HOME CENTRAL TAIWAN DINING

COMPASS MAGAZINE May 2012
　

	Lyachu raises the bar for authentic dim sum By May Chen Translated by Angel Pu 327, MeiCun Rd, Sec 1, West District (04) 2301-2899 Hours: 11 am-2 pm, 5-9 pm NT$5,000 minimum bill (private dining hall) Credit cards accepted. 10% service charge. Parking available. In order to stand out among Taichung's abundance of Hong Kong-style restaurants, Lyachu's Chef Hu uses his culinary skills to develop traditional-yet-creative Hong Kong-style dim sum delicacies. According to Hu, most dim sum dishes are labor and time consuming to prepare, adding that true gourmands will understand the authenticity of such items when dining at his restaurant. The chef also believes his culinary team's constant efforts to make improvements, together with their creativity, is the biggest reason Lyachu draws so many repeat customers.
	Lyachu's beautifully-designed exterior and inside dining area, its high-end sound equipment, delicious cuisine, and reasonable prices make it one of the most popular wedding and banquet venues in Taichung.
	Developed by Chef Hu, the exquisitely-made Business Lunch Set (NT$220) features over seven items, including Chinese Yam Tofu, Steamed Fish, Pork Chop, Fried Rice with Shrimp, Custard Bun, Seafood Chinese Vermicelli, and Almond Tofu. The restaurant also provides more expensive lunch and dinner sets for individual diners that are priced between NT$580 and NT$1,080.
	A favorite of smaller families, the Table Set (NT$800/3-4 people, available weekday lunches/dinners) includes four entrees, one seasonal vegetable and a soup, which diners can select from among 30 menu choices, with added extra dishes costing NT$150 each. According to Chef Hu, the top four popular choices are Thai Seafood Salad, Pineapple Shrimp Balls, Sweet and Sour Fish, and Salted Egg and Sponge Cucumber. Lyachu is also very famous for its seafood cuisine, with the kitchen crew very good at making common dishes like Pineapple Shrimp Balls that have a different flavor not found in other restaurants.
	Another table set meal-only dish recommended by the chef is the Mushrooms and Abalone on Pottery Plate.
	French Lamb Chops (NT$90/each), with its crispy skin and juicy meat, tastes more delicious with French Mushroom Sauce.