Each dish features 7 types of vegetables – the hidden gem pasta is "a favorite among office workers"

Inadding five-element vegetables to the pasta is the biggest specialty of "Yishu Space" restaurant.Yang Zhongyan says that typically red peppers, yellow peppers, garlic beans, and olives are used, but he selects various five-element vegetables such as wood ear mushrooms, baby corn, green beans, onions, garlic, and basil. Yang Zhongyan proudly states that every plate of pasta at their place contains over seven types of vegetables, and for vegetable pasta or wild mushroom pasta, there are even more than ten types. He adds, "People who eat out often have unbalanced meals, so adding so many vegetables is our way of helping customers stay healthy while enjoying their food."

The sauces used at Yishu Space are also different. Instead of canned sauces like tomato paste, they painstakingly cook a blend of fresh tomatoes and four imported tomato varieties. The cream sauce is also made with milk, butter, and vegetables, making it less likely to feel greasy.

Traditional Italian pasta often has a harder texture and a strong, oily flavor, which can feel less approachable to Taiwanese people. Yang Zhongyan continuously adjusts the recipe, striving not to stray too far from traditional Italian methods while still suiting local tastes – achieving a refreshing flavor that’s also healthy.

▲The boss-recommended "French-style smoked duck" uses locally raised ducks from Yilan, Taiwan, which aren’t too gamey and develop a rich smoky aroma. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)

When it comes to ingredients, such as vegetables and seafood, they use local Taiwanese produce. Yang Zhongyan believes that imported ingredients are grown or farmed in very different environments from Taiwan, resulting in different flavors that aren’t necessarily the best fit. He also selects seasonal vegetables and personally visits the market daily to choose the highest-quality produce before deciding which vegetables to use. For example, the "French-style smoked duck" uses ducks raised in Yilan, Taiwan. Yang Zhongyan believes that locally produced Taiwanese ducks have surpassed French ones, and they’re not too gamey, with a rich enough smoky flavor and good texture. Customers often praise this pasta with three slices of duck as being "very generous."

 
▲The amount of cheese in the q▓ grilled dishes is double that of other places, using three types of cheese, yet the price is comparable to regular shops, making it very popular with customers. The tomato sauce is also made by cooking a blend of fresh tomatoes and four imported varieties. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)

The overall atmosphere of Yishu Space feels like home. Yang Zhongyan says, "I hope customers come here feeling like they’re eating at home, not specially going to a restaurant. After enjoying the food and chatting a bit, it feels like you’re with friends."

【Shop Information】
Address: No. 6, Lane 157, Alley 30, Yongji Road, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2767-2936
Business Hours: 11:30–14:00, 17:30–21:00 (Tuesday to Friday); 11:30–15:00, 17:30–21:00 (Saturday and Sunday); closed on Mondays
Price Range: Main dishes range from NT$130 to NT$190  
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