Shin Yeh manager Jo Huang (
Shin Yeh has four outlets in Taipei specializing in Japanese food, with others serving Taiwanese or Mongolian roast. "The food at each outlet reflects the skills of the head chef there, and the decor and atmosphere are tailored for the specific location."
The food and beverage group has opened its newest Japanese food outlet at the new Fnac Future Center near Taipei Main Station. "We aim to provide high quality food in a buffet format," said director of operations Andy Roan (
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHIN YEH
The open plan kitchen-display tables behind which chefs in spotless whites work replenishing the food gives diners in this Shin Yeh outlet a sense of being catered to in a way that is becoming fashionable in up-market buffets. With its strong service culture, Shin Yeh has proved very successful at this.
Considerable care has been taken over presentation, and the amount of food out on the counter at any one time is kept to a minimum. This is especially effective with the sashimi, which always maintains a fresh, attractive look.
Other foods are also presented in a way that appeals to all the senses, with Japanese tidbits in elegant stoneware vessels. Some are really rather adventurous, such as yam salad or cooked black beans in sugar syrup -- both quite traditional but definitely not mainstream.
At the grill station, chefs work to turn out a steady stream of teppanyaki and the tempura is also freshly turned out, even if the batter isn't quite toothsome as that from a good a la carte establishment. But that is a minor complaint, for quality is outstanding overall, and the same spread ordered individually would cost considerably more.
The sweets have been nicely judged, with a number of Japanese twists on western deserts, now very popular, and also a number of local versions of Japanese favorites such as fruit jelly made with watermelon.
There are plenty of staff on hand to help you get the best out of your meal. If you aren't sure how best to mix the dip for the tempura, the chef behind the counter or one of the many service personnel will be there to help out.
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