Why Taian Table was shut down a day after winning Michelin Star

Just one day after being awarded a Michelin Star in the guide's first foray into Mainland China, Taian Lu restaurant Taian Table has been shut down by authorities due to a lack of both business and catering permits.

The restaurant, run by German experimental chef Stefan Stiller, had been operating since April without correct licences due to being based in a residential building. Restaurant owners have however said they were already planning to relocate, and will be opening a new location in the coming few weeks. And fortunately for Stiller he still has one Michelin-recognised restaurant open for business - his Tianzifang eatery East was included in the Bib Gourmand section of the guide.

Some have claimed the relevant authorities were tipped off by some green-eyed F&B operators in the city following the somewhat-controversial Michelin list that was released last week.

The day after the awards, a hastily-made paper notice was plastered on the door of the restaurant, stating that they 'are restructuring internally, and apologise for any inconvenience caused'.

Was it really a case of sabotage from the food industry? Stiller told us: 'It's certainly possible that someone was pushing the newspaper and officials to us'. But he stresses that they had already made plans to relocate two months ago.

Shortly after news broke of Taian Table's demise, Stiller released this statement:

When my friend and business partner Frank Ji and I started this project early this year our idea and concept was to build a small place to entertain our friends and to have some foodies and chef friends around to create new and creative dishes. We certainly never intentionally planned to violate any rules, regulations and laws.

Since Taian Table was planned as a private place the size of the kitchen and the layout is not according to the local regulations and was also limiting our capacity. After we noticed the great demand and success of our concept we decided to relocate the restaurant to a larger space where we can apply to all required licenses.

Constructions and renovations are under progress. The new space will have a larger kitchen and we have more capabilities to work better and increase our quality.

The Michelin guide had praised Taian Table's intimate experience, saying '[Stiller's] graceful restaurant with its two counters and central kitchen is the ideal setting for his innovative cuisine.'

The restaurant is planning to reopen at a new location near Yanan Xi Lu at the end of November.

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