There is a famous Chinese saying “High above there is heaven and on earth there is Soochow and Hangchow” Hangchow is heavenly – surrounded by scenic mountains and lakes and studded with a myriad of exquisite gardens and homes. The city is also renowned for its delicious cuisine and wonderful romantic folklore about many of the dishes.
Over 800 years ago, China was ruled by the Northern Sung Dynasty whose capital was Kaifang. The Northern Sung Emperor was captured by barbarians, so his brother fled and moved the capital to Hangchow, declaring himself Emperor of the Southern Sung Dynasty. The noble families with their chefs followed, bringing with them their skills of preparing the stronger northern cuisine which was soon influenced by the distinctive southern cooking style which specialized in fish and crustaceans. The uniqueness of Hangchow cuisine, therefore, is that it is a true blend of both northern and southern styles.
Mr. Stanley Yen, President of The Ritz Landis Taipei, became personally involved in ensuring that this restaurant offered a unique style of Chinese cuisine. After much research, he invited the renowned Chef of the famous Tien Hsiang Lo restaurant in Hong Kong, Mr. Han Tung-chuan to be Advisor at the hotel’s Chinese restaurant. Chefs from The Ritz Landis were also sent to Hong Kong and China to study with him.
Mr. Han was a pupil of Mr. Mung Yung-tai, the Master Chef and owner of the original Tien Hsiang Lo in Hangchow. He is now an authority of Hangchow cuisine in his own right, respected in Mainland China as well as Hong Kong. Through his guidance and the skill and creativity of our own chefs, Master Chef Kenny Liao and Chef Yang Kuang Tsung of The Landis Taipei Hotel are proud to offer you authentic Hangchow cuisine in an elegant dining atmosphere.
We hope you will enjoy the delicacies of this very special cuisine and these unofficial legendary tales about some if the more famous dishes.
