小正太酸菜魚 台北總店

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 😎!