Discover the Soul of Sesame Oil: Top Picks from the 2025 Traditional Culinary Competition

Sesame oil isn’t just an ingredient in Taiwanese cuisine—it’s a story steeped in tradition and flavor. For the 2025 Sesame Oil Culinary Competition, ten standout restaurants have been handpicked to showcase their mastery in the traditional category. Spanning from the bustling streets of Taipei to the vibrant cityscape of Kaohsiung, this exclusive list features everything from Michelin-starred gems and luxurious five-star hotels to cherished local favorites and culinary hotspots. Each kitchen brings its own twist to sesame oil dishes, capturing the spirit and artistry that make these flavors unforgettable. Come along with Kinnso as we explore the heartfelt passion and unique flair behind these culinary creations!

In Taiwan, few ingredients are as cherished as sesame oil—a true staple that resonates deeply with locals. Extracted from black sesame seeds, this fragrant oil is more than just a cooking essential; it’s a beloved symbol of Taiwanese heritage. Especially treasured during the colder months, sesame oil not only warms the body but also stirs up heartfelt memories of family and home. Its rich, nutty aroma has been part of every Taiwanese person’s journey, making it one of the island’s most iconic traditional flavors.

If you’re craving a taste of home with a touch of elegance, the Family Banquet Chinese Restaurant at Taipei Kaida Hotel is the place to be. This spot is all about serving up comforting, homestyle dishes made from the freshest local ingredients. What’s truly special here is how they blend cooking styles from Taiwan, Cantonese, and Shanghai traditions, crafting flavors that feel both familiar and exciting. Every dish is carefully prepared, highlighting the quality and freshness of the ingredients to make your dining experience genuinely memorable.

Imagine savoring a bowl of chicken soup crafted from the legendary 'Xincheng Black Sesame Oil' brand, simmered gently for eight hours to create a rich, creamy white broth. Tender slices of chicken soak up the flavors beautifully, while the subtle sweetness of sugarcane and a medley of fragrant herbs bring a fresh twist to this classic sesame oil chicken. The result? A perfectly balanced soup that's delightfully juicy without any greasiness. The harmony of aromatic herbs and deep, nutty sesame oil makes this dish an absolute must-try—a true taste of authentic Taiwanese comfort food!

If you’re on the hunt for an authentic taste of Taiwan, Shanhai Lou is a must-visit. This gem has proudly held a Michelin star for seven years running and boasts the prestigious Michelin Green Star for five years—recognition of its dedication to sustainability and quality. What sets Shanhai Lou apart is its deep respect for tradition: the chefs have mastered age-old Taiwanese cooking techniques, preserving flavors that might otherwise be lost to time. Every dish here isn’t just food—it’s a story, a bridge connecting younger diners to Taiwan’s rich culinary heritage, while introducing these genuine tastes to food lovers around the world.

Imagine starting with whole, free-range ancient chickens, simmered slowly to create a deeply flavorful broth that forms the heart of this dish. Then, there’s the star ingredient: black sesame oil, cold-pressed from traditional roasted sesame seeds, roasted over hard wood to bring out its rich, nutty aroma and thick texture. Next, we take organic glutinous rice from Hualien and cook it gently with slices of aged ginger and earthy shiitake mushrooms. This mixture is simmered over low heat before being steamed, allowing the rice to soak up every bit of the broth’s essence. The magic happens step-by-step: first, ginger and shiitake mushrooms are sautéed in the fragrant black sesame oil until their aroma fills the kitchen. Then, tender chicken and morel mushrooms join the pan, frying until they turn a beautiful golden brown. A splash of rice wine, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar are added, infusing the dish with layers of savory and sweet notes. Finally, this savory blend is combined with the glutinous rice and steamed to perfection, resulting in tender chicken and plump, chewy rice that offers a rich, multi-dimensional flavor journey with every bite.

If you’re looking to experience Chinese hospitality at its finest, The Guest House at Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel is a must-visit. This award-winning spot masterfully combines the bold, spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine with the refined, delicate techniques of Huaiyang cooking, resulting in dishes that are both unique and unforgettable. Step inside, and you’ll be transported to the serene Jiangnan water towns, thanks to the restaurant’s stunning design featuring mirrored corridors, shimmering reflections, and gently flowing curtains. It’s a perfect blend of modern flair and vintage charm. More than just a meal, dining here feels like coming home, wrapped in the warmth and elegance of Eastern tradition and hospitality.

Imagine this: premium Japanese Koshihikari rice, gently soaked in fragrant rice wine, then kissed by the rich aroma of pure black sesame oil and warm, aged ginger. The magic begins in a cast iron pot, where the rice and wine release their comforting heat. Next, tender chicken joins the party, along with a splash more rice wine. The rice is stir-fried to perfection before being slow-cooked for a full thirty minutes, until each grain shines with a translucent glow. As the rice soaks up the flavorful broth, it creates an irresistible blend of sesame oil and wine aromas, delivering a truly authentic taste that stays with you long after the last bite.

If you’re on the hunt for authentic Northern Chinese flavors without breaking the bank, Yu Chuan Zhen Pin An He Store is a must-visit. Since opening its doors in 2017, this spot has proudly carried forward the tradition started by its original Nantun location back in 2008. Known for its mouthwatering Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and succulent meat noodles, the restaurant masterfully blends high-quality ingredients with a rich mix of culinary influences. The result? A wholesome, satisfying meal that feels both comforting and fresh—perfect for anyone craving genuine Hu-Chuan cuisine at a great price.

Imagine savoring Peking duck that’s fresh, tender, and carefully raised in Changhua—known for its low fat and high nutritional value. This duck undergoes an electrical slaughter and freezing process that trims away excess fat but keeps the meat’s pure, authentic flavor intact. The magic begins with cold-pressed black sesame oil, which gently teases out the warm aroma of aged ginger. This fragrant blend then meets a rich black bean soy sauce for a slow braise, allowing every flavor to harmonize perfectly. The resulting broth bursts with a deep duck essence, while the meat soaks up the sauce’s rich notes, offering a natural, subtle sweetness. It’s a brilliant marriage of classic taste and modern health-conscious cooking that’s sure to delight your palate!

Perched on the 9th floor of the Kaohsiung Han Lai Hotel, Fuyuan Taiwanese Seafood Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Taiwanese flavors. Here, you’ll find a fresh catch of the day, brought straight from the local fishing port to your plate. The chef’s signature creations have earned a loyal following, with dishes like Spicy Bass Stir-Fried Noodles and Vinegar Shrimp shining all year round. These timeless Taiwanese favorites aren’t just delicious—they’re a wholesome taste of tradition.

Discover a Fresh Take on the Classic Three-Cup Chicken! It all starts with sautéing ginger and garlic slices in fragrant sesame oil, filling the kitchen with an inviting aroma. Then, tender free-range chicken thighs hit the pan, stir-fried to release their delicious scent. The magic continues as Kaohsiung Jiaxian black plums are gently simmered in, infusing the dish with a unique sweet and tangy twist. To finish, chopped scallions and chili peppers are tossed in, adding a vibrant kick just before serving. The rich, nutty fragrance of sesame oil blends harmoniously with the bright, sweet-and-sour notes of the black plums, creating a flavor sensation that dances on your palate. This savory broth, layered with a subtle sweetness, offers a heartfelt nod to the beloved flavors of traditional Taiwanese cuisine!

For over three decades, Qinqing International Banquet Catering Group has been a mainstay in the banquet scene, expertly weaving together the best culinary traditions from across regions. Their unique approach combines the heart and soul of classic Chinese cooking with a fresh, international twist, creating a vibrant Taiwanese cuisine that feels both nostalgic and exciting. It’s this innovative style that’s winning over younger food lovers and putting Taiwanese flavors on the world map. Step inside, and you’ll find an atmosphere buzzing with global energy, yet every dish stays true to the rich, authentic taste of Taiwan.

Imagine the rich aroma of authentic black sesame oil mingling with the zing of fresh ginger, as succulent Pingtung shrimp meets traditional Kinmen vermicelli in a delightful dance of flavors. The vermicelli soaks up the savory broth, creating a silky texture with just a whisper of wine’s warmth. Ginger slices add a cozy, spicy note that beautifully balances the shrimp’s tender sweetness. This dish is a harmonious blend of deep, layered flavors and inviting scents—light, nourishing, and far from greasy. It’s a true celebration of Taiwanese seafood heritage combined with the wisdom of traditional dietary therapy!

If you find yourself in Sanxia, New Taipei City, a visit to Chuxin Chushi is a must. For nearly ten years, this charming spot has been delighting diners with top-notch Chinese cuisine. What sets Chuxin Chushi apart is its dedication to sourcing fresh, local ingredients and expertly blending the rich flavors of Shanghai with the unique tastes of New Taipei. The chefs here don’t just cook—they craft each dish with care, tweaking the menu seasonally to keep things fresh and exciting. Add in the cozy, inviting atmosphere, and you’ve got the perfect place to enjoy authentic, home-style Chinese flavors that feel like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Get ready to treat your taste buds to a luxurious blend of land and sea flavors! This dish stars tender black pork neck and succulent abalone, all brought to life with the rich aroma of Yunlin black sesame oil, gently sautéed over low heat. The magic happens through a careful seven-step process: soaking the ingredients in broth to soak up deep flavors, gently cooking and frying scallops to perfection, dry frying glutinous rice to elevate the classic oil rice technique, high-temperature frying to seal in the meat’s irresistible fragrance, and finally steaming everything to create a harmonious finish. This sophisticated take on traditional sesame oil cuisine delivers a mouthwatering fusion that’s sure to captivate any food lover!

Step into Shànxīn, where a passionate team brings Taiwanese cuisine to life in a way that feels like pausing a beautiful moment in time. Their mission? To blend the heartfelt warmth of traditional Taiwanese hospitality with a fresh, creative twist. Using an intriguing formula they call "5 flavors × 22 proportions," Shànxīn reimagines classic dishes by marrying innovative cooking methods with locally sourced ingredients. The result is a dining experience that offers an authentic and unforgettable taste of Taiwan’s rich culinary heritage.

Once the glutinous rice is steamed to tender perfection, it’s lovingly combined with sautéed shallots, dried shrimp, and shredded mushrooms, filling the air with a deep, inviting aroma. The star of the dish is the Yilan cherry duck, stir-fried with fragrant sesame oil and ginger until it’s crispy and bursting with flavor. This succulent duck is then layered atop the rice cake and steamed together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. A cherished recipe handed down by master chefs, every bite offers the nutty warmth of sesame oil paired with the soft, chewy rice cake—truly a delicious trip down memory lane.

If you’re looking for a dining spot that blends style with substance, Lixiang Garden at Kaohsiung Fuhua Hotel is a must-visit. During the week, guests rave about the fresh salad bar paired with carefully crafted main dishes, while weekends transform the space into a lively all-you-can-eat buffet extravaganza. The restaurant’s soaring ceilings and generous natural light create an inviting and sophisticated vibe, perfect for a relaxed meal. Adding to the charm, the atrium garden features captivating art installations that play with light and shadow, making your dining experience truly memorable. Plus, the talented five-star chef team puts on a culinary show that keeps things exciting every time you visit.

Imagine biting into a century-old tradition with a twist—Tainan’s handmade pineapple cakes form the crispy, golden outer shell of this unique dish. These cakes are gently pan-fried in fragrant sesame oil at a low temperature, creating a perfect crunch outside while keeping the inside soft and tender. Nestled in the center is a delightful mix of fresh eggs, ginger slices, and dried longan, cooked just until the egg yolk is luxuriously semi-runny, releasing a rich, inviting aroma. To brighten things up, crisp fresh lettuce is added, offering a refreshing contrast that lifts the whole experience. This dish is a brilliant fusion of classic flavors and inventive flair, delivering a harmonious blend that’s both surprising and satisfying!

Step into Tang Yuan Chinese Restaurant at the Far Eastern Hotel, where Chef Tsai Kuan-Cheng masterfully blends time-honored Chinese traditions with a fresh, modern twist. Here, every dish tells a story—crafted from locally sourced organic vegetables and the freshest seafood from Hualien, all chosen with the seasons in mind. Chef Tsai artfully combines flavors from Sichuan, Cantonese, and Taiwanese cuisines, honoring each ingredient with care and passion. Dining at Tang Yuan is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor a sophisticated culinary journey deeply rooted in Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage.

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender Shoufeng free-range chicken thighs, perfectly paired with sticky Hualien glutinous rice. This dish gets its irresistible aroma from aged ginger, gently steamed to lock in all the flavors. Each grain of rice is plump and satisfying, while the chicken remains juicy and full of character. The rich scent of Taiwanese sesame oil is carefully toasted to bring out a deeper, more complex taste, creating a mouthwatering glutinous rice cake. It’s a beautiful harmony of premium local ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques, where every bite bursts with the comforting texture of the rice and the springy tenderness of the chicken—truly a delicious tribute to classic Taiwanese cuisine!

Feeling hungry after exploring these 10 standout restaurants that specialize in sesame oil dishes? From the bustling streets of Taipei to the vibrant food scenes of Kaohsiung and Hualien, each spot brings its own twist to the beloved traditional sesame oil flavors!
Whether you crave the comforting classic sesame oil chicken soup or want to dive into creative new sesame oil-inspired dishes, these eateries have got your cravings covered. Sesame oil cuisine isn’t just about the taste—it’s a heartfelt reflection of the warmth and care Taiwanese families pour into their cooking. So, next time you’re in Taiwan, make sure to drop by these gems to savor authentic sesame oil treats and soak up the rich culinary culture that makes Taiwan truly special!

【2025 Sesame Oil Cuisine Arena】 For the full list and more details, check out the eBook here: https://www.tw-cuisine.tw/2025sesameoil/