The menu at "Cooking Research Institute" features only one option, which changes every ten days.

▲ The menu at Cooking Research Institute has only one option, which changes every ten days.

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

"Cooking Research Institute"This brunch shop is not only unique in name but also in its business model. It offers just one brunch menu that changes every ten days. Regular operating hours end at 4 p.m., but customized dinners are available. Customers can discuss pricing and the menu with the owner in advance (three days prior), and only one table is served per night.

Unlike typical restaurants, Cooking Research Institute is not located in a bustling urban area but rather in an alleyway in Wanhua District. The storefront features a wooden balcony, and the interior follows a minimalist wooden style, complete with an oversized lattice window overlooking a small park across the street. Owner Zeng Taichen said the idea of a restaurant facing a small park, with a large lattice window and an open kitchen, had been in his mind for two years.

Zeng Taichen previously worked in the vegetable business, so he not only understands the characteristics of fresh produce but is also passionate about cooking. He said he could stand in the kitchen for 12 hours without feeling tired. Why does the shop offer only one menu? Zeng explained that they prefer not to be too busy, and with only himself and his wife on staff, preparing just one menu per day makes ingredient sourcing much easier.

▲ The April 11–20 menu features an Italian-style pasta as the main dish.

Zeng Taichen also knows that even if the food is delicious, eating the same dishes repeatedly can get boring, so the menu is changed every ten days. Additionally, ten days is roughly the limit for how long ingredients can be preserved. He laughed and said that initially, the reason for changing the menu every ten days was simply to avoid being too tired, but unexpectedly, some customers have developed an interest in collecting the different menus, coming in once every ten days. Zeng said he wouldn’t claim the dishes are extraordinarily delicious, but they are definitely comforting and healthy. Furthermore, although it’s a brunch spot, you won’t find burgers or sandwiches here—he doesn’t consider them healthy options.

Speaking of custom dinners, Zeng Taichen said the idea originally came from wanting to make up for slower morning sales. The concept allows customers to eat whatever they want, so there’s no fixed dinner menu. Customers can directly discuss what they’d like to eat and the price with him. Since opening (about three months ago), the lowest-priced custom menu discussed with customers was 1,200 NT$, while the highest exceeded 4,000 NT$. This shows that people still crave delicious meals. Due to preparation time, dinners must be booked three days in advance, and only one group (of any size) is accommodated per night.

▲ The open kitchen lets you see the owner preparing meals for everyone.

Because he enjoys cooking, understands ingredients, and wants to supplement his income, Zeng Taichen also runs a cooking class. However, he keeps it casual—teaching only when he feels like it and canceling if he’s too busy or tired. Since Cooking Research Institute is located in an alleyway, its customer base skews older, with many being local moms who find the cooking classes particularly appealing.

Because the goal was to secure a spot right across from the small park, foot traffic here isn’t heavy. Before 10:30 a.m., there are usually no more than five groups of customers. But Zeng Taichen insists on opening at 8 a.m. because, before 10 a.m., you can watch the morning sunlight streaming through the lattice window, a view he believes is the most valuable aspect of Cooking Research Institute.

Cooking Research Institute
Address: No. 1, Lane 27, Dapu Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2302-5389
Business Hours: 0800–1600
Price: 220 NT$, or 100 NT$ more for an upgraded set meal.

▲ Watching the morning sunlight through the lattice window—Zeng Taichen considers this the most valuable view at Cooking Research Institute.


▲ The small balcony at the entrance feels very cozy.


▲ The irregularly scheduled cooking classes.


▲ The adorable logo