Japan: Imafuku Sukiyaki, Tokyo

First dinner in Tokyo has to be more than just good. This place is listed on the Michelin Guide as one of sukiyaki restaurants with one Michelin star in Tokyo. Wagyu is cooked in the traditional shallow iron pot alongside other ingredients including leafy green vegetables, local mushrooms and tofu. Then it is enjoyed by dipping in whipped egg yolk – simply delicious and great with rice. Lastly, it would not feel completed without matcha ice cream and fruits – commonly seen healthy dessert options.

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http://www.kuroge-wagyu.com/if/

1-12-19 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo

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Japan: Kaisu, Akasaka Tokyo

After leaving the luggage at the hotel, we thought it would be a perfect time for a cup of coffee. Via Foursquare, we found a nice place tucked away in a quiet alleyway which turned out to be a B&B as well. It had free WiFi and many good magazines offering local travel information. Coffee was good and so was the chocolate cake. A great spot to relax and get freshened up.

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Taiwan: Home Hotel Taipei

This chain hotel in Taipei aims to incorporate local art and craftsmanship into the design of rooms. From the lamps beside the beds to the teapot set for making tea, you can have a feel of living in a local house. Bed is very comfortable and the shower room is equipped with shampoo and shower gel made of local plants. Very nice fragrance. Bathtub is of a good size as well. The location is superb as there are city bike docks across the road and the nearest metro station is within easy walking distances, so are department stores.

 

 

 

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Taiwan: Nomura Sushi, Taipei

Listed in the first year Michelin guide for Taipei, we were very excited to come in here for a lunch nigiri set. The master is Japanese who has been running a nigiri place for years in Taipei before being awarded one star. It was 2000NTD per head lunchtime but it was definitely worth the price comparing to what you may be paying at a nigiri restaurant of the same level in Tokyo. This lunch menu comprised an appetiser, nine nigiris, egg pudding (steamed egg), miso soup with clams, egg rolls, sushi rolls and finally fruits and tea – lots of pictures below for you to browse through each dish. Seafood options included white and red fish, squids and sea urchin. Most of them were imported from Japan according to the conversation we had with the master. Booking recommended.

 

 

 

 

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4, Alley 19, Lane 300, Section 4 Renai Rd., Daan Dist., Taipei City

https://m.facebook.com/nomurataipei/

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Taiwan: steamed dumplings and roast duck

There are many places where you can have a decent meal of either steamed dumplings or roast duck. The first two are  king prawn dumplings from Din Tai Fung. Simply delicious. The middle picture is a selection of dishes typical of northern Chinese cuisine. Fried pig’s liver, fried dumplings, beef xian ping (puff pastry) and mung bean congee from Do It True. The one to the right is xiao long bao from Hangzhou Xiao Long Tang Bao. It is not as sophisticated as those from Din Tai Fung but still delirious enough.

 

Below is part of a set menu for around 8 people. Roast duck is the place’s signature dish and you really should not miss it. Hot pot of lamb and pickled cabbage is very satisfying. The soup is slightly sour in the taste as there’s pickled cabbage in it, which I really like. Lamb is tender as it is stewed slowly over a simmer.

 

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1. Din Tai Fung has many branches in Taipei. You can find one that’s more convenient for you to get to on their website – https://www.dintaifung.com.tw/eng/

2. Do It True  (Xinyi)

https://guide.michelin.com/tw/en/taipei-region/taipei/restaurant/do-it-true-xinyi

3. Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao

https://guide.michelin.com/tw/en/taipei-region/taipei/restaurant/hang-zhou-xiao-long-bao-da-an

4. Tao Luan Ting Roast Peking Duck Palace

https://guide.michelin.com/tw/en/taipei-region/taipei/restaurant/tao-luan-ting-roast-peking-duck-palace

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