Matsusaka Tei Steak

Mastsusaka Tei (樂軒松阪亭)is a wonderful Japanese BBQ style restaurant in Taipei’s Xinyi (CBD) district serving exceptional meats especially beef. As their namesake suggests - they specialise in the best beef in world ie the Matsusaka beef. Having had Hanwoo in Korea a few months back, I can confirm Matsusaka is better.

Everyone, every server is very able and deft at grilling the delicate slices on your platter. Definitely one of the best steak houses I’ve been to in recent years. Overall , Taiwan is very friendly with Japan - and the warmth of their relationship comes through - not just here in Matsusaka Tei - but also the other Omakase and Japanese offerings available en masse.

There are two cooking options- charcoal grill or sukiyaki. I went for the fire. But the other tables savouring steamy slices of beef were making guttural noises of satisfaction as well.

Matsusaka is a ‘fit’ cow - just marbly enough, yet still maintaining a level of tenderness and succulence at least on parity with the best Wagyu or Hanwoo I’ve ever had. It gives the feeling of ‘lightness” - in Chinese we say ‘zhai’. That feeling of queasiness after too much fatty food. this strikes the perfect balance.

Beef tartare, caviar & sea urchin. Perfection - 9/10

Matsusaka beef, the best in the known world - 8.5/10

Matsusaka NY strip - 8.5/10

NY strip with egg

NZ lamb with rosemary - 7.5/10

Australian beef - 7.5/10

Australian beef noodles - 7.5/10

Sweet endings - kyoho grape pudding

Total damage NT$4,840 for their ‘Best in the World’ Omakase set and 2 local beers.