Taikin pronounced Tye-keen, is Doral’s new hidden gem. The latin-asian restaurant is a fusion of both asian and latin food, or as Chef & Owner Cesar Gonzalez likes to call it “tropicalizando” la comida asiático.
Born in Venezuela, Cesar has been in the kitchen since the early age of seven. In 2002 he moved to Miami to pursue his culinary career. He began working at Sushi Samba in South Beach behind the Sushi and Ceviche Bar. It was there where he gained interest in the meticulous skills and understanding of the Japanese culture.
In 2014 he co-founded Boca’s Grill, which now has several locations throughout South Florida.
In 2018, after ending his partnership with Boca’s Grill, he bought Taikin, remodeled it and developed a menu that is an exploration of both asian and latin cultures and worth every single calorie.
The menu also changes every three months as Chef Cesar likes to explore and try different things, keeping only the customer favorites.
Sprawling over 2,600 square feet, Taikin evokes a casual atmosphere, with an open kitchen and a décor of red and brown patterns. It accommodates 120 people between its indoor and outdoor areas and on the weekends spices things up by having rotating DJ sets.
The restaurant is nicely decorated with several “Tanukis”, a Japanese mythological creature said to bring good fortune, which is how Chef Cesar wants you to feel after visiting Taikin and quite frankly how we felt after having our own special tasting at Taikin.