AI Spot Summary
The meal features a highlight of sauerkraut and pork hotpot, with naturally fermented sauerkraut paired with slices of pork and a unique sesame sauce, resulting in an excellent flavor. The dumplings are of average quality, with thicker dough and a filling of chives and cabbage. The red bean sponge cake is sweet but not overly so, best enjoyed right after steaming.
The store has a spacious environment, without air conditioning or music, resembling a wet market. The main background noise comes from the conversations between customers, and the crowd is generally the same on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
The staff are mostly older, and their attitude is more casual. The service is less attentive and lacks basic politeness, resembling that of a market vendor. There is a lack of further explanations at the counter, and customers need to refer to the menu by themselves.
Reviews
- Environment -
Upon entering the store, the main door is wide open, there is no air conditioning, and no music; customers are chatting amongst themselves. Reservations on a holiday afternoon show a typical crowd inside, with no line outside (perhaps it gets busier in the evening), and essentially about 80% of the seats are occupied.
- Menu Items -
👉 Set Menu No. 3 $1980 includes👇
-1. One medium pot: The broth contains pickled cabbage/pork slices/scallion balls/bean curd/frozen tofu
-2. Two small dishes for 40 NT dollars (triangular shaped)
-3. 20 handmade fresh pork dumplings
-4. Two rolled pancakes (choose one flavor: beef/chicken/vegetable/egg roll)
-5. One serving of dessert with six red bean sponge cakes
-6. One serving of scallion pancakes
-7. One serving of drunken chicken for 180 NT dollars
Regarding the hot pot, it is a traditional chimney hot pot, and the pickled cabbage is naturally fermented following old methods, providing a natural sour taste. The broth contains pickled cabbage, pork slices, meatballs, bean curd, and frozen tofu. The pork slices are rich but not greasy, with a balanced ratio of fat to lean meat; the perfectly tender three-layer pork combined with the pickled cabbage is truly delicious, and when paired with a specially prepared sesame sauce, it elevates the meal. The chicken rolled pancake contains chicken breast sprinkled with pepper, accompanied by fresh lettuce, and the sauce is made with mayonnaise, which is refreshing and tasty. The dumplings are of average quality, with a slightly thick skin, and the filling has a mix of chives and ground meat with cabbage. The red bean sponge cake caters to the tastes of people from the mainland, filled with red beans and topped with shredded green and red papaya; it tastes sweet without being overly rich, and is best enjoyed hot right after steaming.
- Staff -
They are all older and speak in a very local manner, lacking the basic courtesies typically extended to customers, more akin to market stall workers selling vegetables. Upon seating, there was no introduction from the staff, and one has to rely solely on the text and prices on the menu to assess the number of dishes and portions needed.
- Conclusion -
- The signature pickled cabbage and pork hot pot is impressive, with unlimited self-service of the sauce and broth; other small dishes that come with the set are of average quality, and perhaps next time I'll just order the hot pot.
- There were instances of hair found in some food items (dumplings and rolled pancakes), and although they re-served the dishes after I raised the issue, it still raised concerns about the kitchen’s hygiene.
- The politeness and attitude of the staff felt too local, which was a bit surprising... (not sure if this is the case for just this branch).
- Perhaps due to the less crowded nature of the day, there was no time limit for dining, and they did not rush customers. Overall, it was quite good, but due to the staff's demeanor and hygiene concerns, I would rate it 2.5 stars.
