Yamaya Restaurant 293, JiangGung Rd., Da Jia Town, Taichung County Tel: (04) 2676-1105 Hours: 12 noon -2 pm; 6 -9 pm

Yamaya Restaurant: Da Jia's Gourmet Heaven

By Cheryl Robbins Translation and photos by Rachel Chiou

Da Jia (Tachia) is a thriving coastal town, home to most of the island's bicycle and bicycle component manufacturing industry. However, before Yamaya opened in May last year, local business people often encountered the problem of where to take their clients for lunch or dinner.

       Huang Hsueh-sheng, a town resident and self-professed gourmet, saw the need for an upscale restaurant in this area. He and several friends, all interior designers by trade, worked to create this comfortable but elegant dining space. Sculptures and unique art pieces are scattered throughout the two-floor building. Many of these are from Mr. Huang's personal collection while others were created by local artists.

       The menu features Japanese and South Pacific cuisine and changes seasonally. The seafood is guaranteed to be fresh, as the chef goes to nearby Taichung Port to purchase the daily catch.

The sashimi was beautifully presented on a large Vietnamese lacquer tray and the slices and lobster were so fresh that they melted in my mouth. This was followed up by several courses that included Japanese favorites, such as shrimp and vegetable tempura, along with a unique addition, durian tempura. One creative and delicious dish, a casserole, included a mix of bamboo, meat, seafood and vegetables, baked and covered in melted cheese and served in a bamboo dish. Seafood lovers will fall in love with the lobster soup which includes large chunks of lobster meat served in a miso broth.

       For those who are not partial to seafood, there are meat dishes such as the lamb with mint jelly. Menu items can be ordered individually, or as part of a set meal. Simple set meals range in price from NT$120 to NT$220 and include a main course (such as salmon, pork cutlet and cod filet), soup and salad. There are also more elaborate set meals that range in price from NT$360 to NT$880.

       If you happen to be in Da Jia on business or visiting one of the local beaches, make sure to include a meal at Yamaya. This is one restaurant where you can enjoy small town hospitality, great food and an elegant dining atmosphere for very reasonable prices.