[2025 Taichung Hotels] Travel Guide for The Carlton (Taichung) (Updated Oct)

Address: No. 61, Zhongming South Road, West District, Taichung City 403 Atmosphere/Facilities: Simple, bright and convenient Features: The hotel is located very close to Guangsan SOGO, with convenient transportation and numerous businesses around, making it very convenient for eating and staying. There is a coffee machine and water heater in the lobby on the first floor of the hotel, where you can freely get coffee and tea, and you can also enjoy breakfast the next day here. The room is a little small but fully equipped with all the necessary amenities. The hotel is very suitable for both business trips and travel! Price per person: 800 Rating: 8 #Carlton Hotel #Guangsansogobusinesscircle #Call the Grass #Taichung

#9月好去地方2025 Forchetta blends local ingredients, garden herbs, and European techniques into a no-menu set menu. With minimalist presentation and layered flavors, Forchetta lets you savor the four seasons of Taichung. • Restaurant: Forchetta • Address: 2F, No. 36, Huizhong 7th Street, Xitun District, Taichung City (Entrance across from Huizhong 6th Street) • Phone: 04-2255-8111 (Hours: 10:30 AM–11:30 AM/3:30 PM–5:30 PM) • Hours: 12:00 PM–2:30 PM; 6:00 PM–9:30 PM (Reservations accepted online, seating available within 14 days) • Price Range: No menu, set menus in the $$$ price range; prices vary depending on season and ingredients (based on availability). A Brief History | A Restaurant That Puts "Garden and Table" in the Same Sentence Forchetta is located in Taichung's Phase 7, headed by Chef Max Tseng. A lover of gardening and local ingredients, the cuisine is a contemporary European take on Taiwanese terroir. The Michelin Guide review notes that the restaurant offers a set menu with a choice of two main courses, and that its handmade pasta paired with Taiwanese sauces is particularly outstanding. Its understated appearance attracts those who know the place well. It has been awarded a Michelin star since 2020.  ⸻ My On-site Route | Turning Photos into a Set Meal ① Welcome and Atmosphere Daylight streams in through large floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a balance of wood and stone. After sitting down, enjoy a glass of bubbly or white wine. The greenery outside and the reflections on the glass set the mood perfectly. ② Appetizer Rhythm: Light, Fragrant, and Crisp The first bite often opens with seasonal fruits and vegetables, herb oil, and acidic flavors: citrus slices, herb shreds, and cereal chips, awakening the palate and resetting the taste buds. ③ Seafood: Delicate yet unobtrusive The fish dish on the white porcelain plate in the photo was the highlight of my meal. The fish, preserved at a low temperature, retains its translucence, then is drizzled with refreshing oil and herbs. The first sip is the sweetness of the seawater, followed by the oil spreading across the tongue, leaving a clean finish. My description for this dish is: quietly delicious. ④ Noodles and Main Courses: Layering the Layers Forchetta's handmade Italian pasta is incredibly durable—the noodles are chewy, and the sauce is light yet rich. For the main course, I chose either the lamb or beef dish (depending on the day's offerings). The photo shows the perfect cross-section of the meat, and the accompanying bitter vegetables and fermented elements keep the main theme from becoming cloying. The plate may seem empty, but every bite is thoughtfully prepared. ⑤ Desserts and Canapés: Reclaiming the Aroma Desserts often use herbs, citrus, and cream to round out the flavors. Paired with a glass of sparkling or semi-sweet wine, they offer a relaxing end to the meal. The key word at this restaurant is rhythm: from refreshing to rich, from straightforward to layered. Without overdoing it, the emotional ups and downs of each dish remain memorable. ⸻ Recommendation (Why it's worth a reservation) 1. One Michelin star: Consistent quality, clear creative logic, and no disappointments with a single set menu. 2. Local ingredients: The "Taiwanese flavor" of herbs, fruits, and seafood is meticulously crafted. 3. Minimalist presentation, sophisticated flavors: The plating leaves room for subtle aromas, making this a rare restaurant where you can "get more absorbed the longer you eat." 4. Amazing wine list: Experienced sommelier, allowing for engaging conversations over glasses or with food. 5. Comfortable dining environment: Good lighting and comfortable seating allow for conversation without lowering your voice. 6. Steady service: Dishes, closing, and explanations are perfectly executed, ensuring a complete experience. 7. Convenient location: Near the National Taichung Opera House and the 7th Phase shopping district, you can plan a stroll or a bar before or after dinner. 8. Celebration-friendly: Notice birthdays/anniversaries in advance and we'll provide special touches like hand-pulled candy (please inform us when making a reservation).  ⸻ Practical Tips (Reservations, Seating, and Dress Code) • How to Book: Online reservations are preferred; for groups of four or more or reserved areas, please call. Seating is available within 14 days only; please refresh during popular times. • Hours: Lunch 12:00–14:30, Dinner 18:00–21:30; the restaurant has no fixed closing dates, but please refer to the official website for details. • Child Policy: To maintain the quality of the meal, preschoolers (under 7 years old) are not accommodated. • Where to Sit: Window seats for two are most comfortable; if you value interaction, choose an area near the open kitchen. • Dress Code: Smart casual is ideal; strong perfume is not recommended, allowing the aroma to linger on the food and wine. • Getting There: Parking is plentiful in Phase 7. If you're staying at the Carlton Hotel Taichung or a Phase 7 hotel (such as The Lin/Sun Moon Millennium), the area is within walking distance or a short taxi ride. ⸻ Photography Tips (Capture Photos with Your Phone) 📸 • Bright Window: Place the plate 1/3 of the way up the table, using the window light as the main light for soft, natural shadows. • Wine Glass Close-up: Hold the wine glass at a 45° angle to frame the bubbles and cork, adding to the storytelling. • Overhead Shot of Main Course: Slightly reduce exposure by 0.3EV for a cleaner meat color; leave the side dishes at the edge for white space. • Portrait: Sit by a window, turn the subject 45° toward the light source, for a more translucent skin tone. ⸻ Review (with address!) Forchetta Address: 2F, No. 36, Huizhong 7th Street, Xitun District, Taichung City (opposite entrance: No. 15, Huizhong 6th Street) | Phone: 04-2255-8111 | Hours: 12:00 PM–2:30 PM, 6:00 PM–21:30 PM (reservations accepted online, guaranteed within 14 days) Comment: This is a meal that becomes increasingly tranquil as you eat. My favorites are the seafood appetizer and the main course's finale: a beautiful interplay of light, fragrant, bitter, and sweet. The wine list perfectly complements the vanilla and citrus notes. If you prefer extravagant presentation and massive portions, this may not be your cup of tea; but if you want to spend over two hours immersing yourself in the flavors, Forchetta is worth a special trip. ⸻ Nearby Areas | Turn a Meal into a Wonderful Afternoon • National Taichung Opera House Sky Garden: Enjoy a post-dinner stroll and cloud-gazing, just a ten-minute drive away. • Calligraphy Greenway/Audit Village: Enjoy a leisurely stroll and a coffee break for the hipsters. • Restaurants: Carlton Hotel Taichung, The Lin, and Sun Moon Millennium are all nearby. For a second drink, a hotel bar is the easiest choice. ⸻ True Conclusion My favorite part of this meal was the balance between white space on the plate and the intensity of flavor: it looks simple, yet tastes layered. Sitting by the window, the sun shone on my wine glass, the greenery swayed outside, and the chatter was like being enveloped by a cotton blanket. When the waiter brought the final dessert, you'd notice that time had quietly slowed down—and that's exactly why I'd return for Forchetta. Forchetta | National Taichung Opera House | Qiqi Shopping District | Carlton Hotel Taichung | The Lin | Sun Moon Millennium #Taichung #Forchetta #MichelinOneStar #Taichung #QiqiFood #NationalTaichungOperaHouse #TaichungTravel #TaichungFood #WinePairing ✨

#September2025 At Sushi Suzuki Kosuke (Kosuke Edo-mae Sushi), you'll sit closest to the food—watch the chef prepare the fish, feel the rhythm of the rice and vinegar, and savor the four seasons of the ocean in over 20 sections. • Restaurant Name: Sushi Suzuki Kosuke (currently known as Kosuke Edo-style Sushi) • Address: No. 392, Huamei Street, West District, Taichung City 403 (Call Points Living Area, near many hotels and within walking distance of the Carlton Hotel) • Phone: 04-2320-2155 (Reservations by phone or online recommended) • Hours: 12:00–2:30 PM; 6:00–21:30 PM (Closed Mondays; subject to on-site announcements) • Price Range: NT$2,000+ per person (Lunch and dinner set menus vary; varies by season and seating availability) • Reservations: Limited seating, reservations required; some times require a deposit. If seats are unavailable, please call to reserve a table. Background | Edomae Spirit + Local Taichung Life Owner Suzuki Kosuke adheres to the authentic Edomae style, focusing on the perfect seasoning of the fish, the temperature of the rice, and the "one-bite, one-dish" rhythm. The restaurant has amassed a long-standing following of locals and visitors. In recent years, it has continued to operate as "Kosuke Edomae Sushi," maintaining its close-up explanations and meticulous taste control. This isn't a show featuring a lavishly presented set menu, but rather a performance where time is the seasoning—the fish transforms its character every 30 seconds from the refrigerator to your hand. My Meal Warm-Up Opening—Dashi and Small Flavors A clear cup of kelp/bonito broth awakens the palate, followed by a small bowl of appetizers to refresh the palate. From the naked to the big belly The tuna trio in your photo is quite dramatic: • Nakadashi: The soy sauce brings out the iron and acidity, serving as the opening bass. • Mid-belly: The fat and acidity are balanced, like the main melody. • Big belly: It melts in your mouth, and the rice vinegar "tightens" the fat, leaving a clean finish. Stringing these three together, you can precisely feel the temperature and firmness of the rice and vinegar; the big belly's grip fine-tunes according to the state of the fish, which is my favorite part. The Transparency of the White Tuna For the white tuna (flounder/sea bream that day): Brush it with a light soy sauce or sea salt, bringing out the minerality of the tail. Chew twice, and the aroma of rice emerges, like a window opening in your mouth. A Little Toy—Salmon Roe Cake The small bowl of **salmon roe (ikura)** and sliced ​​white tuna is perfectly salty, bursting with sweetness, like a short song inserted into a long poem. Hokkaido Scallops: A Moment of Love Your photo captures the chef shaping the scallops into a heart shape and handing them over—a creamy, sea-sweet exterior, yet a testament to the meticulous cooking and skill of the cutter. A bite of this will often elicit a small gasp from the neighboring table. The Finish and Sweetness The tamagoyaki and clear soup complete the meal, bringing your palate back to balance. If you happen to enjoy a seasonal dessert, remember to leave some room for it. After the entire set, the three things I valued most were the precise doneness of the fish, the vinegar-to-salt ratio of the rice, and the warmth of each bite upon your hand. These three points were consistently consistent that day. ⸻ Why It's Worth a Trip (8 Reasons to Recommend) 1. Super close proximity to the plate: You can clearly see the knife strokes, seasoning, and kneading rhythm. 2. The consistency of the cooked texture: The skin, white skin, and shellfish rise and fall in a continuous pattern, making it easy to enjoy without feeling greasy. 3. Clear but not lengthy explanations: The chef and waitstaff will explain the origin and cooking methods, with a perfect pacing. 4. Hidden "delicate touches": Small touches like heart-shaped scallops and a small bowl of salmon roe add a touch of ceremony. 5. Excellent rice: The vinegar is crisp and the grains are distinct, bringing out the sweetness when paired with the fatty fish. 6. Flexible pricing: Lunch and dinner set menus vary; the starting price is relatively affordable, starting at over 2,000 (depending on seasonal fish prices). 7. Relaxing location: Located in the Huamei Street and Calligraphy Greenway neighborhoods, it's perfect for a post-meal stroll or a late-night meal. 8. Reliable reservation system: Both online and by phone are available, ensuring a high success rate for last-minute reservations. ⸻ Reservation and seating tips (real and practical) • Choose "banmae": For your first visit, be sure to sit in "banmae," as the interaction and pace are quite different. • Time: Lunch is easier to grab a table; dinner offers a wider selection of fish and a more focused atmosphere. • Budget: Think about your desired level of dining experience. If you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary, let us know in advance; they often include thoughtful details in the dessert or presentation. • Deposit and Cancellation: Some dates require a deposit; last-minute cancellations are often non-refundable, so be sure to check the rules. • Allergies/Ingredient Intolerances: Please note any food allergies/individual intolerances (e.g., shellfish, crustaceans, alcohol); changing them at the last minute can disrupt the flow. • Attire: Since there's not much space in front of the board, it's recommended to wear light perfume or no perfume, leaving the aroma to the fish. ⸻ Photography and Etiquette (Make the atmosphere more appealing) 📸 • Photography: • Take a photo within 10 seconds of the nigiri sushi being served to prevent it from escaping the heat. • Use the wood grain of the bar counter as a backdrop and zoom in to enhance the appearance of the fish. • Video: If you want to film the chef kneading the nigiri, ask in advance; avoid holding your phone over your food containers. • Dining pace: Chef serves → Eat in one bite → Drink a sip of tea to refresh your palate; don't wait for your tablemates. • Volume: This is a place where you can hear the blade of the knife and the grain of rice, so keep your voice down. ⸻ Review (with restaurant address!) • Sushi Suzuki (Xingjie Edomae Sushi) Address: No. 392, Huamei Street, West District, Taichung City 403 | Phone: 04-2320-2155 | Hours: 12:00–14:30, 18:00–21:30; Closed Mondays. My review: This meal lacks over-the-top festivities, but each bite is perfectly executed. The transition from the naked to the full belly, the translucency of the white meat, the surprising heart-shaped scallops, and the consistent vinegar rice and temperature control—this is a place you'll want to return to. Price Recommendation: Lunch and dinner set menus start at NT$2,000+, subject to seasonal changes and seating availability; special set menus are negotiable (price determined on-site). Suggested Route (What to Do Before and After) • Lunch: Stroll along Calligraphy Greenway/Qinmei Parkway → Dine → Walk to Fantasia/Audit Village for coffee. • Evening: Stroll around Model Market → Dine → Walk back to the Carlton Hotel or along Taiwan Boulevard to your hotel for a relaxing evening. Factual Conclusion I like to think of itamae nigiri sushi as a "focused practice." At Suzuki Kosuke, you'll remember not just the taste, but every perfectly timed moment—the moment the fish leaves the ice, the salt settles on the surface, the warmth of the rice enters your palm, and the moment you finally fold it. The moment you take a bite and look up to meet the chef's gaze, that tacit understanding is the most captivating part of this experience. Check-in Locations & Hashtags Sushi Kosuke Suzuki | Kosuke Edomae Sushi | Calligraphy Greenway | Eslite Spectrum Green Parkway | Audit Village | Carlton Hotel #Taichung #SushiSuzuki #Kosuke Edomae Sushi #Itamae Sushi #Edomae #Taichung Cuisine #Calligrass #Omakase 🙌🏻