Eat Drink Man Woman

On a tranquil Sunday evening in Taipei, Zhu, a semi-retired chef and widower, prepares an elaborate feast for his three daughters. This dinner serves not only as a meal but also as an opportunity for family bonding and the revelation of personal struggles.

During the dinner, the eldest daughter, Jia-Jen, shares her heartache, having turned to Christianity after a failed relationship. Her journey reflects the complex emotions tied to love and familial expectations.

Jia-Chien, the middle daughter, announces her plans to invest in a new apartment, which come as a surprise to her family. This decision symbolizes her desire for independence, yet it ignites a critical discussion around their father's culinary skills.

As Jia-Chien criticizes her father's cooking, Mr. Zhu reacts defensively, highlighting tensions between traditional values and modern expectations. This disagreement underscores the emotional rift that has formed over the years.

After the dinner, Mr. Zhu meets with his long-time friend Old Wen, who acts as his food taster. They share reflections about the importance of life and ponder deep questions beyond culinary arts, reshaping Mr. Zhu's perspective.

The following day, family friend Jin-Rong visits with her daughter Shan-Shan, revealing her struggles with divorce and duty towards her mother. This visit creates an intimate setting for discussions on love and sacrifice within families.

Upon learning of Shan-Shan's poor lunches, Mr. Zhu decides to cook special meals for her, fostering a unique bond. This gesture reflects his nurturing spirit, and also uplifts Shan-Shan's spirits.

Both Jia-Jen and Jia-Chien experience encounters that stir romantic feelings. While Jia-Jen finds attraction towards her new volleyball coach Ming-Dao, Jia-Chien engages with chief negotiator Li Kai, highlighting the evolving relationships within the family.

Jia-Ning begins dating Guo-Lun, a friend of hers, amid confessions of love from another friend, Rachel. This creates a conflict that underscores the complexities of young love and friendship dynamics.

As Old Wen is hospitalized, Mr. Zhu's health declines unbeknownst to his daughters. He struggles with the fear of losing his culinary prowess while grappling with grief and dwindling connections to his past.

In a surprising turn of events during a family gathering, Mr. Zhu announces his engagement to Jin-Rong. This revelation sparks shock among his daughters and raises questions about loyalty, love, and new beginnings.

Jia-Ning shares the joyful news of her pregnancy with her father. This moment reflects a new chapter in her life and signifies the continuation of family legacy amidst changing dynamics.

Before departing for Amsterdam, Jia-Chien prepares a heartfelt feast at their family home. This symbolic gesture represents her love and the bittersweet nature of moving on from their shared past.

As Mr. Zhu savors Jia-Chien's cooking, he experiences a revival of his diminished sense of taste. This poignant moment signifies the healing power of family and the closeness they share despite adversities.

With the family now taking new paths, Mr. Zhu relocates with Jin-Rong and Shan-Shan, while Jia-Chien embraces her job in Amsterdam. This transition lays the groundwork for futures filled with promise and new stories.