Hunan Food Festival (Apr 15–30): Authentic Hunan Cuisine in Taipei

Chef Chen Ying explained that Hunan is rich in produce with a wide variety of dishes and a strong emphasis on seasoning. Depending on the nature of the dish, some are quickly seared to bring out the flavor, others are simmered gently, some are seasoned before cooking, and some are flavored during the cooking process. Due to the region’s mild and humid climate, Hunan cuisine emphasizes sour and spicy flavors, which are particularly appetizing and refreshing. Among the three major cooking techniques—hot cooking, cold preparation, and sweet seasoning—dozens of methods have evolved over time. Famous dishes include Preserved Meat Steamed Together, Zuyan Shark’s Fin, Changsha Spicy Shrimp, Western Hunan Bandit Duck, and Rock Sugar Lotus Seeds. Interested diners can make reservations in advance at (02)8770-6565.