Flash Trip to Taiwan Day 1

It has been almost a year since I last went to Taiwan.  This was an adhoc trip.  A friend made a booking at an omakase restaurant a year ago and she has extra seats.  So, got a ticket and flew to Taipei for the the Michelin 1 star omakase experience. 

However, a trip to Taiwan would not be complete without bubble tea.  There are bubble tea outlets on every block.  Taiwanese love their drinks.  Went to Macu Tea (Eat 72). 99.9% of the time, the bubble teas in Taiwan are better than the ones in Hong Kong.  Any random place is good over there.

Then headed to Sushi Akira (Eat 73).  It is a Michelin 1 star Japanese restaurant.  As describe in the Michelin guide, it is "best known for Edomae sushi made with the chef’s precise blend of red vinegars and the finest fish aged according to his experience."

It is an omakase restaurant, so there is no menu.  Lunch set it TWD 3500 and dinner set is TWD 4500.  This place is extremely difficult to get a table, needing at least 1 year advance booking.

Every dish was a piece of art.  I am not really a fish person and usually only eat salmon or tuna at a Japanese restaurant as other sashimi usually has a really fishy taste.  However, the chef at Sushi Akira completely changed my impression on fish.  The chef explained that there should be absolutely no fishy smell if the fish is fresh and well prepared.  So, it turns out I don't hate fish.  I just hate the ones that aren't fresh.

Ended the day by just chilling at the hotel.  Stayed at Mandarin Oriental.  Nice to be greeted by some sweets.

Points on map:

Eat 72 - Macu Tea

No. 190, Section 3, Xinyi Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

Eat 73 - Sushi Akira

No. 6-3, Lane 25, Shuangcheng St, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491