SHIN YEH @ TAIPEI 101

A branch of one of the most established dining groups of Taiwan, this restaurant has something that its sister outlets don’t have: a covetable location on the 85th floor of Taipei 101. From its address, one would presume it can be accessed via the building’s mall, but you have to enter the office tower lobby, take an escalator to reach the reception desk, where – after confirming your booking with the maitre d’– you take an elevator to the 60th floor to change to another elevator for the restaurant. There are several eateries on the same floor, too, so be ready to encounter crowds of diners on your way up. All is forgiven on arrival, as the interior of the restaurant is very elegant, and the view is spectacular. Our deep-fried baby oysters with basil (NT320/$10.70) were perfectly crusty on the outside and full of flavor inside, while the wok-seared chicken with basil and ginger in claypot (NT680/$22.90) was hearty and with very tender meat. The minimum charge per head is rather high, however, at NT880 ($29.60) for lunch, NT1,280 ($43.10) for dinner and NT1,800 ($60.60) for a window-side table. BT