Author / Photographer Chih-Yi Chen
Penghu (澎湖) is a collection of islands in the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China. Penghu County is one of Taiwan’s 13 counties and is made up of around 64 islands. Due to its geographical advantage of being surrounded by the sea, fisheries, and fish farming are key industries that many local people rely on for their livelihoods. Moreover, it serves as the foundation for the development of Penghu’s tourism. Of course, seafood has become the most abundant and distinctive food, serving as the biggest highlight in Penghu. However, as you Google or read travel books about Penghu seafood restaurants, you will not find it easier to locate these two dining destinations. Our selection of the best restaurants draws from both local and tourist favorites, making your mouth water.
Addict Restaurant （隱餐廳）
Located in Magong City on the main island of Penghu, Addict Restaurant is the best brunch option after a 40-minute flight from Taiwan to Penghu. The restaurant offers high-quality seafood for brunch and dinner, utilizing local and seasonal seafood ingredients as well as agricultural specialties. Combined with Italian-style Western cooking techniques, they avoid overcooking and retain the natural flavor of the ingredients. This unique approach leaves a lasting impression.
When the first set was served, as someone who typically dislikes seafood, I realized why people are willing to wait for a month to visit. The first dish was “Eggs Benedict with Cold Smoked Penghu Sea Bass”, a combination of raw dory wrapped in half-cooked poached eggs and topped with ponzu bonito hollandaise sauce, served on muffenberg bread. Although the various components seemed conflicting, they created a gourmet, fresh, and amazing experience. I couldn’t believe how enjoyable the set they provided was.
The second dish, ‘Crispy Grilled Sea Snail with Cream Dressing Roll,’ is made with thin, crispy filo pastry wrapped around a shrimp-flavored cream sauce. The sauce is crafted from a mix of sea snail, dog shrimp, and white beard shrimps. Additionally, it incorporates Penghu’s unique pickled vegetable (高麗菜酸) to enhance the dressing.
Addict Restaurant, which began as a food truck selling fish and chips and whole fish hamburgers, later expanded to manage a brunch shop. Over the past eight years, it has garnered popularity, owing its success to an unwavering commitment to using the freshest, seasonal ingredients. This dedication aligns with their original purpose for opening the restaurant: “Just eating real food.”
Brasserie Lucienne （露露法式餐館）
The global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to dramatic challenges, resulting in job losses for many. However, for Brasserie Lucienne, it presented an opportunity to embark on a nomadic venture. French chef Julien initially planned to open a restaurant in Penghu, but, due to the creative ideas and suggestions of his Taiwanese wife Missy, they collaborated with Penghu B&B (Bed and Breakfast) and tourism operators, launching a five-star private caterer culinary journey across Penghu.
The advantages of a French chef’s in-home private kitchen compared to managing a restaurant include freedom, flexibility in scheduling, and a better ability to cater to consumer needs. Currently, Brasserie Lucienne offers several services, including a chef’s choice menu for 4-8 adults, BBQ grilling featuring high quality Australian Full Blood Wagyu Tomahawk, and Tapas Tasting, among others.
On the chosen day, we opted for the chef’s choice menu. Starting with the first appetizer, “Oyster with passion fruits”, fresh and succulent oysters are sourced by Julien in the morning from the market, preserving the oysters’ freshness.
The second cuisine was a special crab bisque served with slices of French baguette. Timing my visit to Penghu during the Autumn crab season, the combination of Western-style bisque and bread is a comforting and heartwarming dish.
For the third course, the highlight was the Australian Full Blood Wagyu Tomahawk, known for its tender and juicy meat. The unique feature of Australian beef is its lean quality with less fat, a choice Julien insists on. The meat was prepared in the purest way, allowing for a solid yet tender texture.
In addition to the chef’s team providing service at the B&B, Lulu, the soulful figure of the restaurant and the chef’s daughter, was also accompany us. Many thanks for providing such a delightful feast, giving me and my teammates a wonderful evening!
At Brasserie Lucienne, they not only provide private catering but also sell burgers, French bread, and traditional handcrafted French sausages. I can’t wait to visit Brasserie Lucienne again and see LuLu once more!
If you are interested in their services, please feel free to contact Julien via Facebook or E-mail.
【Information】
Addict Restaurant
ADD No. 47, Linsen Rd, Magong City, Penghu County, 880
Hours Mon. to Thu. 11:00 am- 14:00 pm 5:30 pm – 21:30pm, Wed. Closed, Thur. -Sun. 11:00 am- 14:00 pm 5:30 pm – 21:30pm
Brasserie Lucienne
E-mail: [email protected]
