Taichung｜SUNG—A Creative Bistro in a Coral Orange Cave

Just a few minutes' walk from Guangsan SOGO, SUNG blends Italian culinary foundations, Asian spices, and Taiwanese ingredients. The coral orange "cave"-like space adds a ceremonial touch to gatherings, yet the dishes and prices are designed for casual revisits.

• Name｜SUNG (Taichung Meicun Branch)
• Location｜2F, No. 36, Section 1, Meicun Road, West District, Taichung City (near Guangsan SOGO/Greenway Parklane)
• Hours｜Mon–Fri 11:30–16:30, 17:30–23:30; Sat & Sun 11:30–23:30 (subject to on-site announcements)
• Price｜Main dishes range from NT$280–480; shared platters and drinks priced per item.
• Reservations｜Online or call 04-2326-2555 (peak times require booking 1–2 weeks in advance)

Background and First Impressions

SUNG is tucked away on the second floor, accessible via a side staircase. The entire floor is designed with coral orange tones and arched cave-like elements, resembling a coastal grotto brought into the city. In the afternoon, I sat by the window, where the floor-to-ceiling glass framed the old buildings of Meicun Road like a painting: scooters weaving through intersections, traffic lights flickering. Inside, the soft yellow lighting, low music, and the clinking of glasses created a serene atmosphere. The juxtaposition of Taichung's hustle and tranquility is the first reason I fell in love with this place.

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My Table (Real Experience｜3 Must-Try Dishes)

1) Squid Ink Risotto with Grilled Squid

The glossy black rice grains are infused with oceanic flavors, retaining a slight bite. The squid is seared with delicate char marks, offering a subtle smoky aroma and natural sweetness, complemented by the zest of lemon peel. This dish is a must-try for seafood lovers, with portions generous enough for two to share.

2) Crispy Fried Chicken (with Spicy Sauce)

The outer layer is a slightly coarse, crispy batter that crunches with every bite. The meat remains juicy, even when cooled, and the accompanying spicy sauce is not overwhelmingly hot but carries a fragrant spice finish, pairing well with beer or light white wine.

3) Seafood Main Dish with Tomato and Onion Base

A sweet and tangy base made from stewed tomatoes and onions sets the stage. The seafood (I had a fish fillet that day) is pan-fried to a golden hue. When sliced, the juices mix with the sauce, and the acidity cuts through the richness, making the dish light and satisfying.

This meal, including three dishes and two sparkling drinks, totaled around NT$1,200 for two people. Considering the location and portion sizes, the value is excellent.

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8 Reasons Why I Love SUNG

1. Atmosphere: The coral orange tones and arched ceilings create a cave-like ambiance, perfect for celebrations and dates.
2. Food and Wine Pairing: The flavors are layered without relying on heavy saltiness, pairing well with light-bodied white wines and sparkling wines.
3. Seafood Expertise: The squid and fish fillet are cooked to perfection, with the oils and oceanic flavors well-balanced.
4. Non-Greasy Fried Foods: Items like fried chicken, which test oil temperature control, are consistently well-executed.
5. Scenic Windows: Natural light for daytime photos and a romantic view of traffic at night.
6. Service: Water refills, plate clearing, and dish serving are well-timed, without interrupting conversations.
7. Convenient Location: Walking distance to Guangsan SOGO, Greenway Parklane, and Calligraphy Greenway, making it easy to plan your day.
8. Affordable Prices: Most main dishes are priced in the NT$300–400 range, encouraging repeat visits.

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Photo Tips (Great Shots with Your Phone) 📸

• Window Seats: Frame your dishes with the street view outside for natural lighting; use 2× zoom for portraits.
• Cave Arches: Capture the continuous curves of the ceiling with red table elements in the foreground for added texture.
• Black and White Contrast: Highlight the squid ink risotto on a white plate or fried chicken on a beige plate; lower exposure by 0.3 EV for a more textured look.
• Dynamic Shots: Capture moments like pouring wine, sprinkling cheese, or squeezing lemon to add warmth to your food photos.

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Nearby Activities (Before/After Your Meal)

• Before Lunch: Stroll through the shaded green corridor of Calligraphy Greenway or browse for trinkets at Greenway Parklane.
• Post-Meal Coffee: Try Bleu & Book or Coffee Stopover (both within walking distance).
• Evening Drinks: Head to a small bar near Greenway Parklane or take a breezy walk around the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts.
• Accommodation Suggestions: For nearby stays, consider The Splendor Hotel Taichung; for a higher budget, The Lin Hotel is a great choice.

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Practical Tips (Avoid Pitfalls) ⚠️

• Reservations and Seating: Window seats are the most popular; if you want one last minute, note it upon arrival.
• Peak Hours: Weekends from 12:00–13:30 and 18:30–20:00 are busy; book 1–2 weeks in advance.
• Serving Pace: If ordering mains and fried items together, they may arrive quickly. Ask the staff to stagger the dishes if you prefer a slower pace.
• Alcohol: Check corkage fees for BYO; remember to arrange transportation if drinking.
• Allergy Alerts: Common allergens like squid, nuts, and dairy are present on the menu; inform the staff of any allergies when ordering.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a stylish bistro with memorable dishes and reasonable prices that won't make your friends hesitate, SUNG is a perfect fit for Taichung locals. It brings the city's vibrancy and a vacation-like relaxation to the same table. Whether it's a girls' night out, a birthday date, or a cozy spot to chat after exploring Greenway Parklane, this is the place to be. 👏🏻

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SUNG Taichung Meicun Branch (2F, No. 36, Section 1, Meicun Road, West District)｜Guangsan SOGO｜Greenway Parklane｜Calligraphy Greenway｜National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts｜The Splendor Hotel Taichung｜The Lin Hotel