Zea

$ $ $ $ | Taipei, Taiwan

Tucked away in a quiet alleyway in Taipei, nestled amidst a captivating herb garden, Zea is the brainchild of Argentinian chef Joaquin Elizondo Hourbeigt and his Taiwanese wife, Di Harn, who present authentic, contemporary Latin American cuisine through fine dining.

Zea showcases the beauty of seasonal ingredients through elegant, modern craftsmanship — each dish vibrant, layered, and visually striking. The couple’s philosophy is rooted in sincerity: to honour local terroir and elevate Taiwan’s exceptional agricultural produce while introducing diners to the soulful essence of Latin American gastronomy.

Born and raised in Argentina, Chef Joaquin found his passion for cooking through his older brother, who worked in the kitchen. At 18, he began his culinary journey in a small neighborhood restaurant before joining the Park Hyatt Hotels in Buenos Aires and Paris, where he spent nine years honing his craft and deepening his understanding of fine dining. In 2017, he moved to Hong Kong, where he discovered the dynamism and diversity of the Asian culinary scene.

After meeting Di Harn, Joaquin was introduced to Taiwan and quickly fell in love with its landscapes, produce, and diners’ appreciation for bold, expressive flavors. Together, they founded Zea as a place where sincerity and authenticity guide every creation — a meeting point between the traditions of Latin America and the richness of Taiwan’s land, expressed through heartfelt hospitality and contemporary grace.