For the first time in half a century, moving beyond the hotel premises — The Ambassador Chinese Restaurant expands to Tamsui District, opening on May 1

▲The Ambassador Chinese Restaurant steps out of the hotel for the first time in half a century, opening “Tamsui Chinese Restaurant” in the Tamsui District.

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan, Taipei

The Ambassador Chinese Restaurant at the Ambassador Hotel, rated by the Taipei City Government as one of the 22 must-try classic old-flavor restaurants, has stepped out of the hotel for the first time in half a century. It has opened “Tamsui Chinese Restaurant” in the Tamsui District, bringing the authentic Sichuan cuisine from the hotel to the area. It is now the only five-star Sichuan restaurant in Tamsui, having officially opened on May 1.

To maintain a high standard of quality during the initial opening period, Executive Chef Lin Jianlong of the Ambassador Hotel and Executive Chef Xu Fengqin of the Ambassador Chinese Restaurant will both be on-site daily for the first month. The menu offers over 170 dishes, many of which are signature dishes. For example, the Mapo Tofu is seasoned only with Pixian bean paste for its rich flavor, offering a perfect balance of aroma, numbness, and spiciness. Before serving, it is reheated until piping hot. Chef Lin Jianlong says that this process brings out the full fragrance.


▲Garlic Pork Slices.

As for the Garlic Pork Slices, which are tender and flavorful, Chef Xu Fengqin explained that while pork leg is commonly used, they opt for pork belly with an ideal balance of fat and lean meat. Each slice is just 0.1 cm thick, served immediately after blanching upon ordering, and paired with their special garlic sauce for even more delicious taste.

Also available is one of their signature dishes: the Five-Star Sichuan Beef Noodles. For the broth, one pot uses beef shank bones and old hen simmered gently for 8 hours to fully extract the essence of the marrow. Another pot combines tender Australian beef shank with slight tendon, along with beef tendons, beef slices, six types of Chinese herbs, red chili, peeled garlic, onions, and cilantro. This combination is slow-cooked to draw out the natural fragrance of the vegetables and the rich collagen from the beef, with no added MSG.

Address: B1, No. 88, Section 6, Zhongshan North Road, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2831-2729


▲Pea and Tripe Soup.

▲Boiled Fish.


▲Husband and Wife Lung Slices.

▲Hot and Sour Soup.


▲There are also 30 outdoor seating spots outside the Chinese Restaurant.


▲Interior décor features an eclectic mix of American style.