Deep-fried peony

Pin It

We're in Taipei for a few days while we do some celebrating, and first up is Foursheets' birthday. When I asked her if there was anywhere she'd like to go, I was glad she chose Mudan Tempura (牡丹 • 極上 天ぷら). On our first visit 3 years ago, we were absolutely floored by the quality of our lunch. The technique was very, very good, and the execution on some of the items was nothing short of perfection. In the back of my mind, I had always wanted to find an excuse to return, as it is clearly the best tempura restaurant I have dined at outside Japan. Well, here was my chance!

As usual, the chefs presented the ingredients to be used for our meal before we started. We noticed immediately that there was something on the menu that we don't eat, and we asked for a substitution. We were also offered an extra course of matsutake (松茸), but once I was told they come from Vancouver, I turned this down. We were the only cheapskates who said "NO"...