
Gazpacho, tapas and more Andalusia fare delight diners in Taipei
Have you ever been to Andalusia? A restaurant in Taipei is offering popular dishes from the autonomous community in Southern Spain. FTV reporter Stephany Yang takes us in for a taste!
First up is Andalusian spiced beef rice. The chef begins by sautéing chopped onion and garlic in olive oil. Next, he adds ground beef, followed by a diced red bell pepper and warm spices. Then, he stirs the rice in its beef broth. The mixture is brought to a gentle boil, covered, and then left to simmer on low heat.
Camilo Cheng
Restaurant founder
We are all familiar with the famous Spanish dish, paella. But in the southern region of Andalusia, the culinary traditions are deeply influenced by Islamic culture and dietary practices. Therefore, you’ll notice that the cooking techniques and ingredients differ from the typical seafood-based paella most people think of when they think of Spain. Instead, dishes here often feature ground beef, minced meat, and chickpeas—ingredients commonly found in Islamic cuisine. The spices and seasonings are also stronger than those in paella. At this restaurant, you can enjoy this rice dish that originates from Andalusia itself, offering an authentic taste of southern Spain.
Andalusian cuisine reflects a rich tapestry woven from its Moorish heritage, Mediterranean climate, and a deep-rooted farm-to-table tradition.
Other dishes on offer at this restaurant in Taiwan includes Spanish-style sausage croquettes, braised beef cheek with smashed potato, crispy potatoes with shrimp and aioli, Cadiz-style fish stew, gazpacho and Andalusian shredded chicken and pork with chickpea.
Camilo Cheng
Restaurant founder
My favorite is the famous Spanish cold tomato soup, gazpacho. You might think, "Isn’t that found all over Spain?” Not really. It originates from Andalusia. It’s one of the most iconic and representative dishes of the region. While different places in Spain is rich in diverse cultures and ingredients, this time we’re highlighting Andalusia in particular. It’s renowned not only for its cuisine but also for flamenco and the world-famous landmark, the Alhambra Palace. They have been passed down through generations because Andalusia was once under Muslim rule.
Andalusia, Spain’s southernmost autonomous community is renowned for flamenco, fiestas, and open-air tapas nights. This restaurant in Taipei aims to bring a slice of Andalusian spirit to Taiwan.
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2025-09-17