Kenji Shoku-Sanpo

The Oven

Le Four (Lai Fa Xiao Guan)

Le Four—French for "the oven"—is where Chef James works his magic. Having spent years in Canada, he’s made oven-baked dishes his signature. Even the Chinese name, *Lai Fa* (萊法), carries a deep personal meaning; it’s a heartfelt tribute to his beloved grandmother, *Lai-Fa* (來發).

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Heavenly Joy Lane

Tin Lok Lane Bing Sutt

If you’re in Zhubei, Hsinchu and craving a legit taste of Hong Kong, Tin Lok Lane is the spot to be. It’s a classic *Cha Chaan Teng*—a traditional Hong Kong-style café—run by a Hong Kong native who named it after the iconic Tin Lok Lane in Wan Chai. The vibe inside is pure nostalgia, making you feel like you’ve been transported straight to old-school Hong Kong.

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Second Floor Cafe · Taichung Showtime Wenxin

Second Floor (Er Lou)

Founded in 2008, Second Floor (貳樓, or *Er Lou*) originally started—as the name suggests—on the second story of an old Taipei apartment. It’s since become a local legend for its all-day brunch. Their Taichung Showtime Wenxin branch is one of their newest spots (opened in 2024), and it’s a total stunner. The "Future Urban Forest" theme is inspired by the nearby Central Park and Wenxin Forest Park, using lush greenery, mirrors, and glass to create a space that feels both modern and incredibly relaxing.

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Let's Eat Together

KAIFUN (Wenxin Branch)

If you’re craving that legit Sichuan kick, KAIFUN Together is a must-visit. Carrying on the torch from the legendary "Fuli Sichuan Cuisine," they specialize in that signature numbing heat. Their menu hits all the right notes: fresh, aromatic, "mā" (numbing), and "là" (spicy). The Wenxin branch is tucked away on the 6th floor of Showtime Live Taichung Wenxin, so you can head straight from the cinema to the table without even leaving the mall.

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Mita Taiga Ranch · Hamburgers

Okawa Ranch (Dàhé Mùchǎng) Hambagu Specialty Store - Nangang Global Mall Branch

Mita Taiga Bokujo is a Japanese-style *hamburg* (Japanese hamburger steak) specialist that made its Taiwan debut in 2023 at Global Mall Nangang. They stick to traditional hand-patted techniques, using a specific ratio of coarse and fine premium beef to lock in all that juice. To top it off, the chef has crafted eight unique signature sauces to pair with your meal.

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Choicemeal Dali

Cho Mi (Cuo Mi) Kung Fu Cuisine · Signature Soup (Dali Branch)

Choicemeal (厝秘) is all about "Gongfu" dishes and signature soups—essentially the high-skill, time-intensive heavy hitters of Taiwanese cuisine. At its heart, the restaurant is a tribute to the legacy of the "Zong-pu-shi" (the master chefs behind traditional outdoor banquets known as "Ban-zhuo"), taking those rustic feast traditions and elevating them into a refined dining experience. Their Dali branch on Guoguang Road is tucked right near the local flower market, housed in a stunning standalone building. It features several VIP private rooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a zen Japanese garden with manicured pines.

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Jeju Mr. KIM · Korean Fried Chicken

Mr.KIM Korean Cuisine (Jeju Jin Xian Sheng)

If you find yourself in Taichung’s Dali District and craving some serious Korean soul food, Mr. KIM (濟州金先生) is the place to be. Running strong since 2014, the owner—originally from Jeju Island—brought his mother’s traditional recipes straight to Taiwan. They specialize in crispy Korean fried chicken, comforting tofu stews, chewy rice cakes, and savory pork bowls. Everything is made fresh with strictly no MSG, which is why it’s become such a beloved local neighborhood favorite.

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King Rice Bowl Korean Restaurant

King Rice Bowl Korean Rice Bowls (King Rice Bowl Hánshì Dòngfàn)

Tucked away in the narrow alleys of Taipei’s Zhongshan District, King Rice Bowl (킹덮밥 한식당) is a total hidden gem on Chang’an East Road. Located right near the bustling Zhongshan "2.0" food street, this cozy spot is run by a mostly Korean staff serving up authentic, home-style comfort food. It’s the kind of place that has built a massive local following strictly through word-of-mouth thanks to its legit flavors and super fair prices.

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Cat Boss · Cat-Themed & Pet-Friendly Restaurant

Cat Boss Cafe (貓老闆咖啡)

If you’re hanging out in Taichung’s Dali District, make sure to swing by Cat Boss (貓老闆咖啡). It’s a super chill, cat-themed, pet-friendly cafe right on Dali Road, just a short walk from Dali Sports Park. The stars of the show are the many friendly rescue cats roaming around, always ready for some attention while you enjoy your meal. You can even pick up some cat treats in-store to win them over! While you can bring your own pets, the vibe here is definitely all about the cats.

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12MOON · Taichung Guihe Branch

12MOON - Congee, Tea & Special Dishes (Shi Er Yue - Guihe Branch)

12MOON (十二月) Guihe Branch is easily the brand’s most stunning location, tucked away in the West District of Taichung. Housed in a gorgeous 1951 retro mansion—formerly a Maryknoll Sisters facility—this 70-year-old gem keeps its history alive with classic terrazzo floors (traditional speckled stone flooring) and warm wood interiors. Surrounded by a lush garden and featuring cozy private rooms, it’s got that perfect nostalgic vibe for a big family feast or a long-overdue catch-up with your besties.

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I will search for the official English name of "築間集團" to ensure the translation is accurate and professional. Hsi-Chen Dim Sum by Jhujian Group

Xi Chen Hong Kong Style Dim Sum & Tea Restaurant (Taichung Dali)

Xichen Dim Sum Tea Restaurant is the latest venture from the Zhujian Catering Group as they dive into the world of Hong Kong-style eats. They’ve brought in Chef Huang Yi-ren—famously known as the "In-ge of Dim Sum" (a nod to a popular, reliable TV character) for his 30+ years of expertise—to lead the kitchen. Everything here is handmade and steamed to order, ensuring every bite is spot on. The Dali branch in Taichung is right on Defang South Road, featuring a bright, airy space that’s just right for big family dinners or sharing a spread with friends.

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Hsi-Chen Dim Sum · Showtime Live Taichung Station Store

Xi Chen Dim Sum (Xi Chen Gang Shi Dian Xin Cha Can Ting - Showtime Live Taichung Station)

Xi Chen Hong Kong Dim Sum (喜辰港式點心茶餐廳) is the latest venture from the Chu Jian Dining Group, having landed right on the first floor of Showtime Live Taichung Station in late 2024. Being just a stone's throw from the Taichung Train Station, it's a super convenient spot to refuel after a shopping spree or a movie. The kitchen is led by Chef Huang Yi-ren—famously nicknamed the "Da Ren Ge" (a nod to a beloved, reliable character from a popular Taiwanese drama) of the dim sum world—who brings over 30 years of expertise to craft star-quality, handmade bites.

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Qin Yuan Chun · LaLaport Taichung

Qin Yuan Chun (LaLaport Taichung)

Established back in 1949, Qin Yuan Chun is a Taichung icon that’s been serving up incredible Jiangzhe cuisine (classic dishes from Eastern China) for over seven decades, consistently earning a spot on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. Their LaLaport location, perched on the 5th floor of the North Wing, brings those time-honored Shanghainese flavors into a bright, airy mall setting.

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KIN-TAN Robata Grill

Jintan Robatayaki (Jìn Tàn)

Fresh on the scene as of June 2026, Near Charcoal (Jìn Tàn) is Taichung’s latest must-visit in the bustling Chaoma district. This place is all about the authentic Robatayaki experience—a traditional Japanese style of fireside grilling. The heart of the restaurant is the long counter where you can watch the chefs work their magic over open flames, and in true old-school fashion, they serve your food right to you using long wooden paddles. With its high ceilings, sleek copper exhaust hoods, and striking circular charcoal stoves, the whole ritual and vibe here are next-level.

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Menya Chiuming Ramen

Menya Chiuming

Menya Chiuming is a new brand from the long-running Taichung ramen house Lijiang (Tanuki) Ramen, billed as the city's first shop dedicated to duck paitan—rich, milky duck-bone broth. Tucked along Wenxin S. Rd. in Taichung's South District, about a four-minute drive from Daqing Station, this Japanese-style spot regularly draws a queue. Everything centers on duck broth, split into two lines: a clear consommé and a creamy paitan.

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Fun Good Home-Style Bistro

Fun Good

Fun Good is a cozy home-style eatery tucked into a lane off Jingmei St. in Taichung's West District, built around set meals for one. It's known for wallet-friendly comfort food and earns strong online reviews. Each set comes with a main dish, three classic Taiwanese small sides, seasonal vegetables, and "Tiansheng" premium rice from Taiwan's east coast—a generous, balanced spread even for a solo diner.

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Kaulin Teppanyaki

Kaulin Teppanyaki (Jianxing)

Kaulin Teppanyaki is a long-running, budget-friendly local favorite in Taichung. The Jianxing branch sits on Jianxing Rd. across from the Splendor Park boulevard, close to the Museum of Natural Science, and draws queues on weekdays and weekends alike. The draw is its "double-main set"—two main dishes at a wallet-friendly price, served with corn soup, rice, stir-fried vegetables, bean sprouts, and a dessert.

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Sanraku Japanese Cuisine

Sanraku Japanese Cuisine (Oakridge)

Sanraku is a legendary name in the San Francisco Bay Area’s Japanese food scene, and their San Jose branch tucked inside Westfield Oakridge is a total gem. The whole experience centers around an open sushi bar where you can watch the chefs expertly hand-press nigiri and craft Edomae-style dishes (a traditional Tokyo-style preparation) right before your eyes. If you’re looking for a legit spot for fresh sashimi and authentic Japanese flavors while out shopping, this is your place.

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Orange Square

Orange Square

Orange Square is a local Bay Area favorite for anyone craving Taiwanese comfort food, specializing in bento boxes, rice bowls, and hand-shaken bubble tea. It’s got a super relaxed vibe with quick counter service and convenient takeout boxes—just look for their signature orange sesame toast logo! The Santa Clara spot is tucked away in a shopping center on Homestead Rd, where an open kitchen whips up everything fresh to order, bringing those authentic Taiwanese street-food flavors right to the West Coast.

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Pho Spot

Tucked away in a corner plaza on Blossom Hill Rd in San Jose, right near Westfield Oakridge Mall, Pho Spot is a local favorite known for its signature clear-broth Phở (traditional Vietnamese noodle soup). The space is bright and clean, featuring a sunset mural of a silhouetted farmer with a carrying pole that adds a nice Vietnamese touch. With the same menu served all day, it’s a reliable go-to for Bay Area locals looking to satisfy their noodle cravings.

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Los Gatos Cafe Uptown

Los Gatos Cafe is a local legend in the charming town of Los Gatos, right on the southern edge of Silicon Valley. You’ll find their Uptown location tucked into a corner plaza along Los Gatos Blvd, serving up breakfast and lunch favorites all day from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM. With white tablecloths on the patio and food served on sleek black ceramic plates, it’s the ultimate go-to for local families—so much so that snagging a table on the weekend is a real feat.

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Tsing Tao Mandarin Cuisine

Tsing Tao

If you find yourself in the charming town of Los Gatos on the southern edge of Silicon Valley, you’ve got to check out Tsing Tao. This Northern-style Chinese spot actually got its start in neighboring Campbell before moving to its current corner location on Los Gatos Blvd (taking over the space where Boulevard Bites and Brews used to be). The sign out front reads "Tsing Tao Mandarin Cuisine" in both English and Chinese, and they run both a lunch and dinner shift. They’re closed on Mondays, but they do a brisk business in phone-in takeout if you’re looking to grab a meal on the go.

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Ramen Champ

Tucked away in a corner plaza on Santa Teresa Blvd in South San Jose, Ramen Champ is a cozy Japanese ramen spot that’s open every single day for lunch and dinner. What really makes this place stand out is the incredible variety of broths—you can choose from Tonkotsu (rich pork bone broth), Yuzu Shio (citrusy salt broth), Shoyu (soy sauce), or Miso, all with customizable spice levels and toppings. They also serve up Tsukemen (dipping noodles), Abura Soba (soupless oil noodles), curry rice, and various Donburi (rice bowls), plus they offer easy online ordering for those on the go.

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Wafu Rakumen Yondaime Hinodeya

HINODEYA Campbell Town

HINODEYA Campbell Town is the Campbell outpost of the Japanese ramen brand "Wafu Rakumen Yondaime Hinodeya." You’ll spot it by the wooden exterior and the white *noren*—those traditional split curtains hanging over the door—sporting the shop’s name. The "Fourth Generation" and "SINCE 1885" labels on the sign are the real deal: the original Hinodeya opened right in front of Saitama’s Hasuda Station back in 1885. After 130 years and four generations, the brand was rebooted in 2012 with a focus on *dashi*-style ramen before crossing the Pacific to San Francisco in 2016. They’ve now grown to nine locations across the States. At the heart of everything they do is their *dashi*—a traditional Japanese soup stock brewed from kelp, bonito flakes, and scallops. It’s all about a clean, light, and refreshing broth rather than the heavy, creamy *tonkotsu* (pork bone) style you might be used to.

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Saigon -2- Siam Bistro

Saigon -2- Siam Bistro is a cozy, family-run gem tucked into a corner plaza on 1st St in downtown Gilroy. Formerly known as Saigon Bistro Express, the name—bridging "Saigon" for Vietnam and "Siam" for Thailand—perfectly captures the soul of the menu. It’s a place where you’ll find steaming bowls of Phở and crispy Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguettes) sharing the spotlight with Pad Thai, fragrant curries, and savory basil stir-fries. The vibe is classic American bistro with a Southeast Asian twist, featuring intricate wood carvings and textiles on the walls and comfortable booths by the windows. Most dishes let you pick your protein—chicken, pork, tofu, or veggie—and you can dial in your heat level from Mild all the way up to a punchy "Thai Spicy" right when you order.

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San Francisco Chinatown’s Classic Wonton Noodle House Since 1972

Hon's Wun-Tun House (Washington St)

Hon’s Wun-Tun House is a legendary Cantonese noodle spot in San Francisco’s Chinatown. They first set up shop on Kearny Street back in 1972 before opening this Washington Street location; today, they have three spots across the city. The interior has that classic, old-school noodle house charm: wooden tables, blue-and-white patterned porcelain bowls, and masters hand-wrapping wontons and dumplings right in the shop. The menu is fully bilingual and every dish has a code (starting with F, G, J, or K)—just calling out the number is the fastest way to get your order in. They’re open from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, serving up everything from congee (savory rice porridge) to cheong fun (silky steamed rice rolls) all day, so you aren't limited to just lunch or dinner hours.

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Seabreeze Café

Linda's Seabreeze Café

Linda's Seabreeze Café has been a beloved breakfast staple in Santa Cruz’s Seabright neighborhood for over three decades. With its buttery-yellow wooden exterior and deep blue awnings featuring hand-painted lettering, this cozy bungalow is a true local landmark. Originally founded by Linda Hopper, the torch was passed to Tex and Claire Hintze in 1998, and most recently to Marcie and Mark Magdaleno in August 2024. Thankfully, the iconic name and menu have stayed exactly the same—the "Tex’s Turkey Deluxe" is even named after the previous owner. Just look for the "Please Seat Yourself" sign and grab a spot. One thing to keep in mind: it’s cash or check only (no credit cards!), but they do have an ATM on-site. Breakfast is served all day, lunch starts at 11:00 AM, and they take a break on Wednesdays.

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The Italian Delicatessen • Since 1948

Zoccoli's Delicatessen

Sitting right on Pacific Ave in downtown Santa Cruz, Zoccoli’s Delicatessen is a true local staple. Its story began back in March 1948 when Robert Zoccoli Sr. and his family turned an old grocery store into a deli, eventually passing the torch to the second generation in 1962, and then to brothers Craig and Russell in 1989. As one of the oldest family-run businesses in town, they’ve seen it all—including the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that leveled much of downtown. Despite being forced to close for the first time ever, they kept the spirit alive in a temporary trailer for 18 months before moving back to this very spot. Everything from the sauces and soups to the tiramisu is made right here in-house.

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Phở Lúc Lắc

Pho Luc Lac

Tucked away in the Branham Center in San Jose’s Cambrian neighborhood, Pho Luc Lac catches your eye with its blue neon sign and a logo of a woman in a nón lá (a traditional Vietnamese conical hat) holding a steaming bowl of pho. The name is a nod to the classic "Bò Lúc Lắc" (shaking beef), and their signature Phở Lúc Lắc is a must-try—a hearty mix of filet mignon, brisket, tendon, and beef meatballs served in a unique soy-based broth. The menu is super easy to navigate with English and Vietnamese side-by-side, split into eight sections covering everything from appetizers and pho to rice plates, Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwiches), and stir-fries. Most noodle dishes come in both small and large sizes. Just a heads-up: they are closed on Tuesdays, and there’s an 18% service charge for groups of six or more.

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Golden House Chinese Restaurant

Golden House Restaurant

You'll find Golden House Restaurant tucked away on Santa Teresa Blvd in South San Jose, sharing the same corner plaza as Dollar Tree and Grocery Outlet. It’s one of those classic, long-standing American-Chinese spots that feels wonderfully nostalgic: think dark wood-paneled walls, white tablecloths protected by plastic covers, and those iconic blue-and-white porcelain plates paired with red-rimmed soup bowls. Their massive pink menu features 140 numbered dishes across thirteen sections—everything from appetizers and Mu Shu (savory stir-fry served with thin pancakes) to seafood, Egg Fu Young (Chinese-style omelets), and an endless variety of fried rice and noodles. They also offer Cantonese and Peking-style family dinners for two or more, plus a great lunch special from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM where you can choose from 27 different entrees served with a side of rice, chow mein, or BBQ pork fried rice. Just a heads-up: they are closed on Mondays.

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Real Smoked BBQ

South Winchester BBQ

South Winchester BBQ is this awesome standalone spot right on S Winchester Blvd in San Jose. With its grey brick exterior, the place has a real rustic charm. Inside, the vibe is pure Americana: red walls, corrugated metal partitions, and classic red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Everything is served on metal trays, and there’s a massive chalkboard menu to browse while you eye the local craft beers in the cooler. They’re all about "Real Smoked BBQ" here—low and slow over an oak fire, with flavors ranging from California style to Carolina roots. They’re open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM, but keep in mind they close up as soon as they sell out. They only take a break on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Cloth-pulled Rice Rolls • Founded in Guangzhou

Yin Ji Chang Fen

Yin Ji Chang Fen’s Pleasanton spot is tucked away in a corner plaza on Stoneridge Dr, featuring high ceilings with exposed wood beams, polished concrete floors, and light wood furniture. The walls are decked out with vintage photos and "King of Rice Rolls" calligraphy, while a classic black and gold signboard hangs over the counter, accented by a row of mini red lanterns. Founded in Guangzhou back in the 1950s, they’re famous for their chang fen (steamed rice rolls) made using the traditional cloth-pulling method—where rice slurry is steamed on cotton cloth and hand-pulled for a wrapper that’s much thinner and silkier than the machine-made version. You can find them all over the Bay Area now, with branches in Pleasanton, Berkeley, Milpitas, Concord, and San Lorenzo.

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Old Fashioned Hot Dogs & Hamburgers • Since 1971

The Happy Hound

The Happy Hound is a total local legend in Los Gatos, a town on the southern edge of Silicon Valley. They’ve been serving up goodness from their standalone spot on Los Gatos Blvd since 1971, and you can’t miss their logo—a bright yellow hound rocking a chef’s hat. Their specialty is "Old Fashioned Hot Dogs & Hamburgers," featuring nostalgic dogs and made-to-order burgers. You can grab your meal at the counter and find a spot in the garden seating next door, or just order online for a quick takeaway.

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