MINIMAL is a restaurant in Taichung, Taiwan which focuses on ice cream and other frozen dishes. They are the only Michelin starred ice cream parlor in the world.
History
editMINIMAL 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.[1]
Name
editAccording 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."[2]
Space
editThe restaurant has a traditional take-away ice cream parlor on the first floor and a twenty-seat dining room on the second floor.[2]
Menu
editThe typical tasting menu at MINIMAL is seven courses.[3] The restaurant has struggled to make its tasting menu model profitable.[1]
Awards and recognition
editIn 2023 MINIMAL received a Bib Gourmand recognition from Michelin.[1]
In 2024 MINIMAL was awarded a Michelin star,[4] making it the only ice cream parlor in the world to have one.[3][2][5]
References
edit- ^ 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 c Wong, Maggie Hiufu. "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 Everington, Keoni. "Michelin Guide Taiwan 2024 restaurants announced". taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
- ^ Shan, Shelley. "Ten restaurants get their first-ever Michelin stars". taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
- ^ Hsiao-han, Yu; Hsiao, Bernadette. "49 restaurants in Taiwan receive Michelin Star this year". focustaiwan.tw. Focus Taiwan. Retrieved 11 November 2024.