Zuhause

By Sean Cooper Translated by Ann Lee
Photos by Leif

(07) 281-6729
282, RenYi St, Kaohsiung City
Hours: 11:30 am-2 pm,
5:30-9 pm (closed Mondays)
Credit cards not accepted.
10% service charge.
Chinese/English/German Menu available.

If you're around JhongShan and WuFu and feel like grabbing a bite at Cucina, you'll be surprised to find the new, charming Zuhause, in its place. This German-Italian fusion restaurant has been open since May and has a modern menu, focusing on Taiwanese tastes. That's not to say there isn't anything traditional on the menu, only that the owner and Chef, Freddy Sun, caters to what Kaohsiung customers want.

Zuhause's well designed interior is minimalist and modern. Both floors and the small, outdoor patio are tasteful and inviting. Although of Chinese descent, Freddy grew up near Hanover, Germany. He has been a chef for eight years, went to culinary school in Germany, and apprenticed for three years in both Germany and England. His concept for Zuhause is "freestyle cooking." Although the menu has many set meals, Freddy is happy to let the customer make small changes to their order. He says it's sometimes a challenge to introduce new tastes to Koahsiung, and he wants to give patrons as many choices as possible.

These include an authentic Pork Lemon Schnitzel (NT$150) and some stellar German sausage with a healthy portion of sauerkraut (NT$160). Both meals come with salad and a choice of well-seasoned mashed potatoes or handmade German noodles. On the Italian side, I recommend the pasta piccata; thin-sliced chicken breaded with parmesan cheese and eggs, lightly pan fried and served on a bed of spaghetti in tomato sauce. He also serves some of the best hot creme brulee in the city.

Zuhause is a modern and chic restaurant, but, as the name means in German, after eating here it will give your stomach that at-home, cozy feeling.