Wind Natural Parent-child Inn

The swanky setting seamlessly melds East-meets-West eclecticism with modern elegance. The chef team revisits Taiwan’s food heritage and culture, adding a sophisticated spin to family favourites. The Tasting Set Menu allows diners to pick from the main menu for each course, whereas the Chef’s Menu, served omakase style, needs pre-ordering. The iconic sweet Lukang roasted wheat flour soup is creatively mixed with almond milk imparting a creamy, nutty kick.

Concrete walls, dark green drapes, wooden furniture and local handmade pottery work nicely together in this elegant room that spans two floors. The young chef, who honed his skills in France, excels in modern French fare with an Asian twist. Try his chargrilled scallop with kombu, peas and parsley sauce for a delightful mix of textures. Desserts made à la minute and tea brewed with herbs that you pick yourself end the meal on a decadent note.

The chef worked in France and Italy for 30 years before opening her restaurant in 2003, relocating to this elegant space in 2017. She uses mostly local ingredients in seven- to nine-course prix fixe menus with a choice of mains. Changing every season, the precisely executed menus never fail to surprise with their whimsical ideas and vivid colours. Her signature use of wine, Asian spices and herbs lends her dishes exceptional depth and aromas.

The owner’s father was a sergeant major who learnt to make hand-rolled noodles in a village for military families. The noodles are made exactly as they were 60+ years ago, retaining a lovely chew and dressed in sesame sauce with braised ground pork. Order a soft-poached egg on top; let the yolk run and stir before eating. Also try their wontons in wafer-thin skin tossed in a special sauce – the meat filling packs a flavoursome punch.

An old property in an alley has been remodelled to house this low-profile restaurant. A pared-down interior and casual vibe set the scene, while a Japanese-style wooden counter frames the open kitchen. Taiwanese home cooking and small plates define the concise menu. Try sorghum liquor-scented Kinmen sausages in a crisp thin casing. Salt-baked chicken leg with sweet corn is another must-try, best enjoyed with a bowl of braised pork rice.

For decades, this simple shop has been attracting hungry diners with its signature sliced goose platter boasting juicy flesh and wafer-thin skin. The second-generation owner intentionally leaves some bones and gristles in for diners to gnaw on. Goose offal, marinated meat and other sides are also popular. For starchier dishes, order plain noodle soup, or jazz it up with cuttlefish and thin, flat e-fu noodles.

With just 8 tables, this little gem is its owner’s pride and joy. Much effort went into the fine details – red bricks against terrazzo walls, bespoke hand-thrown ceramic dinnerware against sleek wood furniture. The aptly named ‘noodles extraordinaire’, artisan ramen dressed in a secret chilli and sesame sauce, are quite unique. Golden, crispy potstickers take 30 minutes to prepare but are well worth the wait.