Buttermilk Restaurant – American Comfort Food with a Modern Twist

What comes to mind when American comfort food is mentioned? Well, America is such a melting pot, and I’m pretty sure every one of us has different preferences. While some chefs cook to impress, there are other chefs like Buttermilk’s who cook for people to enjoy the food. In keeping with amba’s playful style, Buttermilk restaurant introduces a fun, urban dining experience to the evolving Zhongshan shopping and entertainment district in the city center.

Fronted by large windows, Buttermilk offers a prime view of the beautiful tree-lined Zhongshan North Road. Lucky us got to lounge on the cozy tan leather sofas by the window while enjoying our meal. You can also choose to take a seat at the open kitchen and watch the chefs in action. The communal table can seat up to 10 guests if you’re arranging for an intimate gathering with family, friends, or colleagues.

Be spoilt for choice by an enticing range of crudos, charcuterie, soups, sharing plates, woodfire grilled starters, mains, and desserts. The bestselling items are the Homemade Classic Buttermilk Biscuits (180 NTD for 4 pieces) and the Beef Sliders (280 NTD for 2 pieces). We were served a tasting portion of buttermilk biscuits which are freshly baked throughout the day, and served with butter and jam. Before the biscuits were served, we already caught a whiff of the fragrance from the kitchen. Each biscuit was hot, crumbly on the outside, and fluffy within.

The Beef Sliders consisted of house-ground patty made of USDA chuck, tomato-bacon jam, aged gouda, and gem lettuce stacked between mini burger buns.

From the category of woodfire grilled starters, we tried Grilled Asparagus (380 NTD) which featured smoked lardons, duck egg, and ricotta cheese, drizzled generously with orange reduction. The asparagus were so fresh, crunchy, and juicy, and we loved dipping it in the oozing duck yolk.

Fortunately, we were quite hungry that evening, as the servings for mains are huge. Grandma’s Buttermilk Boneless Fried Chicken (360 NTD for 3 pieces / 550 NTD for 5 pieces) were so well done it was impossible to stop at one. This dish is served with pickled watermelon, white cream gravy, and Cajun hot sauce. The tender meat was nicely marinated and very aromatic. It felt so satisfying to feel the crunch of its crispy skin in every bite.

10oz Fire Grilled Pork Chop “On the Bone” (880 NTD) surprised our tastebuds. This pork chop was slathered with a citrus Chimichurri glaze, and accompanied by caramelized Brussel sprouts, crispy pork rinds, and mashed potato. The chef travels quite frequently, and he was inspired by Thailand’s popular snack – fried pork rinds – and he decided to add this element into his dish. On one hand, there will not be food wastage as the chefs often discard pork rinds. On another hand, the pork rinds helped make the dish more appetizing because these fried bits are extremely addictive.

Please save some stomach space for desserts because the Key Lime Pie (200 NTD) and Buttermilk & Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding Parfait (220 NTD) will knock your socks off. The former is made with fresh lime juice, condensed milk, and parlor whipped cream. It ended our meal on a refreshing and tangy note. The pudding, on the other hand, suits a more matured palate. It was a combination of buttermilk parfait, Jack Daniel’s whiskey pudding, sablé, seasonal fruits, and oatmeal cookies.

MUD Bar

MUD is the speakeasy-chic watering hole located at the basement of amba Taipei Zhongshan hotel. There’s no access via the lift, so have fun looking for the entrance! Featuring a cozy vintage décor, live music and amazing craft cocktails with a Taiwanese twist, Mud is an ideal spot to mix, mingle and enjoy the night away. Don’t forget to check out MUD’s special DJ program every Thursday to Saturday.

Taipei boasts a diverse food scene, so the next time you’re craving for some American comfort food, just head to amba Taipei Zhongshan’s Buttermilk restaurant!

Buttermilk
Address: 57-1 Zhongshan North Road Section 2, Taipei 10412 Taiwan
Nearest Metro Station: Zhongshan Station
Directions: Take exit 3 or 4 (with escalators), and walk along Nanjing West Road towards Nanjing East Road. Cross Zhongshan North Road to get to Taipei City Police Station. Turn left, walk along Zhongshan North Road, pass Changchun Road, and Chang Hwa Bank to reach the hotel.
Contact: +886 2 2565 2898
Website: https://www.amba-hotels.com/en/zhongshan//dining/buttermilk

Note that this is an invited tasting.