TALMUD HOTEL CLASSIC TAIWAN BOULEVARD

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.

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.

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.

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.

Many Taichungians have fond childhood memories of this shop as it has been around for some 60 years. The goose noodle soup combines the Chinese herb Dang Gui, springy goose flesh and robust flavours. If the goose runs out, try the equally enticing duck version. Smoked goose uses adult birds weighing about 6 kg, smoked with cane sugar instead of wood chips. Those craving juicier and fattier meat may ask for the hindquarters when ordering.

Stained glass windows and wooden shelving contrast beautifully against the cement walls of this noodle shop. The owner used to run a private kitchen specialising in Jiangzhe cooking. The menu thus revolves around noodles from Jiangzhe area, along with some Sichuanese options. The side dishes she makes every morning are also a reason to visit – try the bitter melon simmered with rock sugar if available. Open 3 days a week. Check social media before visiting.

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.