Turandot

BY Monica Lin Translated by Ann Lee Photos by Jimmy

5, SihWei 4th Rd , LingYa District, Kaohsiung City; (07) 338-1658
Hours: 8 pm-4 am
Credit cards accepted.
Smoking section.
Chinese & English menu.

Turandot is a trendy, sumptuous cigar bar. It's not easy to miss as you drive along SihWei 4th Road, especially with its showy iron, carved-pattern windows on the outside, which compliment each other in black and red colors, and exude out a type of retro-glam ambiance, making passers-by wonder what is going on inside.

Open in Kaohsiung for eight years, Turandot works in cooperation with Taiwan liquor and wine company Huan-Sheng, to become the only supplier and tasting venue in the whole Kaohsiung area for Macallan straight malt whisky. Turandot is not only a great place for a lot of well-known corporations to hold their parties, but also is a spot for music lovers who enjoy a comfortable setting. Other than that, Turandot also provide space for rental, and events such as birthday parties or announcement parties can all be held here. They also provide planning services for your whole event.

Apart from the selection of Scotch whiskey available here, you can also try other alcoholic beverages and cocktails, not to mention diverse, exotic cuisine including steaks, Chinese/Western-style specialties, available until 3 a.m. Beef Tartare (NT$280) is pliable but tender. The Japanese-style Grilled Steak (NT$360) and dainty Oyster with Garlic (NT$300) are also worth trying. At Turandot, guests can enjoy live piano jazz from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every night. Tunes from age-old English love songs or Taiwanese easy-listening songs take you right back to earlier years, to revive old experiences or dreams. Come and relax at Turandot, either for a quick drink or just to catch up with friends. To thank their patrons for their support, every year, Turandot Lounge holds a golf tournament, and welcomes all to participate and enjoy something more energetic.

Turandot sounds like some place worth checking out, doesn't it? If you are sick of partying your head off night after night, then come to this cigar bar for a relaxing change. (Minimum charge is NT$380 from Sunday to Thursday, and NT$500 on Friday and Saturday.)