Taipei, Taiwan: Yu Shan Ge; restaurant review

Yu Shan Ge  1F, No. 14, Beiping E Rd, 02-2394-5155. 

Beautifully appointed and decorated, this upscale restaurant aims for perfection in serving an accomplished and lovely vegetarian Kaiseki Cuisine.  Dairy and egg products can be eliminated upon request.  Black satin tablecloths and matching bibs are provided, probably because the well-to-do people who come here want to protect their expensive clothes.  Presentations are stellar, with some items being enhanced by flowers, plants, or burl-wood platters.  

ordering from menu at Yu Shan Ge in Taipei, Taiwan

In the interest of good health, no alcohol is served.  For my drink, I chose orange juice.

My set meal, which cost approximately US$65 and included nine courses,

began with a finger bowl that looked good enough to eat,

and continued with:
1-creamy chestnut and red dates soup with truffle

2-elaborate cold appetizer plate decorated with konjac sashimi, yam, perilla, gingko berries, and various vegetable delicacies

3-white sesame cashew balls with crispy lotus root batter

4-stewed green bamboo horn covered in miso sauce and fresh pine nuts

5-cup of vintage rice drinking vinegar mixed with herbs and red date

6-hericium mushroom filet (grilled, then baked) served with curry sauce, fresh seasonal vegetables, and boiled corn

7-rice ball with red yeast

8-herbal soup broth with fresh mushrooms, bamboo sprouts, and red dates

9-dessert with fresh fruit

Someone in my group commented about how we were served too much food.  I felt we were presented just the right amount and was impressed that such a refined vegetarian meal could be so filling, especially with no bread or alcohol.  Overall, this was a divine dinner in lovely surroundings. 

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images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers