough and prepares toppings…
Jun 1, 2019
This establishment is found in the often-misty Sanyi wood-carving town, not far from Miaoli’s Wood Sculpture Museum. Its exposed-concrete building is infused with humanistic, cultural and artistic ambiance, standing in a bamboo forest like something out of the movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. As you walk along its greenery-lined path, natural elements, a gigantic copper…
May 1, 2019
The space cop figurine by this family-oriented establishment’s sandbox leads kids and their parents into the space-themed dining area. The high-ceiling first floor is quite spacious and the entrance is framed by a spaceship-like stage and entertainment and reading center. During holidays, there are various interesting magic, clown, bubble and face-changing shows (check shop website…
May 1, 2019
Far from a regular Japanese restaurant, this is an excellent place to enjoy delicious late-night dining. The cozy eatery has bar seating by a refrigerated sushi showcase, where a sushi chef prepares fresh seafood purchased daily from markets to make various items including sashimi, grilled dishes, soups and sushi. Seasonal grilled fish is usually written…
May 1, 2019
This restaurant, whose name means “revival” and “remembering”, is run by youthful chef Peter, who studied culinary arts in France. The restaurant has mainly focused on two set meals (NT$1,200-2,280, service charge included), titled “Experience” and “Discovering”, which differ from each other in the number of courses. The Kid’s Meal (NT$580) and Vegetarian Menu (NT$880)…
May 1, 2019
“I think that a restaurant’s environment can heighten the customers’ dining pleasure and food flavors,” says Chillies’ Indian owner Minesh Valand, who has recently done just that at all three of his restaurants (2 in Taichung, 1 in Hsinchu), making them arguably the most attractive Indian eateries anywhere in Taiwan. His original CunZhong branch, launched…
May 1, 2019
Jerry’s House is the type of restaurant that will please even the pickiest gastronome. Its owner returned to Taiwan after serving as the head chef at the Pony Dining The Rocks and uses his experience to create a great Australian-Taiwanese fusion of epicurean delights. All ingredients are carefully selected and only the freshest are used…
Apr 1, 2019
MeetU Pasta is tiny, quaint little Italian restaurant serving up tasty pizzas, pastas and other dishes offering both traditional Italian and Asian-fusion flavors. The pizzas are thin and crispy, cooked to a perfect golden crust with a few charred spots typical of traditional Italian pizzas. For a classic Italian pizza, the Margherita (NT$228), with fresh…
Apr 1, 2019
Located near the corner with DaGuan Road, this traditional Taiwanese restaurant offers an east-meets-west interior ambiance infused with both modern and nostalgic notes, suitable for both small and large groups of diners. A teapot of roasted oolong tea is served to every table before dining and the restaurant offers nostalgic Taiwanese dishes that include creative…
Apr 1, 2019
Customers order off a wall-mounted menu at this Xinjiang-style grill eatery, situated near the intersection with XingZhong Street, and can sit inside or outside on wooden tables and chairs. Barrels outside are filled with live fish and Thai shrimp, and there are plenty of skewers in the fridge. The owner flavors his dishes with many…
Apr 1, 2019
Next to Taichung’s Chaoma bus station area, this eatery serves seafood, beef, lamb, pork, chicken and fish teppanyaki options. Standard stir-fried sliced meat on teppanyaki is NT$130 and comes with all-you-can-eat/drink beverages, coffee, daily soup, stir-fried cabbage and bean sprouts. The chewy, fragrant rice provided is from Yunlin County’s Xilou township. The “A” to “C”…
Apr 1, 2019
Relocated from a previous Fengjia location, In Love Burrito is a great spot to enjoy some Taiwanese-Mexican fusion light meals. Featuring fresh ingredients wrapped in homemade scallion pancakes, the satisfying burritos here titillate the taste buds and come in seven varieties (NT$80-85) in addition to plain scallion pancakes (NT$45), with egg or cheese added for…
Apr 1, 2019
With a modern, sleek and welcoming Italian feel to its decor, More Pasta & Pizza mixes a pleasant dining experience with delicious Italian cuisine. Pizza dough is made by hand using semolina flour and fresh ingredients. The Classic Margherita (NT$258) is one of the simplest pizzas in terms of ingredients and one of More’s most…
Mar 1, 2019
While pasta/risotto/pizza places seem to be found on every corner, one occasionally encounters an establishment that truly expands and redefines the local boundaries of Italian cuisine. Such a place is Zebra, where Executive Chef Ren Ren Huang combines two decades of cooking experience at Taipei’s Westin and W hotels with his personal creative vision and…
Mar 1, 2019
It’s difficult to describe in writing the cornucopia of home-style flavors found in this restaurant, located in a warmly-lit, cozy, white wooden structure near Art Museum Parkway. In an era when so many people regularly dine out, finding home-style flavors can be difficult. However, the 20-plus Thai-style rice dishes (NT$230-380) and other eastern, western and…
Mar 1, 2019
This restaurant features Taiwan’s first all-you-can-eat wagyu beef hotpot. Diners can enjoy Japanese wagyu beef, Australian M9 wagyu beef, American Angus boneless beef, SRF black hair beef, Spanish Iberico pork, and Argentine red shrimp for NT$1,599 (120-minute dining time limit). For an extra NT$800, they can also savor other top-grade meats like epicurean favorites Japanese…
Mar 1, 2019
Sea-themed wall decorations here lend an aquarium-like ambiance while dining on this shop’s famed fresh seafood porridges, featuring high-end ingredients for reasonable prices. Youthful owner Mr. Chen says that money isn’t a concern here for lovers of fresh seafood, as just over NT$100 will allow anyone to enjoy fresh shrimp, clams, squid and oysters. Besides…
Mar 1, 2019
Second-generation owner Yang Tze-teh was head of an R&D department in the Hsinchu Science Park but gave that up to devote himself to this family noodle shop, which originated in Miaoli County’s Yuanli township. He has focused on enhancing the quality of his noodles and upon entering customers can see the professional noodle-making station through…
Mar 1, 2019
This cozy, unpretentious restaurant has indoor/outdoor seating and cooks up affordable, hearty western favorites such as burgers, pasta and steak, plus local and western home-style chicken and pork dishes. Set meals revolve around a main dish–which may be ordered in extra-large servings (add NT$20) and/or as casseroles (add NT$20)–served with bread and side salad (NT$59).
Feb 1, 2019
Picture a thick handmade burger with a seven-ounce patty, topped with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, ketchup, mustard, crispy bacon and other ingredients to the point that it barely fits in your hand. This is one of many options (NT$199-249), combining American beef and fresh Taiwanese ingredients between two buns, that can be enjoyed at Burger…
Feb 1, 2019
While mention of an “exotic dining experience” may conjure images of a Hawaiian luau, belly dancers or deep-fried insects, in Taichung this might be expanded to include eating while surrounded by line dancers, stepping and clapping in time to some good old American country-and-western music. Such an experience can only be regularly found at one…
Feb 1, 2019
This eatery is a great spot to enjoy fresh-made hot pot, grilled and creative Japanese dishes, as the owner imports seasonal seafood from all over. Blue crabs, mangrove crabs, dungeness crabs and brown crabs, lobsters, abalone, oysters and other items can be enjoyed as sashimi, steamed, grilled, or in a hot pot or porridge by…
Feb 1, 2019
This restaurant specializes in US Prime rib-eye and rib-cap steaks and fresh seafood, as well as Japanese and Australian beef, Japanese pork fillets (from pigs raised on local grape skins and seeds) and New Zealand lamb. All can be enjoyed a la carte or as set meals (NT$1,690-3,600) that include appetizers, soups, salads, desserts and…
Feb 1, 2019
Located next to Beitun District’s Xindu Ecology Park and romantic Butterfly Bridge, this restaurant was opened by a youthful chef passionate about the sweet, sour and spicy flavors of Thai cuisine. The menu variety here rivals any other local Thai eatery, with inexpensive main courses (NT$239-269) like Steamed Fish with Lemon, Thai Basil Chili Pork…
Feb 1, 2019
The dishes you see on the table here all originate at a farm owned by this restaurant. This includes about 30 types of reasonably-priced seasonal vegetables, with some rarely-seen varieties like red cabbage, Brazilian fireweed, beet leaves, and Polianthes tuberosa, making this a paradise for veggie lovers. The Xinshe District farm is pesticide-free and the…
Jan 1, 2019
Known as the “Treasure Island”, Taiwan has an abundance of fresh agricultural and sea-harvested products all year round. In recent years, caviar from Taiwan’s aquafarmed sturgeon–so precious to China’s Empress Dowager Cixi and as a high-end western ingredient–has gained popularity. Since 1997, Yu Zhi Xiang (魚之鄉, “Township of Fish”) in Taichung’s Heping District has specialized…
Jan 1, 2019
KoDo represents yet another high-quality Japanese-style barbecue option along GongYi Road. Walk in and you’ll see fresh meat in the glass-doored refrigerator by the entrance, which leads to the spacious semi-private dining area. The select Wagyu beef here is imported from Japan’s Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Miyazaki and Nagasaki areas and is offered in combination with local…
Jan 1, 2019
Chef Ah-Shin (Chen Wei-shin), who started out operating a Japanese vendor stand in a traditional market, considers it a privilege to now run this restaurant, offering reasonably-priced dishes made with his experience and skills. Customers sitting at the Capri-style table in front of the semi-open kitchen can focus their attention on a black stone platter…
Jan 1, 2019
On the Art Museum Parkway, this Tibetan restaurant is run by Dolma from Tibet and Joshi from India. Dolma’s decorations immerse diners in a Tibetan family-style setting, filled with auspicious totems and warm colors. Skilled at cooking Tibetan cuisine, Joshi has worked at famous Indian hotels such as the JP Group of Hotels and The…
Dec 31, 2018
As the sun drops towards the horizon, a delicious variety of dishes start to emerge from the kitchen at this restaurant. Since its opening a year ago, Plate has been offering savory European-style dishes creatively flavored with special sauces and integrating local and imported ingredients and spices. The latest set meal to be promoting here…
Dec 31, 2018
This blue-and-white Mediterranean restaurant boasts a European-style garden, French windows and crystal chandeliers. Chef Sung Hung-chang uses his many years of cooking experience and artistic creativity to prepare contemporary French cuisine and seasonal set meals with variety and color. Fresh local farm ingredients include traceable agricultural products such as cherry ducks from Yuli, Hualien, “With…
Dec 1, 2018
This porridge eatery near LiMing Road has been in business for over three decades and got its original start in Zhongxiao Night Market. While they eat, diners can revel in the surrounding nostalgic atmosphere and decor, from a three-section traditional compound to antique wooden dining tables and benches, red-brick walls and carved window frames. The…
Dec 1, 2018
In existence since 2001, La Bodega has a well-earned place in Taichung’s dining and nightlife scene, providing the cozy surroundings, live sports, drinks and food offerings of a traditional Spanish tapas bar. However, November saw it undertake the biggest-ever expansion of its menu, thanks to a new partnership between long-time French owner Laurent “Lolo” Rubio…
Dec 1, 2018
Huang Da-wei, owner of four Seasons Village vegetarian buffet restaurants, said he loves growing vegetables so much that just looking at them in the field makes him happy. Every one of his 60-plus home-style signature dishes is made with fresh veggies cultivated by local farmers. For dining in, food is served by weight at NT$25…
Dec 1, 2018
Mainly serving Southeast Asian cuisine, this restaurant is run by one of Singapore’s largest catering groups. Live shrimp, fish and crabs picked from the aquarium are prepared with traditional Singapore cookery, fried and steamed with natural ingredients such as sambal, curry leaves, black/white pepper and other spices that richly flavor the seafood dishes. Singapore Jumbo…
Dec 1, 2018
Determined to open Taichung’s most authentic Singapore-Malaysian restaurant, the Taiwanese-Singaporean duo who run this attractive little eatery offer a full range of classic dishes pairing fresh local produce with imported ingredients, from Singapore white pepper and laksa spices to even the soy sauce. Various options of famed favorites like Hainanese Chicken Rice (NT$180-220), Laksa Noodle…
Nov 30, 2018
The focus of this new restaurant–which claims to be the only of its kind in Taiwan–is Lamb Spine Hot Pot, made with large scorpion-shaped sections of spinal bone that have earned it its “Yang Xie Zi” (羊蠍子; literally meaning lamb-scorpion) Chinese name. As this attractive eatery’s logo image of cows, sheep and Muslim domes hints…
Nov 1, 2018
This low-key, yet elegant, restaurant focuses on grilled Australian and Japanese Wagyu beef and seating is limited to a few comfy bar stools at the counter. The pleasant-looking chef, Eric, carefully selects ingredients served to customers, including all beef cuts and seasonings, and even slices and grills meat himself. As Eric aims to offer a…
Nov 1, 2018
Fans of authentic Indian cooking will enjoy the Hill Park’s dishes, which include items not seen in other local restaurants. Chicken Curry (NT$260) and Beef Curry (NT$280) are among the most popular entrees and Butter Chicken (NT$260) is terrific for kids and those who don’t like spicy food. Palak Paneer (Spinach Cheese) (NT$250), a mix…
Oct 31, 2018
Olive Bistro is a quaint family restaurant serving home-style western comfort food, with a few Thai and Filipino dishes thrown into the mix. As many ingredients as possible are handmade, including all sauces, hash browns, sausages, croutons and cookies. The menu includes pasta dishes, appetizers, sandwiches, soups, salads and brunch. Lemon-Garlic-Shrimp Pasta (NT$110) is one…
Oct 31, 2018
An armed knight statue and vaulted entrance welcome customers to sample seafood, charcoal-heated hotpot here. Charcoal is used everywhere, from filtering kettle water to the Bonito Seaweed Hotpot where, the owner notes, it helps absorb the saltiness. This hotpot consolidates the seafood, meat and vegetable flavors and the added taste of charcoal adds an extra…
Oct 31, 2018
Frangipani grows in front of this white western-style house, on an alley behind Chung Yo Department Store, and trees shade the tables on sunny days, creating a charming, romantic ambiance. The chef’s focus is on Japanese-meets-western cuisine made-to-order with fresh ingredients. The a la carte entrees can be upgraded to set meals with yogurt, fresh…
Oct 31, 2018
Sporting a cozy, warmly-illuminated British-themed interior, this restaurant also features charging stations for electronic devices and free WiFi, making it a nice venue for enjoying brunch (NT$230-360) and afternoon tea gatherings, or hanging out all day over a book or laptop. Expressed by its name, Mr. Lazy’s relaxing atmosphere is completed with background jazz music…
Oct 31, 2018
To the delight of expatriates nostalgic about food from Singapore and Malaysia, Sinmay Kitchen is one local eatery that specializes in Chinese-style hawker food. Despite the scarcity of authentic ingredients, Chef Vincent Gan manages to cook up some authentic-tasting, reasonably-priced dishes. Topping the list of recommendations is Hainanese Chicken Rice (NT$159), which uses Taiwanese free-range…
Oct 31, 2018
Dario and his Sicilian friend and chef have opened this traditional eatery serving authentic Sicilian cooking. As many diners may be familiar with this kind of food, Dario has opted to focus on authentic Sicilian cuisine made with mostly-imported ingredients and spices. Pasta Al Ragu Alla Bolognese (NT$230) is flavorful but not cloying, prepared with…
Oct 31, 2018
This cozy Italian restaurant, hidden in the lively neighborhood around China Medical University, is situated in a renovated house surrounded by a small yard (where diners can also sit). The second floor is decorated with travel photos taken by husband-and-wife owners Jolina and Shane, who studied cooking in Australia and prepare fresh dishes made with…
Oct 31, 2018
Owners Bonnie and Katherine offer four attractively presented dishes here–two Hakka-style and two western-style–as brunch/lunch options. These can be enjoyed in the charming two-floor premises, pleasantly decorated with sketches and hanging lamps, and a little outdoor garden. Yorkshire Pudding Party (NT$309) is made with milk, eggs, flour and seasonings and served with select stewed beef…
Oct 31, 2018
If you have a hankering for vegetarian dining, this restaurant is a decent option. Walking inside through the glass entrance takes you away from the outside world and into a cozy dining space with wooden tables and chairs, surrounded by plants, classy furniture and relaxing music. This ambiance is matched with a variety of handmade…
Oct 31, 2018
Situated in the quiet Liming Community, this Mediterranean-style restaurant offers a cozy, relaxing, tree-shaded dining ambiance perfect for a sunny day. Classic Italian dishes include chewy, fragrant pizzas (NT$280-460), Country-Style Fattoria (starts from NT$450) and home-style Italian pasta dishes (NT$320-420) prepared with fresh local vegetables and tomatoes, black pork, fresh seafood, and imported Italian sun-dried…
Oct 31, 2018
The four cooks here accumulated years of experience at renowned Japanese restaurants before starting their own establishment, offering reasonably-priced, quality, classic Japanese cuisine in a tastefully furnished modern setting. The deceptively simple-looking, but delicious, sushi (Nigiri Sushi NT$40-70, Aburi Sushi NT$$40-120, sushi set meal NT$588) is created with fresh fish shipped in daily from the…
Sep 30, 2018
This restaurant offers a good range of reasonably-priced Japanese dishes and a warmly-illuminated, cozy setting that usually leaves diners feeling satisfied, sated and flying high, like the eatery’s name seems to imply. The menu ranges across broiled, grilled, deep-fried and other choices, sashimi selections, and seafood donburi (NT$89-368) with prices for these premium home-style dishes…
Sep 30, 2018
Meow is a traditional Japanese teppanyaki-style restaurant offering fresh-made, wholesome food cooked right in front of you. For very reasonable prices, diners can enjoy the skills of Chef Roy Pan, who has over 24 years of experience and is a favorite among Taiwanese celebrities, music stars and politicians. A variety of ingredients (NT$50-90) includes tofu…
Sep 30, 2018
Poke (pronounced poh-kay) means “to slice” or “cut crosswise into pieces” in Hawaiian and describes a traditional Hawaiian dish that continues to spread across the world. Poke normally entails mixing sliced raw fish and seafood with various ingredients, seasonings and sauces–many Japanese and Asian inspired–for a fresh, light and healthy meal. Co-owner Didi Lu, who…
Sep 30, 2018
The sound of piano music and a grove of sabino trees creates a magical setting and introduction to this romantic dining venue, where you are rejuvenated with surrounding art and music as you enjoy a meal. A good mix of creative main dishes (NT$400-1,080) is prepared by the well-regarded chef here, including Roasted Lamb with…
Sep 30, 2018
Resembling a supermarket’s meat/seafood section, this Chung Yo Department Store B3-level restaurant offers fresh seafood shipped directly from the harbor. By the entrance is a fresh ingredients section with various high-quality, reasonably-priced seafood, meat and hot pot ingredients in containers and packages. This include lobsters, wild prawns, Argentine red shrimp, flatfish, European squid, grouper, sea…
Sep 30, 2018
Famous Japanese cartoon egg character Gudetama is the focus of this 80-seat theme restaurant, whose fun decor–including shell-like lamps, egg-shaped doors and a slide decorated with fried eggs–makes this an great spot for gatherings. One of the most unique dishes here is the Rocking Salad (NT$260)–egg, shrimp, chicken, corn and vegetables with sesame dressing that…
Aug 31, 2018
Hidden along quiet GongZheng Road, this cozy restaurant offers authentic Indian curry and other dishes. Including striking glass-bottle decorations on the front wall and the interior’s industrial-style design are part of the reason why shop owner Mr. Tsai and his Indian chef met and opened this shop together. The menu includes various curry and naan…
Aug 31, 2018
This buffet restaurant promotes the dining concept of using local organic farm produce and other healthy ingredients to create light meals. The total 15 to 25 fresh vegetarian dishes in the buffet here are simply seasoned with tea seed oil, Wufeng District mushrooms, organic rice from Hualien County, and fresh fruit. A variety of fresh…
Aug 31, 2018
This spacious, 496-square-meter, family-friendly restaurant revolves around the tale of three little dinosaurs who saw an aurora on a volcanic island at latitude 3.5 degrees. Besides a first-floor dining area, there’s a second-floor games area for kids. There are also menu items suitable for toddlers and senior citizens. Executive Chef Yang Yuan-ming offers his creative…
Aug 31, 2018
On the ground floor of The Place Taichung Hotel, this 84-seat restaurant provides a spacious, stylishly-modern setting illuminated by glass walls offering views of the green belt across the street. With 20 years of experience at Taipei’s Westin and W hotels, Executive Chef Ren Ren Huang offers exceptionally creative dishes that follow his philosophy of…
Aug 31, 2018
Run by Taihu Brewing, Chuoyinshi is a craft beer place located in an old government housing complex renovated by the Fantasy Group as the well-known “Green Ray Project” and has been serving creative brews made with local ingredients since its opening over a year ago. However, with the opening of CYS Burger on its second…
Aug 31, 2018
Mr. & Mrs. Restaurant is run by a lovely young couple who enjoy Taichung’s sunny weather and relaxed pace of life. The international mix of hearty meal options includes rice, curry, stewed beef and pasta dishes (NT$220-380) made with seasonal ingredients. For an extra charge, diners can upgrade meals to add a naturally-flavored soup and…
Jul 31, 2018
This corner Thai restaurant’s relaxing, cozy ambiance offers the feeling of a Chiang Mai jungle, decorated with a variety of plants such as bird of paradise, orchids and lilies that create a good photo-taking setting. There is a focus on royal northern Thai flavors and presentation and the excellent mix of dishes (NT$220-450) includes Tom…
Jul 31, 2018
For Arthur Weisse, the road between his native Paris and ownership of Gulu’s House French Cuisine was an indirect one. About six years ago while traveling in Thailand as part of an Asian tour, he met his future Taiwanese wife, leading him to Taichung. After some time here, it was natural that the chef–whose kitchen…
Jul 31, 2018
Under the guidance of Italian chef/owner Valerio Franchi, Bella Roma is one of the best places to savor traditional Italian cuisine in Taichung. You can do this not only through its menu of select dishes but also via special weekly offers that ensure there’s always something new to try during a visit. As walk in…
Jul 31, 2018
Located inside Shalu District’s Tong Yi Afternoon Market, this cozy, Japanese-style shop offers both outdoor and indoor air-conditioned dining areas. In keeping with popular Japanese coastal culinary trends, live seafood is selected from a tank and shrimp and crabs can be grilled up by diners at their tables. Prices for live Thai shrimp are NT$380-480…
Jul 31, 2018
Vegetarian and other customers seeking meat-free, yet tasty, meals will be sated by the dishes offered at this new eatery, which serves meatless western-style cuisine without compromising flavors. One such dish is the pesto-based Pasta of Mushroom (NT$250). Its sauce is made without garlic but retains the expected intense aroma and taste of pine nuts…
Jul 31, 2018
This nostalgic 1950s-style restaurant has moved from Shalu District to GongYi “Restaurant Road”. The second floor is filled with cultural decorations, including a traditional singers stage, puppet show stage and old dolls, that make it a favorite location for customer photos. Besides nostalgic knickknacks, the spacious dining areas also have various themes that include mainland-style…
Jul 31, 2018
Located in a renovated house, this establishment’s design elements are drawn from the owner’s childhood memories as well as inspiration from his time as a student in England. The most eye-catching aspect of the interior is the natural sunlight that falls from a skylight, nurturing the plumeria plants around the dining area. The entire ambiance…
Jul 30, 2018
Located on the second floor of Moving Star Hotel, this restaurant offers a tidy-feeling, relaxing dining environment, together with creative dishes cooked up by the Thai chef with a combo of traditional Thai spices and local ingredients for great flavors suited perfectly to local palates. A good balance of spicy and sour flavors can be…
Jul 30, 2018
The Liang Jin cattle farm was founded 30 years ago on Kinmen island and its cows are fed with a mix of farm grass and grain from a Kaoliang liquor distillery. The farm also opened a shop offering beef jerky completely sourced its livestock and in 2015 began promoting specially-flavored Distiller’s Grain Beef Noodles. Since…
Jun 30, 2018
This restaurant offers Cajun food commonly associated with New Orleans, with dishes like Gumbo (NT$360) and Jambalaya (NT$360) reminding customers of everyday Louisiana-style dining. The Gumbo stew is cooked with a strong-flavored stock thickened with file powder and served with seafood or chicken/sausage over rice. The seasonings of the Jambalaya dish hint at its Spanish…
Jun 4, 2018
Since southern Taiwan’s legendary Smokey Joe’s opened its flagship Taichung store, it has made a big impression on Taichung diners. That impact is initially visual, with its big villa-like structure, outdoor courtyard and fountain, and spacious 172-seat interior, filled to every corner with an eclectic mix of nostalgic items selected by owner Amy Wu. Including…
Jun 4, 2018
Taichung diners love nothing more than great value for their money. Since arriving in Taichung from Hsinchu last August, this steakhouse has been offering exactly that, serving high-quality American beef and other fresh-made fare in a classy ambiance for very reasonable prices. The restaurant’s upscale premises, including table and booth seating, a private VIP room…
Jun 4, 2018
Sitting on the second floor of this restaurant offers enjoyable views of Dongfeng Bikeway, built on an old railway bed. Surrounding greenery and wood aromas also offer natural sensations for diners. The simple dishes served here are prepared with local farm products and examples include the well-marinated Tomahawk Pork Chop Set Meal (NT$680), served with…
Jun 4, 2018
This restaurant serves dishes prepared from live seafood, mostly flown in from the Penghu islands. Diners can pick fresh seafood dishes like King-Sized Fleshy Prawn (NT$350) or Garoupa (NT$800), cooked according to their liking–steamed, grilled or stir-fried. In addition, there’s a wide selection of stir-fried dishes popular among Taiwanese, such as Three Cups Chicken (NT$250)…
Jun 4, 2018
L’AROME Restaurant offers exceptionally-prepared fine dining in sleek-looking premises with an open kitchen. Chef Raymond creates dishes grounded in French cooking techniques with added international flair so that flavors and techniques overlap. The menu is short, yet varied, with multiple sets for diners to choose from (NT$980-NT$2,380). Wine pairings (NT$660-1,130 bottle) are also offered by…
May 22, 2018
This elegant beef noodle shop pays extra attention to its ingredients and dining environment, as evidenced by its exclusive use of Legle France brand utensils. The menu may look basic, but don’t miss out on delicacies like bowls of Clear Soup and Braised Beef Soup noodles and NT$100 side dishes. Clear Soup Beef Noodles (NT$900)…
May 16, 2018
Even non-vegetarians should be attracted to this cozy eatery, a far cry from traditional Buddhist vegetarian buffets. Instead, its modern-feeling, spacious setting is illuminated by natural light and decorated with flowers and greenery. The buffet area is well-stocked with a variety of fresh vegetables, cold dishes, salads, steamed and fried foods, fried rice, buns, sushi…
May 14, 2018
This teppanyaki restaurant offers top-quality, reasonably-priced set meals, starting from a NT$180 seven-course Sliced Pork/Lamb set. Well-known chef Yu Ching-long, whose past experience includes stints at Monarch Plaza Hotel, The Lalu at Sun Moon Lake, Hotel Royal and Chateau De Chine, uses his skill and creativity to present diners with exquisite main-course specialities (NT$380-880). Made…
May 6, 2018
With healthy dining now the rage, vegetarian options such as alcohol-free, ovo-lacto vegetarian and no-added-spice cuisine are now frequently available in many restaurants, putting it in reach of even busy diners. In keeping with this trend, Happy Mom Kitchen offers fresh-made dishes with ingredients sourced from local farms. Besides the more common fried rice (NT$150…
May 3, 2018
Coconut World is among the higher-end dining establishments along Taichung’s “restaurant road”, GongYi Road, and offers Coconut Chicken and other healthy hotpots that originate in China’s Guangzhou and Hainan. The 1,984-square-meter stand-alone building has seating for 200 in spacious dining areas filled in every corner with romantic Southeast Asian decor. There are also six private…
May 3, 2018
Nest Kitchen’s name evokes images of a cozy, warm place for enjoying hearty cooking and indeed it is. It also demonstrates the truth that good things can come in small packages and that quality dining doesn’t require a high price tag. This Italian restaurant was opened a year ago by Chef Peng Yi-ping, who previously…
May 3, 2018
A western ambiance and bright dining area decorated with plants creates a setting here for savoring healthy eastern zen-style vegetarian entrees. The restaurant–whose name is a transliteration for “delicious” in Taiwanese–serves tasty dishes such as Spicy Noodles, Broiled Tofu, Vegetables over Rice, and Red Beans Mixed with Black Rice that are all reasonably-priced and healthy.
Apr 30, 2018
In a change from most teppanyaki eateries, Mori’s dishes are non-greasy and the chef only uses the naturally-present meat fats when creating succulent, wonderfully-fragrant delicacies on the sizzling teppanyaki griddle. More
Apr 15, 2018
This restaurant’s flexibility means that its varied seafood-based menu of premium, authentically-flavored Taiwanese/Sichuan dishes can be enjoyed during a variety of occasions, whether that’s casual private dining or banquet events such as weddings of up to 400 people. Popular dishes include the award-winning fresh, aromatic Mushroom and Lamb Casserole (NT$500) prepared with Pleurotus mushrooms, king…
Apr 3, 2018
This school campus-themed cafe, located on the first-floor corner of SOGO Department Store, echoes the design of a sister cafe in Taipei. Inside, TVs showing sports broadcasts, banner-draped walls and other decorations provide a lively, youthful setting for enjoying sandwiches, burgers and pasta entrees (NT$120-380). The Deluxe Caesar Salad (NT$220), pesto-based Mushroom Chicken Risotto (NT$200)…
Oct 19, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, OCT. 2002 The owner of this restaurant, born and raised in Thailand, has always dreamed of sharing Thai cuisine from back home with Taiwanese by opening a restaurant here. The result of that dream is Tai Xin Thai Restaurant. This pleasant eatery features dishes that are mainly from…
Oct 19, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, OCT. 2002 Restaurant Roundup by Tammy Huang Translated by Patricia Li Sono Japanese Cuisine This spacious, 200-ping restaurant has been serving fine Japanese cuisine for 17 years. It has the nostalgia of an old Japanese garden and private tatami rooms where you can enjoy the ambiance. Former…
Oct 19, 2002
George of the Sea From our archives, Compass Magazine, OCT. 2002 It is a rainy, blustering Tuesday night and Uncle George is packed to the gills. Over six years in business, this restaurant still fills up with customers. Clearly, owner Zion “Charles” Hsieh has found the key to long-term restaurant success–good service and great food.
Oct 5, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, OCT. 2002 Ideally located in the heart of the Jing Cheng Road dining and shopping area, about a block from Taichung Kang Road, this pleasant restaurant has a classy, upscale feel to it, but provides good food for very affordable prices. The bright, cozy interior features Asian-style decor with plenty…
Sep 30, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Sep. 2002: The name of this establishment and the French tricolor fluttering outside are hints to what is offered inside. Located along the Wuchuan Parkway, this attractive European-style eatery draws attention with its breezy-looking cream-color exterior and interior. Just as nice, though, is the menu, which features filling cuisine from…
Sep 30, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Sep. 2002: Faithful patrons of Fatty’s Italian restaurant may have felt a flutter of fear upon seeing closed doors at this popular eatery’s in late August. There is no need, however, to be worried, as owner Hendrik Frijling temporarily shut down to carry out a renovation of the physical establishment–worn…
Sep 30, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Sep. 2002: This exciting new addition to Taichung’s American bistro-style dining scene is the fulfillment of a long dream by the man behind Taichung’s successful Little Italy restaurants, Roger Jeng. Located on the Wuchuan Parkway, a few stores down from Little Italy, Chicago Chips follows a formula popularized by places…
Sep 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Sep. 2002: By Ni-Ang Chen Translated by Patricia Li La Terrasse offers delicious French dishes, but their sandwiches are also absolutely worth a try. Like other well-known quality delis, cafes and bistros, all the sandwiches at La Terrasse are quite equally popular. The Philly cheese steak (NT$170) is a complicated…
Sep 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Sep. 2002: By Ni-Ang Chen Translated by Patricia Li As one walks into Finga’s, it is obvious that the restaurant is really as unique as its name. The menu holds over 20 to 30 distinctive kinds of cold cuts and hot subs including the salami and provolone sub (NT$160), the…
Sep 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Sep. 2002: By Cheryl Robbins Translation and photos by Rachel Chiou Da Jia (Tachia) is a thriving coastal town, home to most of the island’s bicycle and bicycle component manufacturing industry. However, before Yamaya opened in May last year, local business people often encountered the problem of where to take…
Sep 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Sep. 2002: Despite its coffee house label, Viva Cafe is even more outstanding as a reasonably-priced restaurant serving exceptionally-good food. The owner, Mr. Lu Yueh-ping, focuses on cuisine from seven different countries’–Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, Spain and France. Not only does the menu feature food from these places, but…
Aug 29, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2002: By Ni-Ang Chen Translated by Patricia Li Although this Hakka restaurant uses Western style interior decor, it definitely serves traditional, genuine Hakka cuisine. The chef has been in the dinning business for nearly 20 years and eight years ago decided to devote his culinary talent to dishes from…
Aug 29, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2002: By Ni-Ang Chen Translated by Patricia Li This warm and friendly restaurant has been serving Hakka cuisine for over four years. An antique drum cart decorates the corner of this otherwise simple place. This restaurant serves traditional dishes such as bamboo and pork ($120 NT). Bite after bite…
Aug 29, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2002: By Ni-Ang Chen Translated by Patricia Li This is the largest restaurant specializing in Hakka cuisine on the island and serves all-you-can-eat meals. The restaurant held it’s grand opening in early April this year. The interior decor is finished with simple bamboo decoration in the original Hakka style.
Aug 29, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2002: By Ni-Ang Chen Translated by Patricia Li Mei Nung boasts of having many unique dishes, such as stewed pig intestines along with cabbage and ginger dipped in a finely ground garlic sauce ($120 NT). Furthermore, the Hakka-style cauliflower ($60 NT), slowly simmered in a clay pot, is another…
Aug 29, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2002: By Uvia Chang Translated by Becky Jeng Are you looking for a peaceful place in the city where you can relax and enjoy a spectacular view? Head for the UFO Revolving Restaurant, on top of the Golden Plaza (Jinsha) building across from the Taichung train station. As Taiwan’s…
Aug 29, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2002: By Tammy Huang Are you looking for a restaurant where you can eat healthy food? Then, try Tsai Hsiang Ken Organic Restaurant. Each branch uses MOA-certified organic ingredients to create delicious and healthy dishes. Set meals range in price from NT$170 to NT$370 and include fresh juice, salad…
Aug 29, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2002: By Douglas Habecker This friendly, little open-air eatery is the latest addition to the popular Soho Street and is located between Murray’s and PJ’s establishments. Run by friends Nora Lin and Mickey Yang, Tomato Grilled offers a big selection of about 40 to 50 grilled delicacies, including many…
Aug 29, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Aug. 2002: By Douglas Habecker This classy Cantonese restaurant is located on the 15th floor of The Splendor Taichung Hotel–formerly the Grand Formosa–in what used to be the Formosa Garden Chinese Restaurant, which has moved down thte 11th floor. Experienced Cantonese chefs provide a very wide range of choices, which…
Jun 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, JUN. 2002 By Uvia ChangTranslated by Cheryl Robbins In Taichung, there are only a few outstanding European-style restaurants and Euro Choice is one of them. For the past seven years, this restaurant–located on Dung Shing Road down the road from The Landis Hotel–has insisted on serving only the highest-quality, authentic…
Jun 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, JUN. 2002 By Douglas Habecker Aladdin is Taichung’s first Pakistani restaurant and provides a good selection of authentic, filling Pakistani/Indian dishes for great prices. Friendly owner Muhammad Ali–a native of Lahore, Pakistan–and his staff serve up tasty dishes like the curry chicken, spicy lean beef, chicken cooked in spinach, and…
May 17, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002: By C. Donovan Smith Translated by Sharon Yang When ex-Compass restaurant writer, veteran manager/chef and San Diego native John Chislett announced the opening of his own restaurant, we knew we were in for a treat. Naturally, Bonita Senorita does not disappoint. John opened his eatery on the previously-dead…
May 17, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002: By Chen Ni-ang Translated by Matt Godsey and Annie Chen Feng Zhuan Shark’s Fin Restaurant is housed in a distinctive building that is especially eye-catching at night, when it casts an attractive glow onto the street. The first thing one notices upon stepping into the dining room is…
May 17, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002: This cozy-looking place, located just down the road from Grand Formosa Hotel near BoGuan (PoKuan) Road, is already drawing customers with its tasty, very reasonably-priced Italian fare. Filling dishes–which all include soup, bread and tea–start with items like the NT$150 olive oil vegetable spaghetti and range up to…
May 17, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002: In an area with an abundance of interesting, high-end, artistic shops, teahouses and coffee shops, there is a surprising lack of good dining options. However, with the addition of Papa’s, Art Street now has an attractive dedicated Western dining destination. Founded by Compass nightlife writer Patrick “Paddy Boy”…
May 17, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002: One of Taichung’s most popular Hakka eateries has moved to a new, improved location right next door to its old site near the intersection of Tung Shing and Gung Yi roads. The rustic-looking, wood-and-brick decor, with Taiwanese antiques, round wooden tables and chairs–many of them also antiques–and other…
May 17, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002: With the economic slowdown continuing, Gu Jie decided to change its business model, to offer the best Taiwanese food at low prices. Its spacious new ShueiShe Road outlet, located near Jinhua North Road, is an interesting showcase for vintage Taiwanese memorabilia, from old store signs to a collection…
May 17, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002: This large, eye-catching restaurant and teahouse looks like it was completely transplanted from some exotic Southeast Asian resort, with its peaked Malay-style roofs, lush tropical garden, fountain, rattan furniture, umbrella-covered tables and imported Malay handicrafts and decorations. There is seating for about 150 in the garden, on the…
May 14, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May. 2002: Touted as the largest Hakka restaurant in Taiwan, this place is a new, third-floor addition to the massive, already-popular Chao Kang Cheng Gourmet Cuisine Plaza complex which includes Western and Chinese dining and banquet facilities. There are about 40 different traditional Hakka dishes, hailing from the Taichung county…
Apr 12, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: There are a number of outdoor stalls on Yi Jung Street, next to the Shui Li Building. Jiu Chou Japanese-style Noodles doesn’t really stand out from the rest in terms of appearance, except that during meal times there is always a crowd lining up in front. Obviously, people…
Apr 12, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: Aomei is located in the busy commercial district near Feng Chia University. This restaurant¡¦s management believes in providing customers with an elegant dining experience for reasonable prices. Thus, its clientele includes both students and families. Set meals start at NT$150. Choices include filet mignon in red wine sauce…
Apr 9, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: By Uvia Chang Translated by Cheryl Robbins Pao Shu Restaurant has specialized in charbroiled dishes for the past 32 years, ever since it opened its doors in 1970. In many barbecue restaurants, there is often some smoke, because of poor ventilation, which greatly detracts from the meal and…
Apr 9, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002: Anyone looking for a exclusive, high-class dining experience out of the ordinary should check out this almost-hidden restaurant. Housed in a modern, minimalist structure on a quiet lane (opposite Ala Pub), J-Ping only takes diners with advance reservations and has no menu. The brainchild of Mr. Wang, a…
Mar 5, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2002: By Rachel Chiou Although most of the eateries around Taichung First High School are somewhat small, some of them are run by outstanding cooks. Yi Chung Stir Fry is one such place. Its owner has cooked for the former president of Taiwan and already has another restaurant, called…
Mar 5, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2002: By Nancy Tu Translated by John Johnson If there has been one constant in the Taichung dining scene over the past decade or two, it is the buffet restaurant. Central Taiwan residents have a well-known fondness for the smorgasbord-style eateries, where one can eat to his or her…
Mar 5, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2002: By Victoria Augustine Translated by Sharon Yang While Taichung may not be the first city that pops into your head when you’re in the mood for seafood, you may change your mind after a meal at the Kreutzer Restaurant. With the seafood delights that owner Chang Yi-ming has…
Mar 3, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2002: This large, bright new restaurant represents the latest expansion for the decades-old Taichung Steak House and replaces the chain’s nearby Shan Hsi Road outlet, which recently closed. Peitun district residents and others will appreciate the extreme number of buffet-style options that up to 850 diners can enjoy here…
Mar 3, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2002: Fatty’s Italian Restaurant owners Hendrik Frijling and his wife, Jenny, have really outdone themselves with this outstanding new establishment, located a couple doors down from Fatty’s. Customers will be impressed with the very classy decor on two floors, which includes an attractive U-shaped bar, Balinese furniture, wooden-paneled floors…
Mar 3, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2002: The Spice Shop Indian restaurant’s owner, Fred, has decided to try his hand at something different and has added Cacti (formerly Borderland) Restaurant to his ventures. Located next to Papa Mio Italian Restaurant, this attractive, two-floor place has an American Southwestern feel to it, with white stucco, adobe-like…
Mar 3, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2002: Li Chia’s decor features hard wood paneling, Baroque-style lamps, Impressionist paintings and a grand piano. Soft background music and cream-colored seats complete the luxurious atmosphere. The food is prepared tableside by a chef hired from Hong Kong. Set meals start at NT$350, with the specialty being steak dishes.
Feb 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2002 By Chen Ni-ang and Uvia Chang Translated by Estelle Leejyu In spite of the economic recession, many employers still plan on holding a Year-End Banquet, or “Welcome the Spring” Banquet, to reward employees who have been working hard throughout the past year. The occasion is not only one…
Feb 21, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2002 By Uvia Chang Translated by John Johnson The trend for restaurants in the 21st century is healthy, including organic food and dishes suitable for vegans. However, it is not necessary to be a strict vegetarian or vegan to enjoy all this. It could be that you are simply…
Feb 7, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2002 By Little Ann Jing Hsin Lou is decorated in an ancient Chinese style, with an atmosphere that is both simple and elegant. There is also a feeling of seclusion, making it a good choice for those times when the pressures of the world seem too large to bear.
Feb 7, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2002 By Yian Chi Among the cafeterias surrounding Feng Chia University, Jia Yo Jan is one of the smallest, but also one of the most well-known. Many students and families come here because it is fast, convenient and there is a large selection of dishes. Most of the food…
Feb 7, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2002 The spiritual home of the Central Taiwan Racing Association, this car-racing themed restaurant is a shrine to powerful engines and speed. The decor is sleek and modern and evokes the sleek beauty of high-powered sports cars. For decorations, actual F1 and other motor-racing parts make up a kind…
Feb 7, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2002 The Evergreen Laurel Hotel’s first-floor Western buffet restaurant, Cafe Laurel, recently re-opened after an impressive renovation that, among other things, has made it into an Italian eatery. Diners will enjoy the fact that an Italian dinner buffet is now offered (6-9 pm, NT$690+10%), featuring a pasta bar, salads…
Feb 7, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2002 Red Lion is a great place to go after work to let off some steam. Decorated in a comfortable Japanese style, the restaurant is the personal vision of its owner, Mr. Chen. He cooks all of the food himself and, although the dishes are not as esthetically pleasing…
Jan 2, 2002
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Jan. 2002 By Tammy Huang Translated by Dan Duckworth If you’re looking for an elegant atmosphere, great food and reasonable prices, People Cafe offers one of Taichung’s best options. The restaurant’s innovative architecture often leaves customers talking more about the building than the cuisine. Gray brick walls with a tower…
Dec 24, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 2001: By Tammy Huang The Brownie Bakery Restaurant features low-fat, low-sodium cakes and mousse (in flavors such as lemon, chocolate, sesame and cream) (NT$26 with discount). The bakery section also sells bread, cakes and cookies. Prices for set meals range from NT$380 to NT$480. Choices include steak, chicken filet…
Dec 24, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 2001: By Tammy Huang The bread selection at FM Station is very impressive. One of its unique and newest items is its “mochi” (rice paste) bread (NT$20). There are also more traditional selections such as red bean bread, Danish pastries, tuna burgers and all-grain buns. Typical menu items include…
Dec 23, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 2001: By: Uvia Chang Translated by Annie Chen and Matt GodseyPhotos by Paul Patterson and provided by Y.Y’s Steak House Y.Y.’s Steak House is located on Cheng Kung Road in the city’s historic Central District amid the ambiance of Taichung’s “old town.” This seems somewhat appropriate, given the fact…
Dec 23, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 2001: Although there are already eight branches of this hot pot restaurant in Taipei, this is Pu Ma Pu La’s first branch in Taichung. Pu Ma Pu La is different from most hot pot places, as it is decorated in a modern Japanese style and features jazz background music.
Dec 23, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 2001: Large and brightly-lit, Big Fish Sushi features plenty of seating–either at a counter or in private booths–around a large, revolving mechanical sushi bar. As is the case with similar eateries, customers can grab any passing Japanese dish that catches their fancy, with prices determined according to each plate’s…
Dec 23, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec. 2001: This large new restaurant, open for dinner and late into the night, provides diners with the straight-forward choice of an all-you-can-eat hot pot buffet for NT$288 before midnight and NT$228 after. Various frozen meats, fresh vegetables and other hot pot ingredients can be picked out and cooked at…
Nov 24, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2001 By Tammy HuangTranslated by Cheryl Robbins Li Ju serves authentic northern Chinese cuisine, including various congees, noodles and side dishes. Some of the congee choices include millet congee and green bean and oatmeal congee. Neatly arranged on glass shelves is an assortment of side dishes, including dried fish…
Nov 24, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2001 By Tammy HuangTranslated by Cheryl Robbins Most Hakka cuisine has strong flavors, especially sour and spicy-hot. The specialty here is Hakka-style pork stir-fry. Vegetables used in Hakka dishes include wintermelon and cabbage. For the chicken dishes, free-range chicken is used. This restaurant has a special sauce that increases…
Nov 23, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2001 By Tammy HuangTranslated by Cheryl Robbins People come from near and far to taste Jen Chuan Wei’s noodles. Here, diners can watch skilled cooks at work. The owner makes sure quality ingredients are used in all dishes. Beef noodles, pork rib noodles and vegetable noodles are just some…
Nov 23, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2001 By Tammy HuangTranslated by Cheryl Robbins Business is so good at this eatery that other restaurant and food stall owners try to capitalize on its name. However, the Li family here repeatedly emphasizes that they have not opened any branches elsewhere in Taiwan. So, if you want to…
Nov 23, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2001 By Victoria Augustine A Delicious Taste of Hakka Hospitality If big city life in Taichung is getting you down and you’re longing for the bygone days of small towns, simple pleasures and familiar faces, then Mei Nung Hakka Restaurant might just be the cure. After four years in…
Nov 3, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2001 Veteran Taichung expatriate chef Dereke Bruce has re-opened his Chung Yo Department Store branch as an Australian/New Zealand eatery, with a little Middle Eastern cuisine thrown in for good measure. Among the many choices are “The Fire House” roasted meat/seafood dishes, prepared in Taichung’s only clay, wood-burning oven.
Oct 21, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: “The Godfather”, released in 1972, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino was a graphically violent but artistic portrayal of the Corleones, a powerful Mafia family. This film is a classic that will probably forever top the favorite movie list of most film…
Oct 18, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: By Tammy Huang Even before the doors open, customers line up to watch the sushi masters put together various kinds of sushi using tofu or seaweed. Average price per sushi plate is NT$60 to NT$100 with hand rolls costing NT$30 to NT$50 each. Although the sushi made here…
Oct 18, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: By Tammy Huang Although this is a sushi take-out and delivery chain, But, the Han Kou Road outlet also has seating for those who want to eat in. This chain was started to provide sushi that is delicious, nutritious and convenient. Fifteen low-fat, low-calorie choices are available that…
Oct 18, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: By Tammy Huang This is the largest sushi chain in Taichung. All of its branches look and feel like modern sushi bars in Japan. The most popular sushi dishes are those made with tuna and salmon. These two kinds of fish are flown in fresh from Canada. At…
Oct 18, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: By Tammy Huang This is a cozy sushi bar that has been in business for 30 years. Most of the old customers don’t bother to order from the menu, instead asking for “custom-made” sushi. But, first timers who are not so bold won’t be disappointed with any of…
Oct 18, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: By Tammy Huang The specialty here is black sticky rice sushi. This rice not only tastes good but is also said to have health benefits. Sushi prices range from NT$20 to NT$140. There are also Japanese-style set meals for NT$90 to NT$280. From 2:30pm-4:30pm Monday to Friday everything…
Oct 14, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: By Tammy Huang From the start, this sushi bar has focused on the art of making sushi. Much attention is paid to the rice which is one of the most important ingredients. The result is delicious sushi. Other ingredients are also of the finest quality such as the…
Oct 14, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Oct. 2001: By Carol Wang Translated by Sharon Yang When you step into Papa Mia, you are greeted by the very essence of this Italian restaurant. The kitchen’s delectable aroma of simmering sauces and the friendly smiles of welcoming chefs are the first things that tantalize your senses, giving you…
Jul 16, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Jul. 2001 Victoria Augustine When it comes to Italian eateries in Taichung these days, they’re a dime a dozen. It seems as if there are new Italian offerings popping up every day. But if you’re in the market for a restaurant that was serving up Italian delectables well before it…
Mar 9, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Mar. 2001 Annie Liou This restaurant immediately piqued my curiosity, not only because it is decorated in the style of old Shanghai but also because of the horses. That’s right, real horses, next to the restaurant’s entrance. One of the owners, Ms. Su, has a ranch in Houli, out in…
Feb 5, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb. 2001 Douglas Habecker As Hsiao Hsiu-lan, co-owner of Blue Cave Restaurant tells it, she and her husband were vacationing on the Italian island of Capri and its famous blue caverns years ago when they were inspired to recreate the beauty they saw and experienced back home to Taichung. As…
Jan 5, 2001
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Jan. 2001 Courtney Donovan Smith While researching a recent ‘Into the Spirits’, I got into a conversation with some Koreans. The topic drifted to the Korean community in town, and naturally where to eat. Their opinion was unanimous; the only decent Korean restaurant in town was Da Han. A Canadian…
Nov 28, 2000
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Nov. 2000 Victoria Augustine Remember the images you had of traditional Taiwan before you actually arrived here? Farmers in straw hats toiling in the fields from dawn to dusk; miles upon miles of rice paddies with long green grasses waving in the wind; barefooted children running through the alleys, laughing…
Sep 26, 2000
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Sep. 2000 John Chislett When I first visited Fred’s Spice Shop in 1995, it was in a back alley down below the Art museum. It wasn’t a fantastic looking place, but people loved it because it was the first foreign food that wasn’t “western” in Taichung. The food was authentic…
Jul 14, 2000
From our archives, Compass Magazine, July 2000 By John Chislett Kathy Cheng has been taking Taiwanese all over the world for quite some time. In her travels as a tour guide, she’s acquired a taste for some of the better foods from overseas. Now, however, instead of bringing Taiwanese to foreign islands, she’s bringing the…
Feb 12, 2000
by John Chislett From our archives, Compass Magazine, Feb 2000. When I first moved to Taichung from Taipei, I noticed that there didn’t seem to be quite the diversity of Chinese food that was available in Taipei. I found some places that had the old standards (“Gung Bao Ji Ding”, “Mao Pu Do Fu”), but…
Dec 8, 1999
Euro Choice by Douglas Habecker From our archives, Compass Magazine, Dec 1999 Despite Taichung’s fairly large and diverse dining scene, it can still be hard to find a restaurant which provides fine, authentic dining in a classy, intimate setting, with the emphasis on intimate. Since 1994, Euro Choice restaurant has been doing just that by…
Aug 8, 1999
From our archives, Compass Magazine, AUGUST 1999. It was roughly three years ago that chefs/partners Ada Yen and J.P. Wang opened their first venture, Papa Mia Italian Restaurant. At the time, it was one of just a few Italian restaurants in the city and helped popularize the cuisine–with a pleasant, cozy atmosphere and a great…
Jul 1, 1999
By Mark Hammons From our archives, Compass Magazine, JULY 1999 As my companion and I entered Little Italy on a recent Sunday evening, we were greeted by the aroma of basil, oregano and rosemary wafting from the kitchen in the back. Waitresses moved gracefully about, keeping time with the lively Italian folk music, carrying bottles…
May 7, 1999
From our archives, Compass Magazine, May 1999: “Oh, this is so good! This is amazing!” Such exclamations of delight continued to flow throughout a recent evening meal at Grandma’s Thai-Myanmar Restaurant with a group of friends. Those sentiments testify to the outstanding nature of this enjoyable establishment’s Thai-style cuisine. Although Grandma’s has been a long-time…
Taichung's only restaurant focusing on Portuguese-style cuisine, this little 27-seat establishment brings European flavors to the heart of Taiwan.
A Japanese-style izakaya with nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere located at the intersection of XiTun and FuLin roads, favored by local food lovers and night owls.
A hairstylist-turned-restaurateur brings 30 years of expertise and French-Korean culinary fusion to a cozy 21-seat ramen establishment.
Taiwan's first reptile-themed interactive restaurant combines dining, animals and education into a unique experience.
A hidden culinary gem near National Taichung University of Education offering refined Japanese kaiseki cuisine with understated elegance and meticulous attention to detail.
Opened in January, this restaurant's authentic, affordable Malaysian-style cuisine is inspired by Malaysia's vibrant street food culture and tailored to Taiwanese tastes.
A hidden garden sanctuary tucked away in the tall trees offers three beautifully decorated dining areas and healthier, comfortable European and Italian cuisine.
Experience authentic Thai flavors with distinctive hotpot broths and grilled meats in a charming rustic setting.
A cozy 25-seat noodle shop near the National Museum of Natural Science that evokes memories of Taiwan's early military dependents' villages with authentic northern Chinese-style noodles and homestyle dishes.
A minimalist, industrial-chic restaurant blending international fusion cuisine with exquisite flavors in an intimate setting.
Taiwan's biggest Indian restaurant chain opens a standout location in Taichung with classy dining, live performances, and authentic Indian cuisine.