Chai Jia Chai restaurant hosted its successful charity dinner, “Helping Hands for Taiwan: Earthquake Relief Charity Dinner,” on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024. The evening brought together food enthusiasts and philanthropists for a remarkable display of culinary artistry and compassion, all in support of earthquake relief efforts in Taiwan.
The atmosphere at Chai Jia Chai was nothing short of delightful. A sense of warmth and hope pervaded the room, creating a perfect setting for this meaningful cause. The event aimed to support the city of Hualien, which was struck by a devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake on April 3rd, 2024 – the strongest tremor to hit Taiwan in 25 years. This disaster caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, leaving many communities in dire need of assistance. Early estimates suggest the total reconstruction effort could reach a staggering 20 billion Taiwanese Dollars (approximately 22.7 billion Thai Baht), highlighting the immense scale of the recovery effort.
The stars of the evening were undoubtedly the phenomenal food and desserts. Chef Tsai Shih Wei’s innovative omakase approach transformed familiar Taiwanese street food into a captivating culinary adventure. Each course, a masterpiece of taste and presentation, showcased the unique flavors, and textures of Taiwan with a touch of modern flair and a delightful exploration of Taiwanese cuisine.
Beginning Trio:
Kick off your culinary adventure with a trio of delectable bites: Langoustine Salad offers a refreshing start, Dry Aged Duck Breast with Mullet Roe adds a touch of luxury, and Squid Roll with Five Flavor Sauce delivers a burst of savory goodness.
Oyster Crispy Rice Noodles:
Experience a textural contrast with this comforting dish. Fresh Thai oysters adorn crispy rice noodles, perfectly complemented by the aroma of fried shallots and the umami richness of dried katsuo.
Four Gods Soup:
This nourishing soup is a symphony of textures and flavors. Dried fox nuts, lotus seeds, and Job’s Tears offer a gentle bite, while bird’s nest, dried scallops, and Tang Kui add depth and complexity.
Braised Fish Maw with Pork:
Indulge in a luxurious bowl of comfort. Tender pork belly meets the delicate texture of fish maw, all braised in a rich sauce for a taste explosion.
Palate Cleanser:
Refresh your palate between courses with this selection of candied fruits. Licorice adds a surprising yet delightful touch, balanced by the sweetness of dried prune, tomato, and peach gum.
Braised A5 Fillet:
A true carnivore’s delight! Melt-in-your-mouth Kagoshima A5 Wagyu fillet is elevated by a flavorful Taiwanese beef noodle sauce, creating a luxurious and unforgettable bite.
Lobster Porridge:
Savor the essence of indulgence with this decadent dish. Silky lobster porridge is a luxurious and comforting finale.
The sweet finale to this remarkable evening was crafted by the renowned Pastry Chef Kanin Bantunbut of Restaurant Potong. Chef Kanin, whose artistry has earned Restaurant Potong a coveted Michelin star, presented his signature desserts, offering a perfect blend of tropical flavors and a refreshing end to the savory courses.
‘Famous’:
A tropical explosion awaits! This signature dessert by Chef Kanin features a symphony of pineapple, coconut, and mango, offering a refreshing and delightful ending.
Petite Four:
A selection of bite-sized delights handcrafted by Chef Kanin offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures to conclude your culinary journey.
Lastly, the innovative spirit extends to the cocktails as well, featuring Taiwan’s iconic Kaoliang and Kavalan whiskey, all crafted by Chef Tsai Shih Wei into unique and sophisticated creations that perfectly complement the menu. These cocktails offer a delightful exploration of Taiwanese spirits and flavors, further elevating the overall dining experience.
Kaoliang Cocktail:
Brace yourself for a unique twist! This cocktail utilizes Taiwan’s iconic Kaoliang spirit, offering a bold and unexpected flavor experience.
Kavalan Whiskey Cocktail:
Savor the smooth complexity of Kavalan, Taiwan’s renowned single malt whiskey, expertly crafted into a sophisticated cocktail.
The success of the “Helping Hands for Taiwan” dinner is a testament to the collective generosity of all involved, including distinguished guests from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand. Their presence further underscores the significance of this event 
and the global solidarity with Taiwan during this challenging time. The entire proceeds from the event, after standard venue fees, will be donated directly to the Taiwanese government to support critical relief efforts in Hualien. This significant contribution will undoubtedly go a long way in helping rebuild lives and communities.
“I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we received for the ‘Helping Hands for Taiwan’ dinner,” expressed Chef Tsai Shih Wei. “It was truly an honor to use our culinary platform to give back to the Taiwanese community and contribute to the relief efforts in Hualien. Witnessing the generosity of our guests fills me with immense hope for the future.”
Nestled in Sukhumvit 31, the heart of Bangkok, Chai Jia Chai offers an ambiance as exquisite as its cuisine. Warm and inviting, the restaurant sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. Here, Chef Tsai Shih Wei’s innovative take on Cantonese classics, presented in a captivating omakase format, elevates familiar flavors into distinguished creations. Chai Jia Chai’s commitment to excellence and Chef Tsai’s vast experience make it a true gem for food lovers seeking a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
With its exceptional cuisine, heartwarming atmosphere, and remarkable fundraising success, the “Helping Hands for Taiwan” charity dinner stands as a beacon of hope and compassion. It serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying force of food and the importance of community in times of need.
