The MICHELIN Guide Taiwan 2024 has just unveiled its list of the Starred Restaurants and selected restaurants in Taiwan. Taichung shone brightly, with JL Studio retaining its three Michelin stars, and L'Atelier par Yao, MINIMAL, and Yuan Ji earning their first stars this year. Additionally, Chef Chen Ting-Yu of Huist won the MICHELIN Young Chef Award, and Sommelier Tseng Ya-Hui of Yuen Ji received the MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award. The Tourism and Travel Bureau highlighted that nine restaurants in Taichung earned Michelin stars, totaling 11 stars. In addition, 30 restaurants were selected, including 27 restaurants awarded the Bib Gourmand. A total of 66 restaurants in Taichung was listed in the Michelin Guide Taiwan this year. It is hoped that more chefs and restaurant operators will be drawn to Taichung, helping the city continue to shine globally as a top destination for foodies.

Director Chen Mei-Hsiu of the Tourism and Travel Bureau highlighted that Taichung's exceptional geographic conditions offer a wealth of fresh ingredients from the mountains and the sea, allowing food to be delivered straight from the source to the table, preserving its freshness and natural flavors. In addition, the city's warm hospitality further enhances the dining experience, creating a home-like atmosphere where meals become moments of genuine connection with people. Among the Michelin-starred restaurants are JL Studio, the first Singaporean restaurant globally to earn three Michelin stars; Fleur de Sel, Oretachi No Nikuya, and Forchetta, all holding one-star status for five consecutive years; Sur-, which has kept its one-star for four years; La Maison de Win, with two years of one-star recognition; and the newly awarded one-star restaurants Yuen Ji, L'Atelier par Yao, and MINIMAL. These establishments are celebrated internationally for their outstanding cuisine and service, and every dedicated culinary expert is the pride of Taichung!

JL Studio blends local ingredients, French culinary techniques, and Singaporean food culture. It creates a harmonious balance of flavors and spices with delicate and refined flavors, making it Taichung's first three-star Michelin restaurant. Fleur de Sel, driven by the French culinary philosophy of perfecting the use of salt, offers heart-warming dishes that pair beautifully with wine. At Oretachi No Nikuya, chefs engage warmly with diners and meticulously select various types of Japanese wagyu beef from different regions, providing a unique tasting experience. Forchetta adapts its menu daily, crafting a variety of dishes based on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The chefs at Sur- excel in using Taiwanese techniques to cook everyday ingredients, reinterpreting the delicate flavors of contemporary Taiwanese cuisine. La Maison de Win integrates Chinese cooking techniques with Western refinement, incorporating Taiwanese, Cantonese, and Hakka culinary elements. Yuen Ji reinterprets Taiwan's culinary heritage and culture, enhancing classic home-style dishes with a refined twist.

Sommelier Tseng Ya-Hui received the MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award for her extensive wine knowledge and expertise, making her the first female sommelier in Taiwan to achieve this recognition. L'Atelier par Yao’s young chef skillfully blends local and imported ingredients to create modern French dishes with Asian cooking techniques. MINIMAL elevates ice cream to the centerpiece of its menu, using layered variations to enhance visual and taste experiences, making it the first restaurant in Taiwan dedicated exclusively to ice cream to earn a Michelin star.

The Tourism and Travel Bureau highlighted that Taichung’s culinary offerings are impressively diverse, spanning from traditional local treats to innovative modern cuisine. The 30 selected restaurants in Taichung include Shan Shin, Isagi, Hibiki Seafood, KR Prime Steak, MeatGQ, Chien Wei Seafood, Yu Yue Lou, Yuan, Torien Yakitori, Inflorescence, Le Plein, Chilliesine, Moment in Beijing, Orient Dragon, Wen Tao, Master of Mushroom, Meidz Seafood, PI, FReNCHIE FReNCHIE, Tu Pang, Rong Cuisine, Hello VietNam, and the newly selected are Huist, Chef Ah-Hsi's Old Time Restaurant, Zai Lai, enPure, VARMT, UNA-VERSE, FIRNS, and Le Côté LM.

Among the newly listed restaurants, Huist’s chef Chen Ting-Yu, who honed his skills in Australia, creates homey Taiwanese dishes with seasonal ingredients, earning him the MICHELIN Young Chef Award this year. VARMT features noodles in three distinctive flavors—garlic spicy, peppery, and chef’s special—for those who prefer strong tastes. Zai Lai serves cold rice cakes made from freshly ground rice milk, offering a chewy texture with a rich rice aroma. Le Côté LM provides modern French cuisine that allows diners to enjoy the chef's thoughtful use of spices and seasonal vegetables. enPure prepares dishes using various cooking techniques around the globe and enhances flavors with tea, soups, and drinks. Chef Ah-Hsi's Old Time Restaurant excels in goose dishes, which are marinated for a day and then slow-roasted and sugar-smoked for a juicy, flavorful result.FIRNS uses local ingredients and daily catches to craft its menu, ending with seasonal desserts. UNA-VERSE is an innovative dessert spot known for its artistic creations made from natural ingredients. Each of these restaurants enhances Taichung's global culinary status and offers diners unique and delightful experiences.

The Tourism and Travel Bureau invites foodies from across the country and international visitors to take their taste buds on an adventure to Taichung, a city known for its rich culinary variety and cultural fusion. Discover the city’s scenic beauty and diverse gastronomy and enjoy a travel experience filled with warmth and local charm. For more travel information, check out Taichung Tourism’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnjUfzwKQtQ) or the Taichung Tourism website (https://travel.taichung.gov.tw/).