AI Spot Summary
The ingredients for the hot pot are fresh, especially the Taiwanese garlic clams and tender chicken strips, which are impressive. Additionally, the lean beef has a good texture. The vegetable platter is diverse, and the broth has a rich garlic flavor.
The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, featuring a friendly shop cat that makes cat lovers feel at ease. In terms of space arrangement, different seating configurations are chosen for different dishes.
The staff are friendly and enthusiastic, proactively introducing items and chatting with guests. It is recommended to make a reservation by phone in advance and to note that a service charge will be applied, and only cash payment is accepted.
Reviews
Taipei Nangang - Near the exhibition center, there are options for hot pot and copper plate BBQ. The restaurant also has a friendly white cat.
This time, I chose to eat hot pot, and I selected the "Classic Kombu Hot Pot" without extra charge! I initially wanted to order the "Taiwanese Garlic Clam Boneless Chicken Thigh," but was informed that there was no chicken thigh meat available. However, I was strongly recommended to try the tender chicken strips instead, which isn't on the menu, so I ordered the hidden gem "Taiwanese Garlic Clam Tender Chicken Strips"!
📍 Taiwanese Garlic Clam Tender Chicken Strips NT$380
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘
First of all, the tender chicken strips are indeed very tender! I expected them to turn out dry like chicken breast when cooked, but surprisingly, they tasted very much like sous-vide chicken breast! It was astonishing! The portion of clams was not very large, but they were still quite fresh! Additionally, because I ordered this dish, they directly added garlic into the broth while cooking! The amount of garlic was generous, making the soup very rich in garlic flavor! (I love garlic so much that I ate them all!)
The vegetable platter had a good variety, and there weren't many unpleasant hot pot ingredients (just egg dumplings and fish dumplings). The rest were mushrooms, tofu, and pumpkin, along with plenty of cabbage! Also, rice was a side option; the self-service bar had braised pork that could be added, along with some green onions and cilantro, transforming it into gourmet braised pork rice!
My friend ordered low-fat beef and found the quality of the meat to be excellent!
▶️ Environment
🔹 If you choose the copper plate BBQ, you have to sit at the bar. For hot pot, you sit at tables.
🔹 There is a self-service drink bar (with Oolong tea, winter melon lemon, etc.).
🔹 The restaurant has a shop cat that likes to take up space on the sofa or come over to your table for some attention!
▶️ Helpful reminders
🔹 It’s recommended to call ahead to make a reservation.
🔹 On the day I paid, they only accepted cash.
🔹 There is a 10% service charge!
▶️ Overall rating
🔹 The owner is very friendly and enthusiastically introduces the menu items, and they also chat with us at checkout! Plus, there is a shop cat that cat lovers will find very healing! Overall, it's a pretty good hot pot/copper plate BBQ restaurant. The quality of the hot pot ingredients is quite good! I would like to try the copper plate BBQ next time; I've heard it’s all-you-can-eat BBQ at a certain price.
