TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Chef George Somura, renowned for his career on Orient Express luxury trains, will headline an exclusive dining event at The Okura Prestige Taipei from Thursday to Sunday.

Somura's culinary journey includes serving as head chef aboard the Orient Express traveling through Europe, before becoming the first Japanese executive chef on the Eastern & Oriental Express, which ran from Bangkok to Singapore. Two decades ago, Somura returned to Japan, where he combined his international experience with a deep sensitivity to ingredients, creating a fusion of Eastern flavors within traditional French cuisine.

For this collaboration, Somura will team up with The Okura Prestige Taipei's Western cuisine executive chef, Yamamoto Katsuya, to create a refined fusion menu inspired by the iconic Orient Express luxury train. The menu will blend the culinary traditions of Taiwan, Japan, and France, using local ingredients like Taiwan’s indigenous beef and grouper, complemented by herbs and spices to offer a fusion of tradition and innovation.

The event also features a collaboration with Miyabi Yuinojyu, a renowned Japanese dashi specialty brand. Guests will indulge in a unique umami experience with dishes like Japanese-style French toast infused with dashi butter.

Limited to a total of 30 seats per day for lunch and dinner, the prix-fixe menu is priced at NT$3,600 (US$109) per person and is available by reservation only. As a special gift, all guests will receive Miyabi Yuinojyu's instant dashi to bring the rich essence of Japanese broth into their kitchens.

Standout dishes include pan-fried freshly caught local fish with oriental herb aroma, a seafood creation infused with herbal spices. Another highlight is the Agatha Christie-style beef steak, a luxurious British-inspired dish crafted with premium Taiwan beef.

From appetizers that merge Taiwanese flavors with French refinement to a Taiwanese corn and consomme fusion, each dish is designed as a cross-cultural culinary experience.