Word-of-mouth hidden gem: Ayi’s Kitchen in Ruisui

 

By Chi Binghui | Compiled & Reported | Source: MOOK Editorial Department

Some truly delicious restaurants are not located in big cities, don’t advertise, and may not have prominent signs. They rely on word-of-mouth recommendations and shared online information. Stepping into “Ayi’s Kitchen,” you’ll find a delightful surprise inside, with a menu that’s created by the owner himself, featuring home-style flavors. It’s the power of “word-of-mouth” that keeps the place bustling with customers.

“Ayi’s Kitchen” is a small shop that defies categorization by any single design style—it’s as unique and individual as the owner, Ben. The storefront is surrounded by lush greenery, the corner fireplace inside resembles one from a European castle, and the deer head on the wall is a hunting trophy Ben brought back from Africa. The shop’s name, “Ayi,” is even the name of the elephant he rode during his time in Africa. The bar counter displays rows of wine, beer, and whiskey bottles, casting an inviting glow under the lights. There are also decorations like vintage Taiwanese farming tools and old wooden cabinets from traditional Chinese medicine shops—all private collections of the owner. Photography is prohibited inside the shop and requires prior permission.

What’s special here is that the professional-grade coffee machine serves ILLY coffee, and they even offer premium cigars. The music customers hear ranges from classic Mandarin tunes to Havana beats. Ben has crafted this space into a comfortable haven through his diverse interests, attracting many like-minded visitors. The dishes are all original creations by the owner, with ingredients often changed on a whim, resulting in constantly fresh flavors.

Recommended dishes include “Honey-Glazed Pork Belly,” which features braised pork belly paired with cilantro and onions, then wrapped in oval-flat Gua Bao dough. The onions cleverly cut through the richness of the meat, making the flavorful braised pork incredibly tender. “Drunken Singing Chicken” uses chicken matured in the mountains of Hualien—juicy and tender. Served cold, the chicken is both tender and crisp, with a rich wine aroma.

Another dish, “White Jade Jadeite Trotter,” is a cold plate of pig’s trotters that glisten with a pinkish hue—you can taste the crispy texture of the trotters themselves, while the dipping sauce adds extra layers of flavor. “Ayi’s Lamb Ribs” are made from the ribs of goats raised by indigenous tribes, and each dish is paired with a recommended type of red wine. Wine enthusiasts can consult the owner for suggestions.