RAW (by Andre Chiang)
Build a trip to Taipei
About
As one of Taiwan’s most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants, RAW is a 'bistronomy' concept by Chef Andre Chiang that redefines Taiwanese identity through avant-garde French techniques. The interior is an architectural marvel, featuring massive, flowing wooden sculptures that double as seating and counters. The sensory experience is a highly curated journey through Taiwan's twenty-four solar terms, with each dish telling a story of local terroir and childhood memories. Expert recommendation: Pay attention to the bread and house-made butter, which set the tone for the meticulous meal. Pro tip: This is arguably the hardest table to book in Taipei; reservations open exactly 60 days in advance at noon local time and usually disappear within seconds. Dress code is smart casual.
Highlights
- Avant-garde bistronomy concept
- Custom-sculpted wooden interior
- Innovative seasonal tasting menus
- Taiwan's most difficult reservation
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Miramar Ferris Wheel
The Miramar Ferris Wheel sits atop the Miramar Entertainment Park mall, making it a prominent feature of the Neihu district skyline. At 100 meters tall, it offers spectacular views of the Keelung River, Taipei 101, and Songshan Airport. The atmosphere is romantic and modern, especially at night when the wheel features a green neon light show that reflects the 'Butterfly' theme. The sensory experience is a smooth, slow ascent providing a panoramic view of the city’s northern developments. Expert recommendation: Opt for one of the transparent 'crystal' cabins for a thrilling 360-degree view, including right under your feet. Pro tip: It is a great alternative to Taipei 101 for those who want a moving view. The mall itself features a large IMAX theater and a wide variety of Japanese and local dining options.
Zhishan Garden
Located right next to the National Palace Museum, Zhishan Garden is a classical Chinese garden designed in the style of the Song and Ming dynasties. The garden is a masterpiece of landscape architecture, featuring pavilions, winding bridges over koi-filled ponds, and calligraphic inscriptions on stone tablets. The atmosphere is one of profound tranquility and scholarly elegance, designed to evoke the spirit of ancient literati. The sensory experience is defined by the gentle sound of waterfalls and the visual harmony of the carefully manicured pines. Expert recommendation: This is the perfect place to decompress after exploring the crowded museum galleries. Pro tip: If you have a ticket for the National Palace Museum, entrance to Zhishan Garden is typically free; otherwise, there is a very small fee (approx. 20 TWD). It is particularly atmospheric during the autumn months when the air is crisp.
National Palace Museum
Housing one of the world's greatest collections of Chinese imperial art and artifacts, the National Palace Museum holds over 700,000 objects spanning 8,000 years of Chinese history that were transported to Taiwan from Beijing's Forbidden City during the Chinese Civil War, including jade, porcelain, calligraphy, painting, bronze, and lacquerware of extraordinary refinement. The museum's most famous treasures—the cabbage-shaped jade carving (Jadeite Cabbage) and the Meat-shaped Stone—draw gasps of astonishment for their technical virtuosity, while the calligraphy collection and Ming Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain represent the finest examples of these art forms surviving anywhere in the world. The hillside museum's gardens and teahouses offer a peaceful complement to the overwhelming richness of the collections inside.
SunnyHills (Taipei Store)
SunnyHills transformed the pineapple cake industry by using authentic, tangy 'indigenous' pineapples rather than the sweeter winter melon filler. The Taipei store, located in the quiet Minsheng Community, offers a unique sensory experience: upon entering, every guest is invited to sit at a long wooden table for a complimentary piece of pineapple cake and a cup of hot Oolong tea. the atmosphere is warm, minimalist, and hospitable, feeling more like a private home than a retail shop. Expert recommendation: The signature pineapple cake with its buttery, shortbread-like crust is a must, but their apple cakes made with Japanese Kouyu apples are equally divine. Pro tip: There is no pressure to buy, but you almost certainly will. It’s a 15-minute walk from the nearest MRT (Nanjing Sanmin), so a taxi or bus is recommended. It is the gold standard for premium edible souvenirs.
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