MINIMAL (restaurant)
| Minimal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 2021 |
| Owner(s) | Sur (restaurant) |
| Head chef | Arvin Wan |
| Food type | Ice cream and frozen deserts |
| Rating | A Michelin star |
| Street address | No. 16, Lane 133, Section 1, Meicun Rd, West District |
| City | Taichung |
| Country | Taiwan |
| Coordinates | 24°09′07″N 120°39′45″E / 24.151901692596883°N 120.66238281183809°E |
| Seating capacity | Take out on first floor and 20 seats on second floor |
| Website | surcuisine |
MINIMAL is a restaurant in Taichung, Taiwan, which focuses on ice cream and other frozen dishes; it is currently the only Michelin starred ice cream parlor in the world. The restaurant has a ice cream parlor to go on the first floor and a twenty-seat dining room on the second floor.[1]
History
[edit]MINIMAL was founded by Chef Arvin Wan. Wan is a native of Taichung who studied at the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism (NKUHT). Following time spent working at traditional restaurants and an ice cream parlor Wan opened a restaurant named Sur with his friend and fellow NKUHT graduate Lin Yi-hua where Wan managed the dessert side. In 2021 Wan opened MINIMAL although he continued to be active at Sur which was awarded a Michelin star in that year.[2] According to CNN, "The name refers to the nominal number of elements in ice cream – from sugars to proteins – that create its smooth texture, as well as the aesthetic style."[1]
Menu
[edit]The typical tasting menu at MINIMAL is seven courses.[3] The restaurant has struggled to make its tasting menu model profitable.[2]
Recognition
[edit]In 2023 MINIMAL received a Bib Gourmand recognition from Michelin.[2]
In 2024 MINIMAL was awarded a Michelin star,[4] making it the only ice cream parlor in the world to have one.[3][1][5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Wong, Maggie Hiufu (6 November 2024). "There's only one Michelin-starred ice cream shop in the world. And it's in Taiwan". cnn.com. CNN. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
- ^ a b c Lee, Jowen. "Why Taiwan Boasts the World's First Michelin-Starred Ice Cream Parlor". cw.com.tw. Commonwealth Magazine. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
- ^ a b Everington, Keoni (27 August 2024). "Michelin Guide Taiwan 2024 restaurants announced". taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
- ^ Shan, Shelley (28 August 2024). "Ten restaurants get their first-ever Michelin stars". taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
- ^ Hsiao-han, Yu; Hsiao, Bernadette (27 August 2024). "49 restaurants in Taiwan receive Michelin Star this year". focustaiwan.tw. Focus Taiwan. Retrieved 11 November 2024.