Raw by Chef André Chiang, Taiwan #2MichelinStars #Asias50Best

With a Two Michelin Stars and a ranking as Asia’s 30th Best Restaurant (here), ever since Chef André Chiang (of Restaurant André in Singapore fame) opened Raw in his hometown if Taipei, it has been one of the hottest tickets in town. We loved the presentations and ingredients linked to and inspired by Taiwan’s street food culture. 

Earl Grey, Bay Leaf, Egg

Escargot, Nagaimo, Yuzu Pepper

Crab, Ping Po (Phoenix eye fruit), Celeriac

Giant Clam, Fish Lardo, Chowder

Cascara, Buckwheat, Taro

Raw Tofu, Maitake, Truffle, Whey

Aubergine, Cobia, Furikake

Beetroot, Plum, Berries, Ostrich

Adzuki Bean, Red Shiso, Purple Rice

Walnut, Date

Date of dinner: 24/10/18

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Shoun RyuGin, Taipei, Taiwan #2MichelinStars #Asias50Best

Sister to the original RyuGin in Tokyo, Taipei’s Shoun RyuGin serves celebrates Taiwanese produce, presented using Japanese kaiseki techniques and sensibilities. The menu features a map of the ‘Ilha Formosa’ ("beautiful island") to show where those ingredients come from.

They rank No.31 on Asia’s 50 Best restaurants (here) and boast 2 Michelin Stars.  Dining here is a special experience. I enjoyed the tea pairing as well as the artfully presented dishes featuring premium ingredients. 

Pomelo, Sweet Shrimp, White Miso

Abalone, Maitake, Fennel

Red Sea Bream, White Gourd, Green Onion, Clam

Bonito, Tuna, Squid, Umi-budō (Sea Grapes)

Butterfish, Cabbage, Shiso

Japanese Lobster, Bamboo, Vegetable Fern

Eel, Japanese Mustard

Duck, Onion, Water Bamboo, Pickles

Koshi-hikari Rice, Threadfin Fish, Ginger, Sweet Chilli

Pickled Radish, Pickled Turnip

Roselle, Fig, Tapioca, Yoghurt Ice Cream

Chestnut, Red Bean, Green Bean, Mochi

Date of dinner: 25/10/18

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Hamamatsuya – Taipei Eel restaurant #BibGourmand

Born and raised a cockney, I grew up loving jellied eels. At the Michelin Bib Gourmand rated Hamamatsuya they haven’t yet discovered the joys of jellifying them. However, as well as specialising in also offers barbecued eel, their signature eel rice can be enjoyed three different ways: by adding seaweed combined with sesame seeds; served with Onsen Tamago (Japanese style soft-boiled egg) and with a broth added to make Ochazuke (cooked rice in green tea). 

Date of dinner: 23/10/18

Din Tai Fung, Taipei 101 and Xinyi Road (Taiwan)

I first encountered Din Tai Fung on my many visits to Singapore (where there are in excess of 20 branches of the franchise). I’m a big fan. Visiting the original (1972) Xinyi Road restaurant was on the top of my to do list during my trip to Taiwan. Thankfully, I also found time to visit the branch in the basement of the towering Taipei 101. 

Cucumber with Garlic & Chilli Oil (Taipei 101)

Braised Eggplant (Taipei 101)

Hot & Sour Soup (Taipei 101)

Pork Xiao Long Bao (Taipei 101)

Pork Xiao Long Bao (Xinyi Road)

Pork Bun (Xinyi Road)

Crab Roeand Pork Xiao Long Bao (Taipei 101)

Truffle and Pork Xiao Long Bao (Taipei 101)

Steamed Vegetable and Ground Pork Dumplings (Xinyi Road)

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