WA-SHU — Restaurant in Da'an District

Cocktail bar with inventive drinks. Dimly lit space with not a lot of seats. Wait in front of the door for staff to take your name down. Awesome Taiwanese/Japanese staff. Speaks English, Chinese, or Japanese. We arrive around 10 pm on a Sunday night. There was a half-an-hour wait with two groups in front of us. The staff was really accommodating and tried to get us in as fast as possible.

At Wa-Shu, one starts by picking a flavor from the menu. The flavors were categorized by type. It could be tea-related, herb-related, or some more adventurous flavor, such as Doritos. The staff will then explain to you what is in the drink. You can also describe what you are looking for and ask for recommendations.

The three of us tried "lemon cookie," "rose," "tieguanyin (tea)," "magao (native herb)," "sea urchin", “cypress", "apple pie," and "Doritos." It was definitely a fun adventure. The "tieguanyin" and "magao" definitely stood out for me. Tieguanyin was recommended by the coolest mixologist, Akane. It was spirit-forward with a strong tea flavor balanced by a bitter undertone. Magao reminded me of a pisco sour accented with the aggressive flavor of the native Taiwanese pepper. Other cocktails were great as well, and they all have very distinct flavors and styles. The "sea urchin" tasted like a sea urchin-flavored sweet custard. The Doritos was funny to me because it smelled distinctly of corn chips. It was surprisingly spirit-forward.

If there is any bones to pick, I would have to say some of the bar food is a little bit disappointing (e.g., the Nachos). Considering the focus of the place, it is easily overlooked.

I would recommend Wa-Shu to anyone who is adventurous or knows what they like in a cocktail. Personally, I can't wait to go back...

Wa-Shu Taipei is a hidden gem that truly knows how to elevate the art of cocktails. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for something special. The ambiance was chic and inviting, setting the perfect tone for a night of exceptional drinks.

The cocktail menu is a work of art, blending creativity with classic techniques to deliver unique and unforgettable flavors. Each drink is crafted with precision and care, showcasing the bartenders' deep knowledge and passion for mixology. I was particularly impressed with how they seamlessly incorporated Japanese elements into the cocktails, creating a fusion of flavors that was both innovative and delicious.

One standout was their take on the Negroni, which featured a delicate balance of bitterness and sweetness, with a subtle umami twist that made it truly unique. The presentation of each cocktail was stunning, with attention to detail that elevated the entire experience.

The service at Wa-Shu was top-notch, with staff who were not only attentive but also eager to share their knowledge about the drinks. They took the time to understand our preferences and suggested cocktails that perfectly matched our tastes.

Wa-Shu Taipei is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted cocktail. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just looking to enjoy a great drink in a stylish setting, this place will exceed your expectations. I can't wait to return and explore more of their...

I'm obsessed with this bar - it's a pretty small bar that serves craft cocktails featured infused shochu and whiskey from Japan. There are a variety of flavors that range from standard to surprising - grapefruit, peaty cedar, to peanut butter whiskey. The head bartender says they infuse each whiskey with a variety of techniques - and a lot of them take like two weeks to creat just one bottle. When you select the flavor of infusion that you like, they make a custom cocktail to highlight that particular flavor - I got a yuzu ginger shochu, and they added egg white powder and whipped it up to create this spicy, citrusy foam. My boyfriend got the honey whiskey and they smoked it with Sakura wood chips. I think some infusions are more successful than others, but overall, phenomenal concept and great execution.

The service is also really great - the bartenders are all really friendly and very polite. They checked in on us a number of times. We didn't get a chance to try the food, but there are some bar snacks available. Also, I really liked that it wasn't too crowded - there seemed to be a healthy mix of Taiwanese and foreigners, and seemingly a lot of people on dates. 10/10...