Tag: Kaohsiung

[TW] Simplicity is the Best – Sushi 27 (鮨二七)

My love for Japanese food isn't really a secret anymore. It all dated back to when I was 3 or 4 year-old. My grandfather had to get a box of chirashi everyday after work, and I would always get a small box of Japanese pickled cucumbers. Anyhow, as I'm older, my discovery for finer Japanese food continues, and I know that I'll never get sick of it. I am extremely content that I have found Sushi 27, and it's now a regular spot.

[TW] Taiwan’s “mega dumpling” – Ba Wan (肉圓)

As I've mentioned in the Xiao Zhan Du Sticky Rice Pudding's post, small eats are big things in Taiwan. Ba Wan is one of the Taiwanese foods that we can't live without. It is no doubt my top 5 Taiwanese food. [caption id="attachment_432" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Ba Wan[/caption] Ba Wan can be found everywhere, from small booth on the street to food stall in the traditional market. The taste of it varies too. Just like every family knows how to make fried rice, but they all taste differently. The "skin" or the outer layer of Ba Wan is made with rice flour, corn starch, and sweet potato starch, and stuffed with pork and bamboo shoots. The sauce is poured on top upon serving.

[TW] NA*KI (藍記小館)

NA*KI is definitely one of the most creative restaurants I've ever been to. Reservations have to be made in advanced. No walk-ins are accepted. This is because the owners want to make sure the ingredients are fresh. Also, the part that I love about it is there is no menu, therefore, every dining experience is unique. There are three difference prices for the set meal (4 courses + drinks): NT$500, 800, and 1200.  The main difference is in the main course. For the $500, the main course is either pork or chicken; $800 is lamb or beef ; $1200 is surf and turf.

[TW] Xiao Zhan Du Sticky Rice Pudding (小暫渡米糕)

This is another top must-visit place as soon as I come back. This is one of the small eats (小吃) in Taiwan. Small eats play an important role in Taiwanese's eating. I've heard of a philosophy describing Taiwanese food, which is "eat often and eat well". Basically all these gourmet snacking can be found any time of the day, and not limited to weekdays or weekends. [caption id="attachment_132" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Sticky Rice Pudding (米糕)[/caption]

[TW] Wenzhou Wontons (金溫州餛飩大王)

This restaurant is located in the Yancheng district, where a lot of good & old Taiwanese food are located. It was opened in 1954 in a small alley, and it is packed with people everyday. The queue is always very long, so I suggest that get there a bit earlier to avoid the crowd. [caption id="attachment_122" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Seaweed & Dried tofu[/caption] As I've mentioned, most of the Taiwanese restaurants have these appetizers, and it varies from restaurant to restaurant. The dried tofu is my favorite. They are braised in soy sauce, sugar, spices, and probably some of their secret ingredients. This dried tofu are sweet, and kind of hard outside but soft inside.

[TW] Dawn Room 明堂 – Breakfast

This is one of my top brunch spots in Kaohsiung, in fact, the only brunch spot that I love. The quality of food that was served and the atmosphere are all above the standard in Kaohsiung, while the price is still reasonable. [caption id="attachment_105" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Dining area[/caption] The decor is country style, and relaxing for weekend brunch. However, they serve breakfast every morning starting at 8:30 am.

[TW] Dawn Room 明堂 – Dinner

Dawn Room is a new café that opened near my place last year, and I've finally get a chance to try it out this summer. Dawn Room is originated from Tainan, and the Kaohsiung branch is its first store. It  was strictly members only, but now it is opened to publics. [caption id="attachment_98" align="aligncenter" width="300"] (left): Creamy mushroom soup; (right): Salad with balsamic vinegar dressing[/caption]

[TW] Restaurant Yue Pin 悅品中餐廳 (Hotel Dùa)

[caption id="attachment_75" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Tea & Menu[/caption] Yue Pin is located in the third floor of a newly opened hotel, Hotel Dùa, in Kaohsiung. The restaurant is led by a chef from Hong Kong who has 30 years of experience in cooking Chinese cuisine. The atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxing and exquisite. It is a great choice for family gathering, hospitalizing business partners, and hanging out with friends.

[TW] Ding Tai Fung (鼎泰豐)

Since I'm currently in Taiwan, I'll start off with Taiwanese food! Ding Tai Fung is well-known for its little dragon buns (小籠包), which is awarded with Michelin one star. It is also ranked as the #1 from a American food website. Ding Tai Fung started in Taipei, and has a lot of branches around the world. It has recently opened a new branch in Kaohsiung! Little Dragon Buns (小籠包)