Eika (盈科): A Japanese Love Letter to Taiwan | Taipei Michelin One Star
Hidden within a historic red-brick house in Dadaocheng, the former Ryugin sous-chef uses Japanese techniques to tenderly tell the story of Taiwanese ingredients.
TL;DR / Quick Summary
Hidden within a historic red-brick house in Dadaocheng, the former Ryugin sous-chef uses Japanese techniques to tenderly tell the story of Taiwanese ingredients.
Eika (盈科): A Japanese Love Letter to Taiwan
In Dadaocheng, the most historically rich area of Taipei, lies a shining new star—Eika (盈科). Opening in 2024, it immediately clinched a Michelin star, with many connoisseurs predicting it has two-star potential.
Chef Ryohei Hieda, the former sous-chef of the renowned Shoun RyuGin, possesses an understanding of Taiwanese ingredients that is arguably deeper than that of many locals.
1. The Space: Japandi Serenity
The restaurant is situated inside a beautifully restored red-brick heritage building. The interior design follows the Japandi (Japanese + Scandinavian) style—minimalist, warm, and featuring extensive use of wood. The open kitchen is the heart of the space, where you can clearly observe the chef’s focused expression.
2. The Cuisine: A Gentle Japanese Translation
The cuisine at Eika is not traditional Kaiseki; rather, it is a love letter written by the chef to the land of Taiwan.
- Monkfish Liver with Corn: One of the chef’s signature creations. The rich, creamy liver is paired with the natural sweetness of Taiwanese sweet corn, achieving a perfect balance in the mouth.
- Abalone with Water Bamboo: Combining the essence of the sea with the sweetness of the earth. The texture is both springy and crisp, demonstrating ultimate respect for the original flavor of the ingredients.
3. Real User Insights
Connoisseur’s Notes:
- Dining Duration: This is a culinary marathon. Dinner usually consists of 10-12 courses and takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Ensure you set aside enough time to truly savor the experience.
- Atmosphere: The environment is very quiet and relaxing, lacking the stiffness often found in high-end restaurants. The service team is incredibly attentive, observing your dining pace to adjust the speed of each course.
4. Practical Information
- Location: Datong District, Taipei City (Dadaocheng area).
- Transport: We recommend taking a taxi and enjoying the night views of Dihua Street along the way.
Next Stop: We leave Taipei and head south to Taichung to find a female chef full of French elegance: Fleur de Sel (鹽之華).
