Taichung Reservation-Only Japanese Wabi-Sabi Garden Restaurant

This restaurant, which has been open for some time, is most captivating for its ability to recreate the serene and slightly wabi-sabi atmosphere of a "small Kyoto in the mountains" right on the hillside of Taichung. The standalone black Japanese-style building paired with a karesansui rock garden instantly exudes a Zen vibe. What surprised me this time was how delicious their savory dishes turned out to be. The Garlic-Flavored #Peeled Chili Matsusaka Pork Pasta features a sauce with the mild spiciness and sweetness of peeled chili peppers, perfectly absorbed by the pasta. The Matsusaka pork is tender and chewy, offering a delightful fusion of Taiwanese soul and Italian zest in every bite. The #Basil Pesto Pine Nut Chicken Risotto has diced chicken that's easy to eat. Although the rice core isn’t as firm as I prefer, the flavor is rich, and the overall dish is quite enjoyable. The most impressive dish was the #Plum Sauce Crispy Fried Chicken. The crispy and fragrant exterior encases juicy meat, while the slightly sweet and sour plum sauce perfectly balances the oiliness, making it refreshing and irresistibly appetizing. Overall, although the location is a bit remote and not very convenient for those without a car, setting aside the transportation issue, both the ambiance and the food are excellent. I still highly recommend giving it a try. Plum Sauce Crispy Fried Chicken 200 Peeled Chili Matsusaka Pork Pasta 450 Basil Pesto Pine Nut Chicken Risotto 380 Green Plum Apple Sparkling Drink 200 Mixed Berry Lemon Lactic Acid Drink 200 / 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 / ✅ Karesan'en YEN KARESAN 📍 Address: No. 136, Section 2, Dongshan Road, Beitun District, Taichung City ⏰ Business Hours: 10:00-19:15 (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)