Chai Jia Chai Charity Dinner
Chai Jia Chai, renowned for being the first fine-dining Cantonese omakase restaurant in Thailand, recently welcomed guests to a one-night culinary event. The occasion was a special charity tasting event, “Helping Hands for Taiwan: Earthquake Relief Charity Dinner,” held on May 2nd, 2024. All proceeds, net of standard venue fees, will be directly channeled to the Taiwanese government to bolster crucial relief efforts in Hualien, the city ravaged by a catastrophic 7.2-magnitude earthquake on April 3rd, 2024.
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This seismic event, the strongest to strike Taiwan in a quarter-century, inflicted widespread devastation, impacting homes, businesses, schools, and critical infrastructure alike. The projected expenditure for school reconstruction alone stands at a staggering 3.96 billion TWD (approximately 4.10 billion THB), underscoring the urgent need for assistance. The event provided attendees with an exceptional culinary experience while also enabling them to directly contribute to the rebuilding of lives and communities in Hualien.
Chai Jia Chai on Sukhumvit 31, is led by Chef Tsai Shih Wei, with two decades of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens worldwide. He even crushed IRON CHEF Thailand’s one-on-one battle with his innovative cooking style.
For this special occasion, Chef Tsai highlights his creativity and refined modern techniques by successfully marrying traditional Cantonese cuisine with familiar Taiwanese street food, transforming each dish into a masterpiece. Collaborating with the acclaimed Pastry Chef Kanin Bantunbut, from Michelin starred restaurant, Potong.
Chef Tsai and Chef Kanin meticulously curated the nine-course omakase extravaganza, which was a love letter to Taiwan. Alongside their obvious skills and creativity which exploded on the plate, guests were met with impeccable service and attention to detail, forming an unforgettable experience.
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Stepping inside, you’re greeted by black walls and crisp white tablecloths, creating a canvas of calm, and the gleam of geometric chandeliers overhead added a sense of modern elegance. I sat down to be greeted by a beautiful Chinese silk box.
Inside was a brilliantly crafted menu and as I glanced through the pages, anticipation bubbled within me. The ambiance and menu presentation hinted at the opulent journey ahead. The server introduced each dish before the presentation, by explaining the story behind the vision or showcasing key ingredients that inspired its creation.
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Every dish, from introduction to presentation was meticulously planned and a masterpiece. This was showcased in all nine courses, making it challenging to pick a favorite. However, some personal highlights included the oyster wrapped in golden crispy noodles, each served with its own tub of caviar!
The A5 fillet mignon inspired from Taiwan’s famous beef noodles also stood out. The beef was perfectly seared with a delicate crust that gave way to tender, juicy meat within. Paired alongside were meticulously sliced asparagus and water bamboo, serving as a nod to the ‘noodles’. A complementary sauce crafted with traditional of simmered beef bone broth and bean paste, resulted in a brilliant reimagination of the classic dish.
Even the theatrics of placing a waterlily in the hot golden clear soup to watch it bloom, revealed their hidden artistry. A true testament to Chef Tsai’s and Chef Kanin’s dedication to culinary innovation, skill, and creativity. From the menu presentation to the very last bite of the course, the whole journey was an unforgettable culinary journey.
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To elevate the experience further, two special cocktails featuring Taiwan’s iconic Kaoliang spirit and Kavalan single malt whiskey were served. The latter was served midway through the course and the former to complement Chef Kanin’s genius take on the famous pineapple tart.
His masterful reconstruction not only honored the essence of the classic tart but transcended it through diverse textures and temperatures. With a buttery crumb base, layered pineapple elements, and crowned with a quenelle of creamy ice cream.
Lastly, to commemorate the evening, all guests were given a house-made jar of xo sauce as a parting gift and perhaps to inspire our own culinary journey back home.
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In essence, Chai Jia Chai’s Earthquake Relief Charity Dinner was more than a culinary event. It was a testament to the power of food to unite communities and make a meaningful difference in the world. With each bite, guests contributed to earthquake relief efforts in Taiwan, embodying the spirit of compassion and solidarity.
As guests departed, their hearts and stomachs full, they carried with them xo sauce and memories of an unforgettable evening spent in the pursuit of both gastronomic excellence and social responsibility.