Cheapest Michelin-starred eatery and first ramen shop to earn a star both debut in Taiwan; expected to open in the first half of the year

▲For the first time in its century-long history, the Michelin Guide awarded a one-star rating to a street food vendor—“Liao Fan.” Pictured is the Singapore outlet of Liao Fan (Photo / Provided by Heyi Lifestyle Group)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

Following the success of Tim Ho Wan, Heyi Lifestyle Group will introduce two more Michelin one-star restaurants in 2017: Japan’s first Michelin-starred ramen shop “Tsuta” and the world’s cheapest Michelin-rated street food, “Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle,” the first street vendor to receive a Michelin star. Liao Fan is famous for its Hong Kong-style soy sauce chicken rice and noodles, which often see long queues after earning its star. With Heyi Lifestyle Group bringing it to Taiwan, diners won’t need to travel abroad to enjoy it. The opening is expected in the first half of the year.

Founded in 2014, Heyi Lifestyle Group currently owns the self-operated shopping mall HOYII North Station, and represents Michelin one-star Hong Kong dim sum brand Tim Ho Wan and the largest Vietnamese-French sandwich chain in the U.S., Lee’s Sandwiches. The group spans both “mall operations” and “food and beverage” sectors, with total revenue exceeding NT$1.2 billion in 2016. Looking ahead to 2017, Heyi Lifestyle Group CEO Lin Chin-chieh stated that the group will represent two more Michelin one-star brands: Japan’s first Michelin one-star ramen brand “Tsuta” and the Michelin one-star Singaporean street food brand “Liao Fan.”


▲The first ramen shop to earn a Michelin one-star—“Tsuta.” (Photo / Authorized by Tsuta Singapore, provided by Heyi Lifestyle Group)

Lin Chin-chieh said that both “Tsuta” and “Liao Fan” obtained their global master franchise rights through Singaporean restaurant group He Hsing Company. Since He Hsing also holds the Asia-Pacific franchise for Tim Ho Wan, and given the strong performance of Tim Ho Wan in Taiwan, the company agreed to let Heyi Lifestyle Group introduce these two Michelin one-star brands to the Taiwanese market. Contracts have already been signed, and preparations for the storefronts, interiors, and equipment are underway. However, the first stores for both brands will be located at HOYII North Station, with openings expected in the first half of the year.

Given that Japanese ramen tends to be quite rich in flavor, will “Tsuta” adjust its taste for the Taiwanese market? Lin Chin-chieh said they will stick to the original flavor, which also applies to the Hong Kong-style soy sauce chicken rice and noodles from Singapore’s beloved “Liao Fan.” Although still in the preparation stage, Lin noted that all food items will be made on-site, including the ramen noodles and the soy sauce chicken for the chicken rice.


▲“Liao Fan” originated in Singapore’s Chinatown Complex. Since receiving its Michelin star certification in 2016, it has become a must-visit spot for travelers from around the world. Pictured is the Singapore outlet of Liao Fan (Photo / Provided by Heyi Lifestyle Group)

As for the other Michelin brand, Tim Ho Wan, the plan is to open two more outlets this year, with Hsinchu being one of the considered locations. Since foot traffic is a key consideration, discussions are ongoing with the Far Eastern Group regarding the location. In principle, new Tim Ho Wan outlets will be located in department stores. For the two new brands, the expansion plan also targets two outlets this year.