A new dining hot spot along Taichung's 'Other Canal District'

By Lin Fu-shan
Translated by Angela Cheng

In recent years, Taichung City Government has targeted a neighborhood bordering the tree-lined DaRong East and West streets as one of its community development projects, beautifying and "greening" the local environment and conducting restoration along the Feng-shu River. The all-new look and feel for this DaRong East/West Canal District (not to be confused with the HuaMei-HuaMei West street Canal District) has filled it with a fresh cultural fragrance and led a new prosperity brought on by an influx of new businesses and customers.

Here, the lush branches of banyans along DaRong Canal, seem to reach as high as five-floor buildings on either side. Near the canal, senior citizens and other local residents regularly do tai-chi and other exercises or enjoy performances at the Xin-rong and He-cheng plazas, with other centers of activity being the Pumin Meditation Center and centuries-old "tu di gong" (earth god) temple. A market also sells breakfast, fresh vegetables, clothing and other items on the Xin-rong Plaza from 6 to 8 a.m.

He-cheng village chief Tian Gui-yu says that a community development association was founded in 2003 to enhance the local environment and quality of life for residents. And the Fu-de Shrine, established in 1810, houses the earliest earth god of Hecuozhuang (in Xintun District) and attracts many worshipers with its elegant, quiet setting and "green" tunnel.

This tranquil, beautiful community, not far from the new Taichung City Hall, WenXin Road or Taiwan Boulevard, is also home to a significant, growing number of attractive international restaurants, many of which are noted below.

3. Soul Kitchen

59, DaRong West St, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2326-5870

Offers light, healthy set meals, including breakfast, tea time and dinner options, all made with creative elements.

4. Yi Xin Store & Yi Xin Kitchen

137, DaDun 17th St, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2310-8659

A combination of wine store and French fine dining establishment with periodic wine-tasting events.

5. Tian Mu Sheng Xin Kitchen Bar

28, DaRong East St, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2329-8148

Breaking the stereotype of a French-European upscale restaurant, Kitchen Bar mainly offers country-style cuisine and creates a warm and cozy dining environment.

6. Yu Kitchen

130, DaDun 18th St, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2320-7799

This cute, cozy cat-themed restaurant serves healthy and delicious light meals, breakfast, hot pot, and Chinese and Western set meals.

7. Joyce Mom

191, DaDun 18th St, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2320-6687

The owners promote happy, pure living via lovingly-prepared home-style food, including brunch, light meals, desserts and cake.

9. Ping 18 Bistro

118, Da Dun 18th St, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2328-2203

Uses fresh ingredients to create Japanese-French fusion cuisine, including Japanese hamburgers and pasta.

10. Fede

108, DaDun 17th St, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2328-1218

The decor here is filled with modern, exotic elements, and the food includes good-flavored pasta entrees, steaks and pizza.

11. Oh! Sweet

53, DaRong West St, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2326-3013

Starting out as an online dessert store, this place is among a few American-style shops in Taichung serving various flavors of pizza cookies, brownies, specialty desserts, meal sets and cocktails.

14. Chuan Xiang Yuan Vegetarian Restaurant

69, DaRong West St, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2319-3530

The signature dishes here are the Shanxi "cat ear" sliced noodles and stuffed dumplings.

16. Taiwanese Pig Head Mixed Vegetable Noodles

49, DaRong West, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2310 -2113)

Serves traditional Taiwanese snacks, plus "railroad-style" lunch boxes and pork oil mixed rice on weekdays.

20. Pomi John

24, DaRong West St, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2328-2001

The relaxed atmosphere of a clothing store and European-style food truck are found in this combination clothing shop and to-go dessert bar, selling various flavors of Belgian waffles and iced coffee.