LAR Suite

This paradise for beef lovers is just the ticket for discerning connoisseurs. The young owner-chef knows his cattle inside out and sources prize-winning breeds from all over Japan, including Akage Wagyu from Kumamoto and some rare ones not found elsewhere. Both the set and à la carte menus showcase premium cuts that are perfectly grilled to your order by the highly-skilled team. They also explain every cut in detail, together with where they source their produce.

Sur- moved to Central district in 2023 and now occupies the third floor of a quaint building. The minimalist room dotted with wooden furniture and vintage couches sports dark colours. The owner-chef elevates everyday Taiwanese ingredients to haute cuisine using traditional techniques like tempering, charbroiling and smoking in the tasting menu that changes every season. The wine and zero-proof pairings are highly recommended.

In 2018, Shan Shin opened this spinoff serving healthy Taiwanese cooking in a cosy, sun-drenched space in a detached villa. Quality local ingredients such as Guanshan rice from Taitung and family pork from Changhua are crafted into novel Taiwanese dishes available in individual portions. The crossover between coffee and local food culture is interesting – try the coffee vinaigrette in the set menu and sip a fresh brew at the end of your meal.

Diners flock to this semi-self-service shop for pork trotter, hock and leg – braised in a soy-based marinade for up to four hours, the meat is gelatinous, tender and flavourful. It tastes even better with the house-made chilli sauce, cleaner and less complex than with the typical marinade and its strong herbal undertones. The braised diced pork rice and braised fried tofu are also good options. The simple decor makes for a relaxed vibe.

This unpretentious joint, tucked away in a residential alley, feels homely and relaxing. Each guest is expected to order at least one set menu with a main, rice, and either soup or drinks. The Taichungese rice works well with Taiwanese, Southeast Asian and Japanese dishes. Popular mains include Kung Pao chicken with cashew nuts or golden curry omelette. Everything is sourced and certified from small local farms.

A firm favourite among many Taichungians, this noodle shop is now run by the third generation of the family. For 60+ years, the signature dish has remained unchanged – blanched egg noodles tossed in braised ground pork sauce and fried scallion. Marinated egg is optional, but a dab of the house-made sweet chilli sauce is mandatory. Equally popular are the fried tofu puff soup and the so-called ‘all at once’ soup, well-seasoned with spicy pickled mustard stems.

The push cart out front turns back the clock and the retro vibe is pursued indoors. For over 10 years, the owner-chef has been making fish balls, wontons and sauces from scratch. He orders his noodles from his favourite shop in Shuinan Market because of their bouncy texture. Purists should try noodles tossed in scallion oil for its simple, but addictive aromas. Marlin fish ball soup with salted potherb mustard is another best-seller.