Friends in Taichung, the wait is over — Michelin ramen and Hong Kong soy sauce chicken rice available starting December 5

▲ Friends in Taichung can now enjoy soy sauce ramen with the aroma of pine. (Photo / Reporter Huang Shiyuan)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

Japan’s first Michelin one-star ramen shop “Tsuta” and the world’s first one-star Michelin street food vendor “Liao Fan Hawker Chan (Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken Rice),” both introduced to Taiwan in April 2017 by HeYi Lifestyle Group, are now expanding to Taichung with the opening of their second branches. Trial operations begin on December 5 at the newly renovated J-Mall, where Taichung’s second branch of Tim Ho Wan, the newest addition, is also located right next door. All three Michelin-quality eateries are now in the J-Mall Food Court, allowing friends in Taichung to enjoy them all in one spot.

“Tsuta” is a Tokyo ramen shop that has earned a Michelin one-star rating for three consecutive years. It is known for its signature soy sauce ramen and salt ramen. The broth is made by simmering clams, seafood, and whole chicken separately for extended periods each day before blending them with secret soy sauce and sea salt. Ramen broth is the soul of the dish, and at Tsuta, the broth is crafted from three separate stocks — one simmered for eight hours using whole chicken, another for two to three hours with seafood, and a third for five hours with clams — which are then blended in the optimal ratio to create a rich and flavorful soup.


▲ Liao Fan's soy sauce chicken rice, NT$100. (Photo / Reporter Huang Shiyuan)

The signature dish at Liao Fan Hawker Chan is soy sauce chicken. In Taiwan, locally raised chicken is used, marinated and slow-cooked in a special broth imported from Singapore and blended with traditional Chinese herbs such as angelica and star anise. The entire chicken is simmered for a long time to fully absorb the flavors, resulting in a shiny, caramel-colored skin. Compared to traditional Hong Kong-style soy sauce chicken, Liao Fan’s version has deeper color and stronger flavor due to the use of more soy sauce and additional herbs like angelica, star anise, and cloves, making it especially appetizing even in hot weather.

Additionally, Liao Fan’s char siu (barbecued pork) and roast pork are just as impressive as the chicken. The char siu is made with pork that has a clear distinction between lean and fat, marinated in a secret sauce and then roasted at high heat until crispy. The meat is juicy and has a sweet, caramelized taste. The roast pork comes from the same cut as the char siu but retains the gelatin-rich skin and some cartilage. It is marinated for a long time with the same secret sauce and roasted until the skin turns golden and crisp. Unlike the char siu, the roast pork offers a uniquely tender and gelatinous texture.

J-Mall Food Court
Address: No. 1000, Section 4, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun District, Taichung City