During my recent business trip to Kaohsiung, I had the pleasure of staying at the luxurious Silks Club Hotel. The comfortable accommodations and sumptuous breakfast left all guests feeling pampered. I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit Ukai-tei, a renowned Tokyo restaurant now located in Kaohsiung. There, I indulged in the most exquisite high-end Wagyu beef set meal. It was definitely worth spending a leisurely two hours savoring every bite.
My connection with UKAI TEI feels serendipitous, and I consider myself fortunate to visit their overseas Kaohsiung branch for the second time, savoring their exquisite teppanyaki craftsmanship.
The anticipation builds as I step into the restaurant—a blend of Japanese precision and Taiwanese flair. The circular staircase leads me to a warm-hued interior, where understated elegance meets culinary artistry. Here, the chefs wield their skills on iron plates, transforming quality ingredients into masterpieces before my eyes.
The teppanyaki counter beckons, its sizzling grills promising a symphony of flavors.
If you’ve ever dined on authentic teppanyaki in Japan, you’ll undoubtedly notice that the concept of ‘fine wine paired with exquisite dishes’ is meticulously executed in the upscale restaurants.
Now, let’s delve into the heart of this experience—Typically, when savoring red meat, especially dishes like steak, red wine is the go-to pairing. However, when dining at Ukai Teppanyaki, we were highly recommended complementing our meal with Dassai sake, particularly the ‘Dassai Sparkling’ variant.
Forget the conventional norms; here, it’s not about red wine. Instead, the effervescent Dassai Sparkling takes center stage.
Feel delicate bubbles dancing on my palate, enhancing the umami of each morsel.
The first appetizer makes its grand entrance—a plate adorned with plump, succulent abalone. These luscious morsels elevate the humble steamed egg to a sumptuous culinary delight.
Truly, it’s a feast for the senses—each plump, succulent abalone nestled within the steamed egg bursts with authentic freshness and flavor!
The velvety-smooth egg custard is infused with rich abalone essence, and even the meticulously crafted serving bowls are exquisite. Most of the vessels, apart from a few porcelain ones, boast intricate shell sculptures.
For the appetizer course, diners have the delightful option of choosing between two dishes. As for me, I opted for the “Italian Lobster Salad with Olive Oil and Vinegar.” This culinary masterpiece ingeniously combines fresh vegetables, succulent pineapple, and tender shrimp, resulting in a harmonious medley that captivates the palate.
In the realm of Western-style salads, behold the unexpected delight: Taiwan’s fragrant bamboo shoots! This harmonious fusion of culinary cultures leaves one utterly astonished.
Milk enthusiasts are in for a treat with this one! Introducing the “Special Turnip Cream Soup”, thoughtfully crafted in two delightful variations: a classic, clear broth and a rich, velvety version infused with fresh cream. The result? An unprecedented and utterly unique flavor experience!
For the main course, behold the “Red Grouper with Saffron Sauce”: This exquisite dish embodies the very essence of tableside culinary artistry and unwavering dedication. At Ukai, the head chef graciously unveils the opulence of each ingredient before crafting every dish. The result? A symphony of flavors that pays homage to the bounty of nature.
Can you still discern the ingredients within that generous platter, or like me, have you been captivated by the luscious, egg-yolk-hued sauce? In Japanese cuisine, sauces are indeed the magical brushstrokes that sway the balance of flavors.
Today, our seating arrangement graces us with these elegant crimson leather armchairs—utterly comfortable to sink into. Facing the semi-open kitchen, the row of seats can accommodate approximately 20 guests, akin to a cozy private alcove.
Behold the master chef who graces us with tableside service. Can you guess what delectable dish he’s meticulously preparing? None other than the quintessential teppanyaki—complete with those irresistibly crispy garlic chips!
Behold the Australian Wagyu Ribeye—a meticulously chosen cut from naturally pasture-raised, premium Australian cattle. These purely herbivorous cows seem to possess a silk-like delicacy, elevating the dining experience to new heights.
Ukai Tei, for the first time, brings a fusion of teppanyaki and Japanese-style steakhouse to Kaohsiung. I had the privilege of witnessing it firsthand—the meticulous dedication of the chef as he personally prepares each dish tableside!
And the premium ingredients we savored this time were meticulously handpicked by the head chef himself—sourced directly from fish markets, local farms, and bountiful orchards.
Introducing the Chef’s Special Set Menu: A celebration of prime steaks, all while witnessing the head chef’s meticulous preparation right before your eyes at the teppanyaki grill. With each delectable bite, a profound sense of appreciation and wonder fills the air!
Not only a sake enthusiast but also a connoisseur of exquisite wagyu, I’ve savored the top-ranked Kagoshima and Miyazaki beef—the very best Japan has to offer. With discerning taste buds, I now relish this impeccably cooked piece of wagyu, where the balance of flavors and perfect doneness meet.
UkaiTei, all the way from Japan to Taiwan, pays meticulous attention to even the tableware, exuding a sense of quality! Every piece is imported directly from Japan. And this particular main dish at UKai Kaohsiung carries a rich backstory as well.
Garlic Butter Fried Rice
Prepared by sautéing garlic slices in rich, melting butter, and seasoned with premium, delicate sea salt, this dish brings out the subtle sweetness of the rice.
UKAI pays meticulous attention to every detail. When you see the dessert presentation, your body can’t help but make room for a second stomach—all in anticipation of those sweet treats!
The ornate decorations and variety of desserts transport food enthusiasts to a Parisian patisserie—a delightful haven for sweet connoisseurs!
Traditional French Gummies, available in both raspberry and lemon flavors, are petite and effortlessly delightful. Their visual appeal is utterly charming, and their taste is sweet without being overwhelming.
This delightful pastry exudes a robust and classic French charm. Its flavor profile is rich and sweet, crafted from pure ingredients: fresh milk, eggs, and sugar. The outer layer, baked to a crisp and fragrant deep coffee hue, is particularly irresistible.
Baked to perfection, the madeleine sits atop our heads like a regal crown. This taste, fit for royalty, is accessible even to us commoners. It truly feels like pure bliss.
From a towering platter of desserts, I selected my favorite French treats: soft caramels, madeleine cakes, and delicate cookies. This ensemble of French delights truly warms my heart.
Ukai’s handmade desserts are beloved in Japan. Crafted from top-quality ingredients, they offer a luxurious taste experience that can’t be found elsewhere. These unique and creative recipes are truly a culinary delight.
With a fork, take a delicate bite of cream, its softness mingling with the airy chiffon cake. In that moment, the flavors melt and blend on your tongue, soothing every dessert-craving heart.
