Gory, Finger-Losing Fun? A Collection of Halloween-Themed Dining

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

With just days left until the fun and freaky Halloween, many hotels have already launched a variety of spooky or wacky dishes to celebrate the occasion. Among the most shocking offerings is The Regent Taipei, which—following last year’s (2015) severed arm burger—is this year (2016) introducing a “head cracked and bleeding” cake. Even though you know it’s fake, the hyper-realistic effect makes it hard to take a bite.

▲ Head Cracked and Bleeding Cake. (Photo / Provided by The Regent Taipei)

The Regent Taipei
The pastry chefs at The Regent create bizarre yet delightful treats every year, such as “Eyes That Won’t Blink” and “The Silent Earthworm.” This year, they’ve taken the fright factor to a new level with the “Head Cracked and Bleeding Cake.” Made with fondant to resemble the texture of a brain and a chocolate shell for the skull, the dessert also features realistic laver “hair.” It's displayed on the dessert counter for guests to help themselves. Cutting into the head is definitely a test of bravery.

▲ The Regent Taipei’s “Secret Garden” will present an intricately designed “Halloween Limited-Edition Two-Tier Afternoon Tea Set.” (Photo / Provided by The Regent Taipei)

The Regent Taipei
From October 17 to 31, The Regent Taipei will unveil a delicately crafted “Halloween Limited-Edition Two-Tier Afternoon Tea Set” in its “Secret Garden.” Co-created by French Executive Chef Bernard Noel and Pastry Chef Yawen Tu, the set offers a balanced mix of savory and sweet items—including salmon tartare, luxurious mini lobster sandwiches with seasonal flair, duck liver pie, a fondant-covered magical pumpkin cake, an eyeball creation made with sesame paste and gelatin, a reinterpretation of the classic Mont Blanc as a “sprite gremlin,” a rose apple tart shaped like a blooming flower, and a deep, dark well disguised as a crispy walnut tart—all priced at NT$880 per serving.


▲ amba Taipei Ximending Yishè’s Halloween-themed meals. (Photo / Provided by amba Taipei Ximending Yishè)

amba Taipei Ximending Yishè
To welcome the boundlessly joyful Western holiday of Halloween, amba Taipei Ximending Yishè will offer a terrifyingly cute, scream-inducing “Blood-Curdling Bite,” “Walking Dead,” and “Pumpkin Bug Banquet” special set menu during dinner hours from October 29 to 31, 2016. Paired with a self-service salad bar, the set costs NT$680 for adults and NT$490 for children aged 6–12. Also available is the eerie yet glamorous “Berry Squint” signature cocktail, designed to challenge both visual and taste perceptions.

▲ Taipei Marriott Hotel has rolled out various Halloween-themed dining options. (Photo / Provided by Taipei Marriott Hotel)

Taipei Marriott Hotel
Taipei Marriott Hotel has recently introduced a range of cute and quirky festive offerings. In addition to pastries shaped like mischievous ghosts, Jack-o’-lanterns, and demon fingers, there are also cocktails like “Brain Juice” and “Trick or Treat,” along with non-alcoholic beverages including “Eyeball” and “Blood Plasma”—all providing a diverse selection of Halloween-appropriate refreshments.


▲ Taipei Shangri-La’s Halloween menu includes ghost finger cookies. (Photo / Provided by Taipei Shangri-La)

Taipei Shangri-La
Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Taipei’s L’Avenue Western Restaurant has prepared a variety of themed dishes to celebrate Halloween alongside its guests. The chef’s specially crafted “shocking” menu includes a ghost face pizza topped with homemade tomato sauce and black olive “eyes,” as well as playful desserts such as crispy, sweet pumpkin cookies, the Green Bat’s Gift wrapped in matcha chocolate, and soft, chewy ghost marshmallows.