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七十多年 和老麵揉出了感情...

70年以上のカオチストーリー  /   70년 이상의 카오치 스토리 

More than seventy years of Kao-Chi story  ...

  關於高記 │About │について │에 대한 

​Story of Kao-Chi

A family and the life of four generations in Taipei...  

 │  Since 1949  │

Kao-Chi is one of the first and oldest Shanghai Dim Sum Restaurant in Taipei. In 75 years, Kao-Chi has gained a well-known reputation for our excellent taste and delicate cooking. We has leaded the trend of Shanghai-style dim sum in Taipei City. Kao-Chi started with few traditional dim sums. For a very commendable 75 years, we have not rested on our laurels; instead we have developed hundreds of delicious new cuisines for customers to enjoy. Amount all, the Shanghai style fried pork buns have been the well-known signature dish of Kao-Chi. In addition small steamed pork dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), Shrimps & pork siew-mai, house steamed chicken soup and Shanghai-style rice are the many specialties that a greatly loved by customers.  

 1943

This is a story about a young man who left his hometown in search of a new life. 

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Mr. Kao Simei, the founder of Kao-Chi, was born in Xianju County, Zhejiang Province,China. At the age of 16, he left his hometown alone and went to Shanghai to apprentice and learn the trade. After years of hard work and refinement, he thoroughly mastered the delicate craftsmanship that characterizes Shanghai pastries.

1949

In those turbulent times, one’s fate was not entirely in their own hands.​

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Just as he had begun to settle down, the young man was forced to pack up once again and leave behind the familiar. With his hard-earned skills and true craftsmanship, he ventured into the unknown land of Taiwan — uneasy, yet utterly fearless.

1969

Taipei / YongKang

This reflects the very foundation of Kao-Chi’s deep roots in Taiwan.

The young man settled on Yongkang Street in Taipei, and he stayed there for the rest of his life. Kao-Chi, which started as a humble street stall, gradually evolved into a storefront business. Thanks to its authentic flavors, government officials would often use Kao-Chi’s delicacies to entertain foreign guests. Customers say, 'There are many souvenir options nowadays, but back in our day, the most respectable gift to bring when visiting friends and family abroad was Kao-Chi’s Shanghai sesame pastry !

Shanghai-style pan-fried buns, a signature dish known and loved by all.

Kao-Chi has since been passed down to the second generation. Over the years, the loyal customers have also grown older, with many returning to Taiwan from overseas, now accompanied by their children or even grandchildren to continue dining at Kao-Chi. This heartwarming continuity has become an unforgettable mission for Kao-Chi.­­­

2006

The world’s first: 

A handcrafted small cast-iron pan, meticulously made by master craftsmen.​

To optimize the product, the third-generation Kao-Chi devoted years to research and development, precisely calculating the thickness of the pot wall and the depth of heat penetration to create a small cast-iron pan with a golden ratio and a thickness variance of just 0.5 cm. The traditional large cast-iron pan used to fry the pan-fried buns was redesigned into a small, elegant skillet that can be served directly at the table. Made to order and cooked on the spot, it enhances the freshness and warmth of these handmade buns. As a result, this humble street snack has been elevated to a new level of sophistication.

2008

Taipei / FuXing

A modern and stylish interpretation that evolves with the times.

Kao-Chi expands its reach into Taipei’s bustling East District, breaking away from the constraints of its legacy to present a fresh dining concept—“Old Shanghai, New Kao-Chi.” Paired with modern-classical décor and a refined, subdued color palette, the brand elevates the sophistication of Chinese cuisine. The third-generation descendants of Kao-Chi, rooted in Taiwan, strive to find a heartfelt connection between tradition and modernity.​

2012

TAipei / ZhongShan

A prelude to Kao-Chi’s journey before its arrival and development in Taiwan.

To convey the spirit of Chinese cuisine through a deeply human touch—neither franchised nor replicated—we chose interior design as the most direct language to initiate a conversation with our guests. At Kao-Chi Zhongshan, the atmosphere is deliberately set apart from our Yongkang and Fuxing locations. Here, we present the “prequel” to Kao-Chi: a narrative of the founder’s life before arriving in Taiwan. The space is centered around the concept of a modernized old Shanghai residence, evoking the cultural charm of a bygone era. Dining at Kao-Chi Zhongshan feels like visiting a friend’s home in Shanghai. The first floor welcomes guests with a grand, elegant entrance; the second floor offers the warmth of a cozy living room; and the third floor carries the relaxed ambiance of a serene bedroom.

2013

Taipei / Tuán Yuán

A depiction of the culinary spirit in the context of a grand era.

Continuing the tradition of conveying the emotions and philosophy of cuisine through a storytelling atmosphere, the first collaboration with Eslite has resulted in a new location named Kao-Chi Tuán Yuán (Reunion). This new space evokes the atmosphere of old Shanghai’s port, reflecting the turbulent era where the more prosperous the world became, the more distant people felt. By the port, daily life was filled with the complex emotions of joy and sorrow, of partings and reunions, with no one able to escape the course of fate. The helplessness of being swept along by destiny turned every meal shared with loved ones into a rare and simple moment of happiness. Reunion is, in fact, as simple as sharing a meal together.

2015

Shanghai / K11

A depiction of returning to the grandeur of Old Shanghai, never forgetting the original intent.

Searching for the flavors of Shanghai, carrying with it the craftsmanship passed down from my grandfather and his earnest hopes during his lifetime, I return to the Shanghai that once carried his youth. Time works its magic, enriching the aged wine, deepening its complexity, and enhancing the fragrance and strength of the old dough. Kao-Chi’s sourdough Pan-Fried Buns perfectly showcase the beauty of time’s passage.

2017

Shanghai / Raffles City

A depiction of the culinary stories from the old man’s study.

A tree, a life.

A sheet of paper, a string of words.

A book, creating one touching story after another.

In the study, as I flip through the pages of books, my mind drifts through the endless, long-gone years. The fragments of memory—some sweet, some bitter—are worth savoring again and again. The lives of others leave behind only traces and scars, but his can only be carefully sought in one book after another. Because of the relentless ravages of war, all people, things, and memories have turned to ashes and dust. What remains are merely segments of history, passed down as stories. Cruel, yet with little choice but to endure.

Grandfather’s habit of lingering in the study turned out to be nothing more than a way to savor the past.


2018

Shanghai / Dazhong Mall

A depiction of the simple, carefree moments spent dining at a humble restaurant.

It's just a meal, nothing too complicated. Everyday pan-fried buns, enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. Kao-Chi is the kind of everyday restaurant you can visit daily, where every meal is satisfying without ever getting tiring. The difference lies in the quality of ingredients, the comfort of the environment, and the simplicity of it all—nothing more, nothing less.

2020

Taipei / XingSheng

The spirit of Kao-Chi, reborn from the ashes.

Though it has endured many hardships, the mission and responsibility of continuing Kao-Chi cannot be forgotten. Seeking a new location in the Yongkang business district, it continues to serve both long-time and new customers, carrying on the legacy.

Casual Eats – Served all day, Kao-Chi’s classic dishes are available nonstop. From Shanghai dim sum, Hong Kong-style snacks, Zhejiang and Shanghai cuisine, to spicy Sichuan dishes, a variety of small sides, desserts, drinks, and fine wines—there’s something to satisfy every craving, all served in a relaxed, carefree atmosphere. Enjoying a delicious meal has never been this effortless and guilt-free.

Family Gatherings – Whether it's family, relatives, a few close friends, or neighbors, a group of 4-10 can easily enjoy a meal together. Elegant yet affordable, with a homey kitchen in the heart of Da’an District, it's the perfect place to unwind and savor life's little moments with loved ones.

Small Farmers' Market – Every day, we offer a limited, ever-changing selection of "Kao-Chi's Handpicked" local Taiwanese delights, including but not limited to: chicken essence, handmade fermented tofu, spicy peanuts, frozen meal packs, and fresh seasonal fruits from local farmers. Additionally, we offer a variety of Kao-Chi's classic sourdough frozen buns, perfect for breakfast or late-night snacks.

2024

Taipei / NanJing E.

Private Room Gatherings – Whether it's a grand feast or a casual drink, our private rooms offer the perfect setting for an intimate and memorable dining experience.

 Various Private Rooms – With elegant and comfortable surroundings, our private rooms offer both privacy and flexible space arrangements, perfectly suited for everything from a grand feast to a casual drink, fulfilling all your gathering needs.

Six-Floor Elevator – The entire six-story building is equipped with an elevator, ensuring that those with limited mobility or elderly guests can enjoy the space without worry.

Seasonal Set Menus – New menus introduced periodically, offering fresh, seasonal dishes to delight your taste buds.

Private Chef's Specials – In addition to our menu offerings, we feature a variety of chef’s exclusive dishes. From lively family-style meals to upscale, plated courses, all can be customized to your preferences. Feel free to call us to discuss your budget and requirements, and our chef will create a personalized menu just for you.

Casual Eats – Served all day, Kao-Chi’s classic dishes are available nonstop. From Shanghai dim sum, Hong Kong-style snacks, Zhejiang and Shanghai cuisine, to spicy Sichuan dishes, a variety of small sides, desserts, drinks, and fine wines—there’s something to satisfy every craving, all served in a relaxed, carefree atmosphere. Enjoying a delicious meal has never been this effortless and guilt-free.

Additional Services – Customizable offerings including birthday longevity peaches, pig’s trotters with noodles, full-floor karaoke sessions, and cake refrigeration services.

2024

Taipei / XinYi

Casual Everyday Eats – Simple, relaxed meals perfect for any day, offering a delightful escape from the usual routine.

Casual Eats – Served all day, Kao-Chi’s classic dishes are available nonstop. From Shanghai dim sum, Hong Kong-style snacks, Zhejiang and Shanghai cuisine, to spicy Sichuan dishes, a variety of small sides, desserts, drinks, and fine wines—there’s something to satisfy every craving, all served in a relaxed, carefree atmosphere. Enjoying a delicious meal has never been this effortless and guilt-free.

Family Gatherings – Whether it's family, relatives, a few close friends, or neighbors, a group of 4-10 can easily enjoy a meal together. Elegant yet affordable, with a homey kitchen in the heart of Da’an District, it's the perfect place to unwind and savor life's little moments with loved ones.

MRT Dining – Just exit from the No. 7 exit at Dongmen Station on the Red Line, and you’ll immediately spot Kao-Chi. Whether you’re extremely hungry or just a little hungry, whether dining alone or with a group, Kao-Chi Xinyi will always satisfy your cravings. 

To Be Continue...