The Bib Gourmand selection of the MICHELIN Guide Taipei & Taichung 2021 has been announced, and it consists of eateries that all offer a “value for money” experience. In Taipei and Taichung, this means that diners can enjoy a high-quality three-course meal for less than 1,000 Taiwan dollars (excluding drinks).
In this year’s Bib Gourmand selection, there are 58 locations in Taipei; 6 of them are new. Let’s take a look at what impressed our Michelin inspectors.
READ MORE: MICHELIN Guide Taipei & Taichung 2021 Bib Gourmand Selection Announced
Inn's+
8, Lane 28, Shuangcheng Street, Taipei, Taipei & Taichung
What The Inspectors Say: Hidden in a quiet alley, Inn’s+ earned its popularity by word of mouth. The owner-chef who used to manage a bistro re-interprets Taiwanese classics with less fat and less sodium for the health-conscious, yet without sacrificing flavour and freshness. Her signature deep-fried homemade baby oyster rolls, braised pork feet with peanuts, and fried rice noodles speak volumes about her culinary acumen. Business set meals are available at lunch.
Jin Shang Hsuan
111, Lane 155, Dunhua North Road, Taipei, Taipei & Taichung
What The Inspectors Say: With only 6 tables and a private room, securing a reservation at this little gem can be a challenge. What it lacks in scale, it more than makes up for with the owner-chef’s refined take on Taiwanese cooking, ranging from stir-fried beef with coriander and crispy garlic bits, to three-cup braised chicken. Diners may also choose their own seafood and specify how they want it cooked. The room is bright and airy, the service team amiable.
Sate House
15 Leli Road, Taipei, Taipei & Taichung
What The Inspectors Say: Since 1993, the Chinese-Indonesian owner has been serving authentic Indonesian classics fit for visiting dignitaries, like rendang beef, satay, and ayam goreng Kalasan; pair them with tempe soy cake for a filling meal. For special occasions, pre-order nasi tumpeng – a festive rice tower with sides and garnishes. The room is simple, but handicrafts such as leather sculptures, wood carvings, and junk boat models exude rustic charm.
Shiang Dih Regimen Cuisine
62, Section 1, Dihua Street, Taipei, Taipei & Taichung
What The Inspectors Say: Dihua Street is a famous trading base of Chinese herbs and this noodle shop is run by one of the key players on the street. Naturally, herbal tonics and double-boiled soups dominate the menu, with He Shou Wu chicken soup standing out in particular – order noodles to make it a full meal. Try also noodle soup with Australian beef shin and choose between tomato, soy sauce-based and clear broth. Round it out with white fungus and red date sweet soup.
Sung Chu Yuan
546 Yonggong Road, Taipei, Taipei & Taichung
What The Inspectors Say: Apart from rearing its own free range chicken, the restaurant is also famous for wild veggies such as betel flowers, Madeira vine and Okinawa spinach. The must-order bird, either steamed or smoked, boasts juicy, velvety meat and gelatinous, bouncy skin. Braised pork, steamed lamb, chicken soup with mustard greens, and deep-fried mashed taro rolls are also popular. Located in the city’s backyard, it’s the perfect spot for a post-hiking meal.
Talking Heads
25 Siwei Road, Taipei, Taipei & Taichung
What The Inspectors Say: Judging from the name, it’s no surprise to learn that the owner is a die-hard fan of the American rock band. The restaurant has moved a few times in its 30-plus years of history and has been here since 2019. On the menu, home-style, MSG-free cooking from Hunan and Jiangzhe takes centre stage. Try fried hardboiled eggs tossed with chilli, Wuxi-style pork ribs, and Shanghainese cabbage rice. Also check out the catch of the day on the blackboard.
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