Banana New Paradise

Banana New Paradise (香蕉新樂園) is a restaurant that offers nostalgic Taiwanese cuisine and proudly proclaims itself as the ""first retro dining establishment in Taiwan."" Every corner is adorned with various early Taiwanese household items and exhibits on the cultural history of life in Taiwan, creating an atmosphere that fully captures the nostalgia of the past.

A meal at Banana New Paradise (香蕉新樂園) is like taking a trip back to the 1950s and 1960s, experiencing the old-fashioned lifestyle of Taiwan. The restaurant offers a variety of dining options, including set meals, table dishes, and hot stir-fries, making it a perfect venue for hosting birthday banquets, wedding banquets, and other celebratory events in its retro and lively environment. For foreign visitors, dining here offers an opportunity to savor authentic Taiwanese home-cooked dishes such as dried scallop rice, deep-fried taro cubes, guabao, Hakka stir-fry, shiitake mushroom chicken soup, and three-cup chicken.

During special times, there are live folk singers performing, providing not only a feast for the eyes and taste buds but also an auditory treat, making it well worth a visit.

Although there are many excellent cafes and themed restaurants in Taichung, none quite compare to Banana New Paradise (香蕉新樂園). It's one of the most remarkable teahouses in Taichung, bringing to life a recreated street from 1920 to 1940 Taiwan, complete with Qing dynasty and colonial-era storefronts, original antiques, and collectible items. The street features a 50-year-old taxi, a camera store, a dentist's office, a barber shop, a candy store, and a movie theater. The walls are adorned with old posters documenting past concerns, such as contraception, electrical safety, and anti-communist sentiments.

In addition to its unique ambiance, Banana New Paradise (香蕉新樂園) also serves as a restaurant. Visitors can dine at tables along the street or inside shops, enjoying affordable Taiwanese meals in an authentically Taiwanese setting. The menu, delightfully, is presented in the style of an elementary school book. Noteworthy dishes include the boneless chicken in oil and sauce and the pineapple prawn balls. Visitors can also step outside the restaurant to board an old train and take pictures of its interior, providing a further glimpse into the past. A visit to Banana New Paradise (香蕉新樂園) offers a trip down memory lane and the opportunity to indulge in delicious Taiwanese cuisine.