These are the places the Singaporean relies on when he’s not busy impressing gourmands at his three-Michelin-starred restaurant
Taichung may not have a 101-floor building or the largest sports stadium, but this vibrant cultural hub is beloved for its bustling night markets, artsy destinations, and some of the nation’s most divine delicacies.
It is in the island’s central city that Singaporean Jimmy Lim, chef-proprietor of three-Michelin-starred JL Studio, has chosen to grow his legacy. As the man behind the only three-starred restaurant in Taichung (and one of just three in the nation), Lim has developed a deep affection for the city's culture, people, and food.
"Taichung is a veritable treasure trove of culinary delights. The region is surrounded by bountiful farmlands yielding an abundance of exquisite vegetables, fruits, and poultry. It's even home to unexpected treasures like caviar," he says.
We ask Lim where he goes to in Taichung, the birthplace of tai yang bing (sun biscuits) and bubble milk tea, to satisfy his discerning palate. Here are his favourite spots in no particular order.
Don’t miss: Meet Jimmy Lim, the chef-owner of three-Michelin-starred JL Studio in Taichung, Taiwan
1. Oretachi No Nikuya
Known for housing a high number of barbecue restaurants, Taichung is where locals head to for tender grilled meat.
This one-Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant is known for high-quality Japanese beef such as prime wagyu, which is imported monthly. Premium and rare cuts fill the busy handwritten menu, which also features yukke (marinated raw beef with raw egg), beef sushi with uni, and spring onion and egg rice.