All reviews of category "Sichuan cuisine"

[Foodholic Niko@Taipei]

"Kaifan Chuan Restaurant" is a restaurant that my family or friends and I often choose for dining together. This time, we came specifically for the collaboration dishes created by Chef Zheng Zhishan from the Korean variety show "Black and White Chefs."

Spicy Creamy Golden Shrimp Balls $320
There are only three pieces in a serving, and to be honest, it is quite expensive. However, the shrimp is pretty large, and with the crispy fried outer layer dipped in spicy creamy sauce, it is indeed delicious. Yet, perhaps my expectations were too high, so it didn’t reach the level of being “super delicious” that I would come to the restaurant to have specifically.

Bird’s Nest Caramel Pumpkin Pudding $130
This dish has very mixed reviews online; many say it's more about creativity. But maybe because I had low expectations, I found it quite tasty! The base is made of pumpkin, so the pudding is sweet without being sickly. Its softness is just right, and the top layer of caramel is hard, so you have to be careful not to hurt your mouth or tongue. The texture is a bit like cotton candy melting in your mouth.

Spicy Crispy Pork $340
This dish is also a new limited-time item. At first bite, I thought the crispy pork was a bit too hard, but it became more addictive with each bite. There’s a nice fragrance from the fried flour when you chew. However, the accompanying spicy seasoning powder didn’t really add to the taste for me; it was a bit lacking in quality and you could skip it.

Kung Pao Chicken $320
When this dish was served, it was loaded with chilies. I initially comforted myself thinking they were just for decoration, but it turned out to be quite spicy. In my opinion, it has a medium level of spiciness and is somewhat salty, needing rice and drinks to balance it out. The chicken wasn’t as tender this time.

Sichuan Pepper Fried Egg $290
I order this dish every time. It's a fried egg with a runny yolk, and it goes really well with white rice. However, it is quite spicy too, reaching from mild to medium spiciness.

Dry-Fried Green Beans $290
The green beans weren’t very crispy and had a soft texture, but I actually liked it. They also stir-fried some minced meat into the dish, making it easy to eat a lot of white rice.

I personally think this place is quite suitable for larger groups, but if there are only 2-3 people, it’s not as appropriate since most dishes are on the saltier and spicier side, and each portion is quite large. So either you end up ordering too little and feel a bit empty, or you order too much and end up too full and greasy.

For example, when we dined as two people this time, we accidentally ordered five dishes and a dessert, and almost half of it had to be packed up because we simply couldn’t finish. Plus, we kept wanting to drink more.

Fortunately, "Kaifan Chuan Restaurant" offers a cranberry drink to help alleviate the heaviness, and you can refill it as much as you want, which is definitely a plus!

This "Little Red Guy Dry Pot" is located on Zhongyi Road in Tainan. Its exterior and decoration have a bit of design flair, and it specializes in bold-flavored Sichuan dry pots, with quite a few Google reviews. The ratings are high, but I found the actual food to be just okay.

First, we ordered a mildly spicy dry pot, but it turned out to be completely non-spicy—there was really no kick at all. For me, it was just a salty and savory pot. The tofu skin and dried tofu inside were quite tasty, well-seasoned, and had a good texture. However, we ordered white rice, but the staff forgot to bring it, resulting in a missed order. Luckily, we noticed it when we counted our dishes. Later, I checked the Google reviews and found that many people mentioned this place often missing items, and we were among the unlucky ones.

I originally thought the "mouth-watering chicken" would be served hot, but when it arrived at the table, it was cold and came with a packet of sauce. Surprisingly, it tasted quite good—the chicken was tender and the sauce flavorful. The duck blood was more ordinary; it wasn't particularly impressive but not unpleasant either.

Overall, I think the food at this restaurant is acceptable, but the prices are on the high side, the service is chaotic, and there’s a long wait time. It's not the kind of place that makes you want to return, especially in Tainan, where the food scene is incredibly vibrant. I really don’t want to wait an hour here again.

Golden sour fish soup has a sweet and sour broth that pairs perfectly with the fish, which is very tender and smooth. Overall, it is quite delicious.

Sukiyaki beef has a nice flavor; the broth pairs well with the beef, and it goes very well with white rice.

The side dishes are self-serve and include spicy pickled radish and spicy cabbage, which are quite tasty and complement the meal well.

Drinks - winter melon tea is also self-serve and very tasty.

Red quinoa rice - also self-serve and available for unlimited enjoyment.

Ordering is done through a self-ordering machine. It is conveniently located near Shilin MRT Station.

Yumao Cai is located in an alley on Ren'ai Road, Section 4, in the Da'an District, right next to Ren'ai Hospital. It's about a ten-minute walk from Zhongxiao Fuxing Station and Da'an Station.

Today, I took out pork Mao Cai and spicy stinky tofu, which cost 260 yuan.

Pork Mao Cai:
The aroma of Sichuan pepper is distinctive, with just a hint of numbness that doesn't make your tongue go numb. The pork slices are cooked perfectly, tender and not dry, and the portions of ingredients like enoki mushrooms, tofu skin, Chinese cabbage, and baby corn are generous.
The broth is fragrant and slightly spicy but not overly salty, with more depth than expected.

Although it wasn't captured in the photo, the bottom of the pot surprisingly had small wontons.
While Mao Cai can include anything, this little surprise still brings a smile.

Spicy Stinky Tofu:
It’s marinated thoroughly; when you pick it up gently with chopsticks, you can feel the moistness of the tofu filled with broth.
Taking a bite, the strong bean flavor hits you with a spicy kick, and there’s a hint of salty bean at the finish, which is very delicious.
However, this dish seems to be one that isn't available every day.

Overall, this is a tasty Sichuan-style Mao Cai restaurant.
Although it doesn't quite compare to the fiery offerings in Xinzhuang, it is currently my favorite Mao Cai in Taipei.
The price is moderate for Taipei, and the presence of the shop cat adds a cozy touch to the place.
The space inside isn't very spacious, but it's clean, bright, and has a bit of a family feel.

I recommend it to everyone!

Chongqing-style noodle shop is located on Section 1 of Nankang Road, about a ten-minute walk from Nankang Station. Nearby is the renowned Nankang Software Park, which makes this area bustling during lunch hours.

Today I enjoyed sour cowpeas with minced meat noodles and pork meatball soup, totaling 130 TWD.

Sour cowpeas with minced meat noodles:
The finely chopped sour cowpeas are very tangy with a hint of spiciness, layered with savory minced meat on top of the thin noodles, creating a nice contrast. The noodles are thin and white, with a chewy texture that's not overcooked, and they absorb the sauce very well. The sour, salty, and spicy sauce is evenly coated on the noodles, making each bite full of Sichuan flavor.

Pork meatball soup:
The scallions are generously added, and the meatballs are chewy and firm; however, I feel that the broth is a bit too bland and doesn’t look as perfect as it seems.

Overall, it is an affordable Sichuan-style noodle restaurant. The prices are reasonable, the flavors are authentic, and the portions are just right, making it suitable for both lunch and dinner. The interior is simple and spacious, and the spicy oil sauce at the condiment bar is also very rich in flavor. You can order using QR codes, but the selection is not as complete as the handwritten menu, which is a bit of a downside.

I recommend it to everyone!

# Pink Noodles

I previously saw someone share on IG and, being a fan of spicy food, I couldn't resist coming here since it's not far from home.

The address is located near the underground path of [Beitun Market], making it easy to find. I ordered #Wuhan Hot Dry Noodles and #Red Oil Dumplings. The owner suggested that I start with mild spice, fearing I might find it too spicy.

The hot dry noodles and dumplings were served quickly, and I finished them in no time; during this, the owner was a bit surprised by my tolerance for spice and said next time I could go for medium spice directly.

In terms of spiciness, the chili felt like the heat from Sichuan pepper and dry peppers. The seasoning wasn't overly salty, which I really enjoyed; it had a nice level of spiciness without being too overwhelming. I'll definitely come back next time to try other items.

After moving, the environment is larger and more comfortable. The Chinese-style decor paired with authentic Sichuan cuisine makes it the first choice for authentic Sichuan food in Taipei. The boiled beef and spicy sour shredded potatoes (used to have fat intestines and eggplant casserole, but not anymore) are must-orders. The taste is just like what you would have in Sichuan, but be careful not to bite into the Sichuan peppercorns, or everything will feel numb, haha. The numbing and spicy flavor of the pepper-infused chicken feet combined with its soft and crispy texture is a great companion for beer. The fatty intestines and duck blood are delicious and quite flavorful. The ice jelly truly brings back that simple and nostalgic taste; I could eat two cups directly. If you want to enjoy Sichuan cuisine, this is the place to come. It seems there’s also a hot pot branch.

#OpenDuringTheNewYear
Normal business on New Year's Eve; closed for the New Year starting on the first day.

Kailin Sichuan Restaurant specializes in Sichuan cuisine, so many dishes tend to be spicy. However, since Taiwanese people's tastes are not that fond of numbing spiciness, the flavors have actually been modified.

As for the dishes, I highly recommend the mouthwatering chicken, which is a must-order. Its sweet and spicy flavor is quite rare in Taiwanese cuisine. Additionally, I also recommend the various stir-fried vegetables; I'm not sure about the cooking methods, but the vegetables at Kailin Sichuan Restaurant manage to lock in moisture, making them taste particularly sweet!

In terms of price, I find it a bit expensive, but the level of deliciousness can make up for this drawback. Additionally, this branch is conveniently located next to the high-speed rail station in the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Plaza, making it a great place for gatherings with friends and family.

#Open During Lunar New Year
The restaurant will be open during the Lunar New Year, with no interruptions in business hours.

Overall Review: 🌕🌕🌕🌖🌑
Dickson’s Fooday Review #283
In recent years, the number of sauerkraut fish restaurants in Taiwan has really been increasing.

This time, I visited the “Diao Min Sauerkraut Fish” in the Xinyi District. This place has actually been around for a long time in Xinyi District. In the past, there were really a lot of people, and you had to arrive early to take a number and wait in line, sometimes for several hours just to eat.

However, since they have opened more branches and there are also more sauerkraut fish restaurants competing with them, the crowds have certainly decreased a lot recently!

I came here after work on a weekday to give it a try. After grabbing a number and waiting to be seated, it took about 20 minutes, which is still acceptable!

The restaurant has a counter on the first floor for taking numbers and waiting, while the dining area is located in the basement. The dining area is quite spacious, with a lot of tables and a sauce area as well as a utensil area. There’s even a spot for making tea, making the whole place feel quite expansive!

Once your number is called, the staff will lead you to your seat and provide you with a menu to choose from. The menu is mainly divided into two categories: the legendary sauerkraut fish pot and the tomato fish. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you like spicy food or not. If you’re not a fan of heavy flavors, you would naturally opt for the tomato fish!

But since I was here, I obviously chose the sauerkraut fish pot because Dickson loves both sour and spicy flavors!

Overall, I think the food is quite good. If you enjoy the taste of Chinese sauerkraut fish, you definitely have to come here and give it a try! After all, its reputation is widespread.

I drove all the way up from Taichung! Personally, I would categorize it as one of the restaurants I would revisit, as the overall taste is quite impressive.

Food: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Drinks: 🌕🌕🌕🌘🌑
Atmosphere: 🌕🌕🌕🌘🌑
Service: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Price: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

⭐️Food
👉Sauerkraut fish (medium) + Snowflake beef + Shrimp paste $638 + $99 + $188
Of course, the main attraction here is the sauerkraut fish. You can choose the size based on the number of people dining. Since we were dining for two, we naturally chose the smallest size, which is medium!

Additionally, you can add some extra items from the menu below. The chosen snowflake beef and shrimp paste were both quite good.

Especially the shrimp paste—I highly recommend ordering extra! The shrimp paste cooked in the sauerkraut fish with the tangy and sweet broth is truly delicious! I personally recommend it as a must-order!

As for the snowflake beef, it is similar to the snowflake beef offered in hot pot restaurants. Given the price add-on, I think it's quite reasonable, and the meat quality is decent enough! If you feel you’re not getting enough protein, feel free to add more beef here!

Now back to the main point of the sauerkraut fish pot: the fish is quite plentiful, and the overall flavor and texture of the fish meat are very tender. You can also choose the level of spiciness at the start, so I think it's quite moderate—not overly spicy or numbing at all—and the ingredients are quite rich.

Overall, I think it’s fantastic! I haven’t tried other places for sauerkraut fish yet, but so far, I find this one quite impressive!

👉Golden shrimp cake $120
The shrimp cake is more average, similar to the Taiwanese-style shrimp cakes that can be found elsewhere.

👉Spicy duck blood $60
The spicy duck blood is a very ordinary version of spicy duck blood that can be added to your sauerkraut fish pot or eaten directly.

⭐️Drink
👉Legendary milk tea $60
Since the menu called it legendary milk tea, I wanted to see just how deep that claim was.

Well, it turns out it’s just an ordinary milk tea 😂😂😂. The portion is quite large—only $60 for such a big cup of milk tea—but the taste is really nothing special 😂😂😂.

Additionally, the restaurant offers unlimited tea, and there are instructions nearby to guide you on how to mix it. It’s quite refreshing and good! I think that part is pretty good; you really don’t need to order any other drinks 😂😂😂.

⭐️Atmosphere
As I mentioned earlier, the dining area is quite spacious, and the spacing between tables is done well; it doesn’t feel cramped or oppressive. Each table can comfortably fit about four people, and some tables even have sofa seating, making it quite comfortable.

However, the atmosphere and decor inside are somewhat ordinary. It feels more like a place where everyone comes for a quick meal and chat, so I think it’s not particularly suitable for date settings.

Overall, I feel that the dining atmosphere is more suited for family gatherings or meals with friends because it can get quite noisy and doesn’t have a romantic ambiance or vibe 😂😂😂.

After taking a number on the first floor, there's a small sofa area in the restaurant where you can wait, but it only seats about five to six people. So, if too many people are waiting outside, you might not be able to sit here!

⭐️Service
Overall, there’s nothing particularly outstanding or bad about the service. After the staff takes you to your seat, they provide an introduction and order-taking service, and eventually, the staff also checks you out. So, there’s nothing special in terms of service.

However, even after being in business for so long, many people still come to eat. Thus, you may still have to take a number to wait during dining hours, and when taking a number, you can ask how long the wait might be before deciding whether to wait or give up 😂😂😂.

⭐️Price
Personally, I think the price and cost-performance ratio are quite decent; it’s not overly expensive but not very cheap either. It’s a perfect spot for three friends to easily come by for a meal.

The only downside is that you need to wait in line 🥹🥹.

⭐️Overall Rating
Overall, I find the sauerkraut fish itself quite delicious. No wonder there are more and more sauerkraut fish and snail noodles popping up in Taiwan’s streets and alleys over the years. These flavors are really tasty and memorable.

Since this restaurant is quite generous with its ingredients, I find the fish meat plentiful and delicious. If you have anything special you want to add, you can order it at the beginning, and it will come in this bowl. The overall combination is really tasty, and you’ll definitely leave satisfied.

No wonder this place has always been so popular; even after so long, it still requires taking a number to line up!

As for this restaurant, I believe I would come back to try it again, and I’ll consider comparing it with other sauerkraut fish restaurants! 😂😂😂

Xiao Zheng Tai Sauerkraut Fish opened three stores simultaneously in September 2024, and in just four months has expanded to a total of eight branches in the north, central, and eastern regions, establishing itself as a rapidly rising new brand. Their specialty is offering a sauerkraut hot pot that can be enjoyed solo.

The main branch of Xiao Zheng Tai Sauerkraut Fish is located in the alleyways of the Daan District in Taipei City, with the nearest MRT station being Zhongxiao Dunhua Station, Exit 3, about a four-minute walk away. The décor inside is simple, mainly in black and white, with many illustrations on the walls, and the arrangement of tables and chairs is slightly crowded.

Upon entering, customers need to find their own seating. During my first visit, the self-service ordering machine was under repair, so I ordered directly from a staff member. On my second visit, the ordering machine was functioning properly. Payment methods include cash and credit card, and receipts are available without service charges. After ordering, you receive a number tag and pick up your meal at the counter when your number is called. After dining, customers are responsible for their own recycling (everything in the dining area is self-service, including utensils, drinks, and unlimited white rice).

Today I ordered only the sauerkraut fish. There are three options for the amount of meat: small (60g), standard (120g), and large (240g), with price differences of +0/ +50/ +150. (If you don't want fish, you can replace it with meat slices.) The hot pot ingredients include: sauerkraut, bok choy, yellow bean sprouts, enoki mushrooms, black fungus, bamboo shoots, mung bean noodles, tofu, and dried tofu.

Here are my thoughts on the soup bases:
🔸 Tomato Fish (small) $200: A milder flavor, combining the fresh sweetness of tomato with sauerkraut. This is the only option that is sour without being spicy. The broth is orange-red but don't mistake it for being light; it still has a noticeable sour flavor, which can pair well with two bowls of rice.
🔸 Classic Sauerkraut Fish (small) $210: The most classic standard flavor, with acidity sharper than that of the tomato dish. Chili peppers float on top of the broth, so don’t underestimate its spiciness; it is a heavy and sour-spicy flavor!
🔸 Golden Soup Sauerkraut Fish (small) $200: The broth is even yellower than the classic version; I’m not sure what was added 😅, but it does have a slice of lemon on top.

Additionally, I ordered the following on my second visit (no pictures):
🔸 Green Peppercorn Sauerkraut Fish (small) $220: A super intense flavor!! The spiciness is escalated, and a lot of peppercorns are added to the broth, leaving my mouth numb, making it hard to drink too much soup 🫠. The fish slices are from white fish, smooth and tender. I couldn’t say if it’s good or bad, but for someone who usually eats large portions, the small serving is still quite sufficient, especially with plenty of ingredients and unlimited white rice.

I believe Xiao Zheng Tai Sauerkraut Fish is a brand with great potential. The prices are quite reasonable, allowing solo enjoyment of sauerkraut fish hot pot without needing to invite friends (unlike the higher prices for solo BBQ). With many advantages, I give it a thumbs up 😎!