Crab House Restaurant in Taichung Serves Only Japanese Cuisine, Delivering High Value with Premium Ingredients

▲ The grand Chinese-style entrance of Crab House Restaurant was specially brought back from mainland China by owner Huang Jianren, often attracting people to stop and stare.

Intern Reporter Lin Weiping / Reported and photographed in Taichung City

Situated on Boma Road in Taichung,Crab House Restaurantfeatures a striking Chinese yamen-style entrance that often misleads pedestrians into thinking it’s a Chinese eatery. In reality, it's a sophisticated kaiseki-style Japanese restaurant that blends in elements of French cooking. The restaurant offers an omakase menu, allowing diners to enjoy not only top-tier seasonal ingredients but also the chef’s dedication.

▲ Chef Ji carefully prepares the ingredients before sealing them in custom iron containers to keep them warm.

The dishes at the restaurant are crafted byChef Ji(Fan Fujii), who has over 30 years of experience. Originally working at Taichung’s well-known Japanese eatery Momotaro, Chef Ji brought his expertise to this newly opened venue, paired with fresh ingredients flown in directly from Japan. Aside from using only the freshest base ingredients, the storage methods are equally meticulous—using imported Japanese iron containers to maintain ideal temperatures, ensuring dishes arrive at the table at their peak readiness.

▲ The omakase course (NT$2,000) features premium ingredients air-flown from Japan such as Boston lobster and Angus beef, paired with the chef’s delicate knife skills, creating dishes as beautiful as paintings.

▲ The omakase course (NT$1,500) includes grilled tuna jaw that’s crispy outside and tender inside—a signature dish worth the wait.

Huang Jianren, who is very particular about food, mentioned that whenever he dined out at Japanese restaurants, he often spent a lot without feeling full. As a result, he made it a goal for his own restaurant to offer high value for money.

The signature omakase courses are creatively paired with seasonal ingredients by the chefs, resulting in a variety of different dishes. Depending on the season of your visit, you may also enjoy special seasonal items. Although the restaurant appears to use many high-end ingredients,you get more for your money compared to similar prices in Taipei,reflecting owner Huang Jianren’s commitment to high value.

▲ The sashimi at the restaurant is cut thick, enhancing texture and satisfying diners.

▲ Seasonal-inspired handshake si (a type of dish) delivers surprises with every bite.

▲ The restaurant also offers French-inspired dishes like Angus beef with mashed yam, giving diners a meat option alongside sashimi.

The interior of the restaurant follows a low-key and understated style. Huang Jianren hopes to carve out his own path, staying true to his philosophy of allowing customers to enjoy high-quality food without spending excessively, setting the establishment apart in the market.

▲ The restaurant’s decor is calm and refined, providing a relaxing environment for enjoying gourmet meals.

Crab House Restaurant
Address: No. 115, Boma Road, West District, Taichung City
Phone: (04) 2329-9099
Business Hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00