Three Michelin-starred hopefuls unite: A new culinary hotspot not to be missed by foodies

Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Situated on Taiwan Boulevard, J-Mall shopping center, after a comprehensive renovation, has introduced three Michelin-starred restaurants, creating a new gourmet paradise in central Taiwan and an Asian Michelin restaurant street. More renowned eateries will join in the future, bringing together top Asian dining brands to offer food lovers in central Taiwan even more choices.

Originally planned as a multi-level parking lot by Cheng Ching Hospital, business operators saw the potential of the foot traffic from the Taichung Industrial Park, Tunghai University, and nearby BRT stations, along with the lack of dining options in the area, and transformed the first floor of the parking structure into a shopping mall. The mall has brought in well-known brands such as TASTY and Red House, and later welcomed three Michelin restaurants at once — “Tim Ho Wan,” “Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Chicken Rice,” and “Tsuta Ramen” — sparking a food court boom.

Once hailed as the world’s most affordable Michelin restaurant, Tim Ho Wan has held a Michelin one-star rating for six consecutive years. Its dim sum is steamed to order with a focus on high-quality ingredients. The must-try “Four Heavenly Kings” include the Baked BBQ Pork Bun, Pork Liver Sausage, Malaysian Sponge Cake, and Pan-Fried Radish Cake.

Not only the world’s first bowl of ramen to receive Michelin one-star recognition, but also holding the one-star rating for both 2016 and 2017, “Tsuta” incorporates French elements such as rosemary and porcini mushrooms into its Japanese-style ramen. The fusion of Eastern and Western culinary essence is one of the key features behind its success.

Liao Fan Hong Kong Soy Sauce Chicken Rice Noodle is the world’s first hawker stall to receive a Michelin one-star. Its signature dishes include soy sauce chicken, char siu, roast pork, and pork ribs. It has also specially launched plain noodles for the Taiwanese market, while keeping prices as affordable as those of street food stalls.