Aroma lingering for over 30 years – 5 selected Japanese restaurants with deep roots in Taiwan

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Japanese cuisine is a must-have on any foodie’s list, but restaurants that have operated for over 30 years are rare and often referred to as “time-honored establishments.”ETtoday EBChas handpicked five Japanese restaurants across Taiwan with histories exceeding 30 years. Whether in decor or cuisine, they all offer a rich traditional Japanese flavor that makes you feel like you’re truly in Japan.

▲ Kamei-en. (Photo / Reporter Huang Sheng-min)

1. Kamei-en
Taiwan’s top choice among time-honored Japanese restaurants is none other than Kamei-en, located in Taipei’s Ximending. Established in 1946, this restaurant boasts a 70-year history. Its strong Japanese ambiance is a nostalgic memory for many who grew up eating here, and it is even hailed as the originator of Taiwanese-Japanese fusion cuisine. From fast food, sushi, to omelets, it offers a wide variety of dishes. The signature black tuna sashimi features a vibrant red hue, firm texture, and melts smoothly in your mouth—absolutely delightful. It’s truly deserving of being called a legacy establishment.

Address: No. 47, Emei St., Wanhua District, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2331-0377
Business Hours: Mon–Sun: 11:00 – 21:00
Facebook Page

▲ Tien Tsai Japanese Cuisine. (Photo / Screenshot fromTien Tsai Japanese Cuisine (Wuchang Branch) Facebook Page)

2. Tien Tsai Japanese Cuisine
Located in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District, Tien Tsai Japanese Cuisine has been around for nearly 60 years. The moment you step inside, you can feel the old-school charm. The classic wooden menu board—a staple in Japanese eateries—is also present here. Netizens recommend the oden here, which stands out by using a slightly soy-sauced broth instead of the usual sweet dashi, giving the ingredients a savory twist. The soaked oden items take on a uniquely rich flavor. For main dishes, try the pork cutlet rice or tempura with not-too-thick breading.<，分量及质感兼具，CP值相当高。

Address: No. 6, Lane 16, Section 1, Wuchang St., Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2371-2873
Business Hours: Mon–Sun: 11:00–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Facebook Page

▲ Fuwu Japanese Cuisine. (Photo / Screenshot fromFuwu Japanese Cuisine Facebook Page)

3. Fuwu Japanese Cuisine
Craving a Japanese set meal? Fuwu Japanese Cuisine won’t disappoint. Praised by netizens for its great value, the restaurant offers different dishes based on price tiers, yet all are so generous that you don’t feel like you’re eating from a lunchbox—more like enjoying a multi-course meal. Guests can also opt for their signature boat sushi, where an entire boat is filled with a variety of sushi paired with fresh sashimi for an ultimate satisfying experience.

Address: No. 189, Section 2, Minzu Rd., Tainan City
Phone: (06) 228-1752
Business Hours: Mon–Sun 11:00–14:00, 16:30–21:00 (Closed Wed)
Fan Page

4. Ko-en Japanese Restaurant
With nearly 50 years of history, Ko-en Japanese Restaurant enjoys a certain level of fame in Kaohsiung. Their fried shrimp sushi wraps the whole shrimp in the rice, balanced by lettuce to counter the richness of the fried ingredient. The restaurant also serves Cantonese-style stir-fried noodles, a common sight in traditional Japanese eateries. The noodles pair perfectly with the savory sauce, and the aroma of the stir-fried dish hits you as soon as you take a bite. This rare combination of Cantonese stir-fried noodles with other Japanese dishes gives Ko-en Japanese Restaurant a uniquely distinctive style.

Address: No. 176, Wenwu 2nd St., Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: (07)251-2103
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00–14:00 & 17:30–21:30

5. Rido Japanese Restaurant
Looking for an affordable yet classic Japanese restaurant? Rido Japanese Restaurant near Taipei Main Station has stood strong for over 70 years thanks to its reasonable prices and quality offerings. The highly recommended Moonlight Udon features chewy udon topped with seaweed and a raw egg yolk. When you pierce the yolk, it flows onto the noodles, paired with shredded fish cake for added texture. The best part? This satisfying main dish comes at an affordable price—no wonder it’s maintained its charm for over seven decades.

Address: No. 50, Yanping S. Rd., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2311-7649
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00–21:00