Beauty Hotels Taipei - Hotel Bchic

A Taiwanese cypress counter, Japanese lacquerware and warm lighting set the mood for a feast of edomae sushi made with the freshest catch flown in from Tokyo's Toyosu Market. With almost 30 years of experience, the head chef ensures each fish is properly aged for optimum flavour. In spring and summer, his silky kohada marinated in salt and vinegar is not to be missed. Even his rice and vinegar blends are meticulously fine-tuned to excellent effect.

Chef Paul Lee leads a talented young kitchen team in presenting a tasting menu that elevates Taiwanese street food to the level of haute cuisine. Asian and European flavours mingle harmoniously in refined dishes made with quality local produce and imported ingredients are perfected by modern techniques. Non-alcoholic beverage pairings by the mixology virtuoso enhance the experience. On top of the tasting menu, add-ons are available.

An alumnus of several world-renowned restaurants in New York City, the head chef recounts his eclectic journey with a 10- or 14-course omakase-style tasting menu. From your counter seat, watch the hushed team skilfully prepare every dish with Asian ingredients and a Japanese culinary ethos. A standout is the kamameshi course that melds Japanese and European techniques. For the full experience, try the wine pairings or temperance flight.

This venue sports a dark colour scheme, with an eclectic mix of Chinese garden motifs and European palatial glamour. The Hong Kong chef excels in refined Cantonese fare that showcases his high-flying skill and precision. He uses Cherry Valley ducks from Yilan for his Cantonese-style crispy-skin roast duck, and Peking duck four ways. Pre-order these items to avoid missing out. For dim sum, try meticulously crafted Chinese spinach and salted egg dumplings.

Spanish-themed paintings hang in the dining area, which boasts a stunning glazed wine cellar. The two chefs take diners on a poetic culinary journey to the Pyrenees of the Basque Country with a seafood-heavy tasting menu. Produce from Taiwan and Japan is woven into edible works of art that embody Spanish traditions, Asian influences and natural beauty. The clever use of colours and seasonal ingredients makes the experience a real delight.

A buzzy spot for home-style food, Ming Fu serves big portions ideal for sharing with friends and family. Taiwanese fare is the star, including items seldom found elsewhere, such as mullet tripe and fresh fish maw. Their signature ‘Buddha jumps over the wall’ requires pre-ordering, however, unlike traditional recipes which call on pork ribs and taro, this version of the gourmet soup uses matsutake mushrooms, gingkoes and abalone.

The pristine interior exudes understated elegance. Expect a local take on executive chef Takayama-san's refined French-Japanese culinary vision. The head chef, an avid tea lover, cleverly incorporates local teas into his cooking – it features in his sauces, amuse-bouches, dinner rolls and his version of Takayama's signature seasonal vegetables with sushi rice. The experience involves all the senses – perfect for romantic dates and special occasions.