Summer 2025 Theme - "Memories of Midsummer": "饗 A Joy" Unveils 12 Seasonal Creations Inspired by Taiwan's Landscapes
TAIPEI, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As cicadas sing and lush greenery sways under the blazing summer sun, A Joy unveils its new seasonal menu for Summer 2025, themed "Memories of Midsummer." This limited-time collection features 12 exquisitely crafted dishes that blend traditional Taiwanese flavors with innovative culinary artistry. Highlighting the richness of local ingredients and culinary culture, the menu invites guests to embark on a refined summer feast infused with the poetic charm of tea and cooling delicacies.
A Culinary Journey into Taiwan's Summer Essence
Curated by Executive Western Chef Wei Jing-Zhen, the menu reimagines classic ingredients into elegant masterpieces. The signature Smoked Oyster and Yam Noodles features fresh oysters from Dongshi, Chiayi, delicately smoked to draw out their umami richness. Paired with silky yam noodles, powdered dried anchovy, and Penghu seaweed, the dish is served in a light, aromatic Japanese-style dashi broth—refined and deeply flavorful.
Another highlight, Oolong Watermelon with Bottarga and Cheese, reinvents a Taiwanese summer staple. Sweet watermelon is marinated overnight in oolong tea and paired with oolong-infused cheese, then topped with savory mullet roe—creating a sophisticated balance of sweetness, saltiness, and tea aroma.
The Swordfish Risotto with Seaweed showcases dry-aged mahi-mahi with bamboo shoots, lily bulbs, and a white wine crème fraîche sauce. Made with locally grown Hualien No. 26 rice—celebrated for its chewy texture and aromatic complexity—the risotto is simmered in bamboo shoot broth and garnished with Penghu seaweed for a refreshing oceanic finish.
A Poetic Dining Experience:
Summer Through the Lens of Classical Chinese Poetry
Drawing from verses such as "fragrant laughter evoking salivation" and "dining on ferns in quiet retreat," A Joy presents dishes that echo the elegance and serenity of nature.
Veteran Chinese Chef Zhan Xi-Sen brings depth and finesse to Taiwanese traditions with dishes like the Loofah Roll with Shrimp Roe Soup. Sliced loofah is rolled with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and purple yam, then simmered in a savory broth of loofah, clams, and ginger. Finished with a drizzle of shrimp roe oil and tied with fine carrot ribbons, this dish transforms humble ingredients into a refined oceanic experience.
The Vegetable Fern with Chicken Mousse offers a lighter option perfect for summer. Chicken breast is blended with tofu, egg white, and water chestnuts into a smooth mousse, simmered in a broth of chicken stock and Shaoxing wine, and served over poached fern leaves. The result is a nourishing, delicate dish suitable for all ages.
Cooling Sweets: Taiwan's Summer Bounty Reimagined
Inspired by beloved local desserts, A Joy debuts two refreshing creations. The Winter Melon and Grass Jelly Tart layers creamy winter melon custard with hand-brewed grass jelly and Chantilly cream in a crisp tart shell—nostalgic, modern, and rich in texture.
The Mojito Jelly Dessert Cup is a vibrant blend of coconut, cucumber, lemon, and mint jelly, topped with thin slices of green grape. This elegant dessert refreshes both palate and spirit—an ideal finale to a midsummer meal.
From savory to sweet, these 12 seasonal creations offer a vivid culinary expression of midsummer tranquility—set against a backdrop of dappled sunlight, tea aroma, and Taiwanese charm.
Tea Pairings: A Refreshing Finish to a Summer Feast
To complement its summer menu, A Joy collaborates with local tea artisans to offer two artisanal tea selections:
- "Red Dew" – Nantou Jin Xuan Black Tea
Grown in the mountains of Nantou, this Jin Xuan variety is known for its smooth body, subtle milk and honey notes, and lasting sweetness. Its mellow aroma and refined character offer a soothing, aromatic finish to any meal. - "Qing Yuan" – Nantou Wen Shan Baozhong Tea
Lightly fermented and gently roasted, this Baozhong tea retains a natural floral fragrance and sweet, smooth flavor. Its clear liquor and elegant aroma provide a calming, refreshing tea experience—ideal for warm afternoons.
Restaurant Introduction
From Taiwan with Love — A "Love Letter" to the World
Located on the 86th floor of TAIPEI 101, Taiwan's tallest skyscraper, A Joy is Taiwan's premier buffet destination. Spanning 1,835 square meters with 282 seats, the restaurant has been fully booked daily since its grand opening in July 2023.
The concept behind A Joy is to serve as a culinary "love letter" from Taiwan to the world. To symbolize this message, each guest receives a postcard they can write and send to anyone globally—A Joy will mail it on your behalf.
More than a restaurant, A Joy is an immersive experience blending culture, design, aesthetics, music, fragrance, and cuisine. It offers a six-sensory journey that showcases the best of Taiwan—an invitation to taste, feel, and share Taiwan's beauty with the world.
Reserve Your Table Now
饗 A Joy
Address: 86F, No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan (TAIPEI 101)
Phone: +886-2-8101-0111
Email: [email protected]
Online: https://www.klook.com/en-HK/activity/115483-a-joy/
SOURCE A Joy
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