Happiness Hotel

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.

Dark green velvet, red walls and accent lights showcase the bare concrete walls in this chic space. A sister establishment of Tei by O'bond, famous for Taiwanese tea cocktails, Wok excels in deconstructing the flavours of Taiwanese and Asian cooking, and reimagining them in astounding forms with modern French techniques. The themed tasting menu changes every season. The Taiwanese teas and herb-infused cocktails are always a delight.

Diners are escorted past the open kitchen into an airy room bathed in natural light, perfect for power lunches or social gatherings. For a surcharge, all the à la carte steaks can be made into a set. Australian Mayura Full-blood Wagyu ribeye tastes milkier than typical grass-fed beef, and with the cut, you get to enjoy the robust flavour of New York strip and the even marbling of ribeye cap. Wine buffs should check out the rare vintages.

Having had almost 30 years’ experience working in renowned sushi restaurants in Taipei, the owner-chef opened here in 2017. The décor is traditionally Japanese, with solid wood countertops imported from Canada. He insists on shipping the fish from Japan three times a week and his rice is seasoned with three different kinds of vinegar. Only omakase menus are available; the monk fish liver sushi is a standout.

A floral display provides pops of colour in this pristine white cube that calls to mind an art gallery. Chef Alain Huang's tasting menus comprise 10-plus creative courses that are French in origin but influenced by Asian cuisines, wine or alcohol-free drinks inclusive. Top-notch ingredients such as king prawn, scallop and veal are meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. Your meal is bookended by stunning amuse-bouches and petit fours.

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.