Michelin broadens its scope to include New Taipei City and Hsinchu in its coverage.
In an exciting development for Taiwan's culinary scene, the Michelin Guide has expanded its coverage to include Hsinchu City and Hsinchu County. This marks the third round of expansions in Taiwan for the prestigious guide, following the additions of Taichung in 2020 and Tainan and Kaohsiung in 2022.
Hsinchu County, known as the heartland of the Hakka group, offers a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is renowned for its distinctive local specialties, particularly its rice noodles, according to the Michelin Guide. The county's vibrant culinary scene, featuring traditional Hakka cuisine, is set to be showcased in the upcoming Michelin Guide Taiwan 2023.
Meanwhile, Hsinchu City and Hsinchu County are two distinct entities, each with its unique personality. The city, while not yet specifically highlighted in the guide, is expected to offer a unique culinary experience that complements the county's offerings.
The Michelin Guide Taiwan 2023 will be unveiled on Aug. 19 in Taipei, and it is anticipated that several standout dishes and restaurants will be recognised with the Bib Gourmand distinction in New Taipei City, Hsinchu City, and Hsinchu County.
In New Taipei City, the Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls in Taipei's Tonghua (Linjiang Street) Night Market have been mentioned, including Golden Fried Chicken, known for its heavily battered, deep-fried chicken, and Yu Pin Yuan Fire & Ice Tangyuan, famous for its unique and highly praised dessert offering of glutinous rice dumplings served hot atop cold shaved ice.
Additionally, the Taoran Ting Restaurant in Songshan District, Taipei, was awarded a Bib Gourmand in 2023 for its quality and value, particularly noted for its excellent Peking Duck.
For Hsinchu City and County, no specific Bib Gourmand restaurants or dishes are identified in the current data. However, additional direct Michelin Guide Taiwan sources or updated local listings may be required to obtain that information.
The Bib Gourmand list will also feature restaurants in New Taipei City, Hsinchu City, and Hsinchu County. Evaluation for this year's selection will be based on anonymous visits by Michelin's trained inspectors, who assess restaurants based on five globally recognised criteria. The guide has extended its coverage to global readers on its official website, introducing the three areas (New Taipei City, Hsinchu City, and Hsinchu County) and their culinary delights.
Seasonal favourites in both regions include rice noodles and savoury Hakka dumplings. New Taipei City is described as a haven for seafood lovers and culinary adventurers by the Michelin Guide. With the addition of Hsinchu City and Hsinchu County, Taiwan's culinary landscape promises to be even more diverse and exciting. Stay tuned for the full list of Bib Gourmand selections, to be announced on Aug. 12.
The unique culinary experiences in Hsinchu City and Hsinchu County, along with the diverse food offerings in New Taipei City, are expected to enrich the diverse and exciting lifestyle associated with Taiwan's food-and-drink scene. Travelers visiting these regions can look forward to sampling a variety of seasonal favorites, such as rice noodles and savory Hakka dumplings, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the areas.
