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This time, flying back to Taiwan from overseas, having a meal at Tian Xiang Lou with my family stirred something indescribable inside me. After such a long journey, it felt like everything led to this moment — all of us sitting around the same table, eating slowly, talking unhurriedly. Such an ordinary scene, yet it brought an overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude. When everyone you love is beside you, time itself seems to slow down.
Dining at Tian Xiang Lou felt genuinely healing. Not just because we could eat and chat leisurely — though that kind of companionship is precious in itself — but because the food was genuinely exceptional, elevating the entire experience. The relaxed atmosphere of eating and talking together seemed to soften time itself.
The two cold tea beverages we ordered were delightful surprises. 龍吟翠露 had this delicate tea fragrance paired with a subtle fruity sweetness — light and refreshing, the flavours unfolding gently on the tongue, making me reach for sip after sip. 茉香胭脂 was a different kind of gentle presence: floral notes mingling with white peach sweetness, the texture smooth with soft layers of flavour that just calmed me completely. Both drinks had completely different characters, yet I loved them equally.
The appetisers left a lasting impression. 醉雞 had just the right amount of wine fragrance — it didn't overpower the chicken's natural flavour but added this lovely lingering finish. The chicken itself was beautifully bouncy. 燻蛋 were even more memorable: the exterior had a slight chewiness, while the jammy yolk inside was silky and rich. That textural contrast in a single bite was genuinely captivating.
Every main dish invited slow, thoughtful appreciation. My personal favourites: XO龍蝦 had firm, springy meat, and the XO sauce brought a savoury heat without being overwhelming — instead, it highlighted the lobster's natural sweetness beautifully. 鮮魚 was delicate and tender, showcasing the purest ocean flavour without any heaviness. 東坡肉 looked stunning even before tasting — glossy but not greasy, with this perfect lustrous quality that promised richness without heaviness. The braising liquid was particularly special: clear and translucent like consommé, yet you could sense the depth within, building anticipation before the first bite. 龍井蝦仁 embodied elegant simplicity — crisp, bouncy shrimp with a subtle hint of tea fragrance that made each bite particularly satisfying.
Throughout the meal, it wasn't just our tastebuds being cared for — we were enveloped in this gentle passage of time. Everyone ate and chatted, sometimes laughing, sometimes quiet. Those seemingly ordinary moments turned out to be the most meaningful. Being able to sit together with family at Tian Xiang Lou, sharing a proper meal, is already rare and precious. But the refined cuisine and comfortable pacing here made this gathering feel complete — something truly worth remembering.