Set in Taishō-era Taipei—a period of flourishing urban entertainment, vibrant social life, and a richly diverse food culture—this story follows Tomoe, a high school student and heir to a renowned traditional restaurant (ryōtei). Tasked with organizing the food for her school’s upcoming festival, Tomoe is determined to prove herself to her grandmother, the restaurant’s formidable first-generation proprietress.
Joined by friends and family, Tomoe embarks on a flavorful journey across Taipei. Together they visit celebrated chefs and eateries, confronting challenge after challenge to assemble a dazzling menu. The international flavors they gather become the highlight of the festival, delighting everyone in attendance.
Grounded in historical records and extensive research into 1920s culinary culture, this work vividly reconstructs the atmosphere of old Taipei—from vanished streetscapes to surviving architecture. It is a story that transports readers into a city alive with cultural exchange, where food becomes both memory and celebration.