Ad Astra: A Nordic Interpretation of Taipei (Taipei 1-Star)
Chef Kevin Rose uses minimalistic techniques to present the pure deliciousness of Taiwanese ingredients. That sea urchin ham waffle is a classic that must be tasted.
TL;DR / Quick Summary
Chef Kevin Rose uses minimalistic techniques to present the pure deliciousness of Taiwanese ingredients. That sea urchin ham waffle is a classic that must be tasted.
"Ad Astra" is Latin for "To the Stars." This restaurant, led by Kevin Rose, the former sous chef of the New York two-star restaurant Atera, as its name suggests, quickly earned a Michelin star in Taipei. What is served here is not traditional Nordic cuisine, but rather a redefinition of Taiwanese ingredients using a precise, minimalistic Nordic spirit.
1. Culinary Art: Precise Minimalism
Kevin Rose's dishes appear extremely clean and simple, but the layers of flavor upon tasting are incredibly rich.
- Sea Urchin Ham Waffle: This has already become a hallmark of Ad Astra. Atop a crispy, lattice-patterned waffle, layers of sweet Hokkaido sea urchin and savory Serrano ham are stacked. One bite intertwines crispness, softness, freshness, and saltiness in the mouth—it's the ultimate appetizer.
- Seasonal Menu: The restaurant offers a tasting menu of 10 to 14 courses. The menu changes frequently, with subtle adjustments almost every two weeks, ensuring that only the finest seasonal ingredients are served.
2. Space: Comfort as if at Home
The restaurant space is intimate, centered around an open kitchen. There is no oppressive atmosphere typical of high-end dining; instead, there's a relaxed feeling of being a guest in a friend's home. You can witness the chef and team operating with the fluidity of a symphony orchestra from a close distance.
3. Real User Insights
Gourmet Notes:
- Reservation Difficulty: Known as one of Taipei's "most difficult restaurants to book." Reservations usually sell out the moment they open.
- Dining Duration: Because of the numerous courses (especially the 14-course evening menu), the entire dining process takes about 3 to 3.5 hours—a marathon of culinary delights.
4. Practical Information
- Location: No. 23, Ln. 45, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City.
- Style: Modern, Minimalistic, Precise.
Looking for a dining experience with more "storytelling"? Ban Bo will lead you into an immersive theater of Taiwanese culture.
