My wife and son today wanted to eat something special last weekend and when they get another level up of hungry, they become Hangry (Hungry + Angry). This was after golf class so the hunger is set in even further after a workout.
I told my dear wife to find any place she wants to eat however its one of those days when you are so hungry you dont know which place to go cause everything looks good but you want to make sure you got the right choice because if not then the Hangry becomes more Angry. hehehehe.
I had to step in and even though I didn't know the region of where I am I basically said,
"Everyone CHILL out~ I got this."
Pulled out my iphone mini and opened up google maps app and typed "Top Restaurant"....
A list of places were coming in and I had no idea what this place was but the reviews didn't lie... from a 5 star rating it was 4.6 stars and it was voted by 4700 people. This had to be it.... this score toppled every single other restaurant by a mile. I didn't show where we were going or what we will eat but I just drove and headed towards the stars. :)
When we almost arrived at our destination my wife was so curious she looked at where we were heading and she stayed calm..... and this ladies and gentlemen... is a good sign.
She knew this restaurant already. Me and my son were clueless but if momma is happy then the entire family is happy... good stuff definitely seems to come.
When we arrived she mentioned that this is a famous brand name hotpot restaurant in Taiwan and she said it was a good choice. OK... I guess the Hangry part is solved. :) Now I needed to see and taste how OG legit this place really was. Cause to me... Hotpot is just.... another regular Hotpot. But I couldn't be more wrong in my life.
The presentation of the meat was absolutely showcasing the thin sliced, marbling of the meat, and rich red color. Definitely looked premium all the way for showing slices of meat. Nevertheless, everyone wanted to eat that first. Fat and marbling is key for hot pot meat. We ordered beef ribeye and brisket.
Fat and marbling is key for hot pot meat. This is probably why the presentation was so important to really showcase the quality of the beef.
I asked her how come we never came here as a family? and she said because usually its crazy packed and wait time is very long. However today was our lucky day... there was seating. I sense good things will keep on coming. On the menu we ordered a lot cause we were all very starving hungry. For hotpot pretty much everything just comes all at once.
Let me rewind a bit and explain what hotpot is for people who dont know what it is. I introduce to you ladies and gentlemen the Chinese-Taiwanese Hotpot.
What does Hotpot consist of?
Basically, everyone sits around this "hot"pot full of soup at the center of the table and there is raw meats, seafood, vegetables, and tofu on the side prepared for cooking in the boiling pot fresh and raw.
What does Hotpot taste like?
There usually is a divider in the pot where two types of soup base goes in. Spicy soup base and the other is a non spicy clear white broth soup base. The white clear soup base has a mild umami flavor kind of tasting like beef stock but much richer in flavor. The spicy soup is usually deep red, lots of red chili oil, Sichuan pepper...ect. The spicy soup base kind of taste like Like a spicy noodle soup... Kind of.
How do you eat Hotpot?
You get your meats and veggies of your portion and basically dip it in the Hotpot soup base you want... wait a few minutes and take them out into a bowl and there is a whole variety of dipping sauces you can choose to dip your veggies and meats... then EAT!!!
Some people like to have their meats spicy and veggies to the clear broth, however there is no rule... you cook it same way, both way, or even try a different way. :) Usually there is also a bowl of rice that comes with it as well. Yum... just typing this makes me hungry.
The name of this Hotpot Brand is called "Top One Pot"
With that many reviews and 4,660+ Photos I mean... I can't be wrong right?
This image exactly was how I discovered this place.
Hotpot is adapted pretty much these days in every part of the world and it shouldn't be too hard to find one. I might be wrong however from my travel experience so far I was able to find them. More cultures are starting to adapt hotpot in families lives now...
Ohhh! and even for my good friend @derangedvisions whom I met at the OCD discord~ even he has a hotpot kit at his household!!! Here is a photo of his hotpot! :) Now thats whats up!! kakakaka!!
Some asked about how much and where can they get them... It should be easy to get on amazon at around $20.00 Our buddy's hotpot even had the heater coil for the heating element to boil the hotpot. :)
Thanks for checking out my post today. I am always for the look out of cool experiences I can share together with our Hive community. Trying to always find something original and inspire others to do the same... life is too short. Do everything! Cheers n Peace!!
Set the Tone!!!
Google maps turned out to be a saviour... From first look of restaurant from outside I did see that coming.... Glad your wife liked that place...and hopefully you enjoyed food.
Hotpot that keep things hot - right? Well, Happy to hear this experience of yours and eating in hotpot sounds really nice... Cheers mate! Have fun ahead on weekends!
Google maps is great at finding places in an instant. I just go with whatever reviews were best and see what type of food later. hahaha.
This time I have to say I was lucky. Cause at first i didn't even know it was hotpot. :)
Indeed bro. I do always use Google maps when I need to find a place.
Hehe, now I know why leaving review is a must thing.
Cheers! Wish you a Great weekend ahead.
I was actually salivating while staring at the food from the picture and I can tell that you guys must have enjoyed yourself big time.
I didn't know about hotpot until aunty @Jane share one in her post sometime ago. Do you use chopsticks too? That's really cool, poor me finds that really fascinating.
I was also salivating while I was creating this post. :) I recommend one day if there is a chance to try out hotpot I think you will really like it.
Chopsticks is a utensil where we basically now is embedded in our lifestyle. once you get used to it... then you can't go back. hahaha~
I will definitely get to try hot pot probably this festive period, it will be great. About chopsticks, it is art, and it leaves me speechless. I have tried but didn't get it right
That looks like a great dining experience! I know this Hangry thing very well. 😂😆
Hahahaha~ seems like we are more similar in nature than we thought. :) If wa-i-fu hangry then kids get hangry and everyone gets hangry. Ends up eating green giant canned corn and totally regret it.
Now when i notice hangriness i step up to action to resolve it. :) Especially for my dear wife. lolz
Damn it! I miss a good hotpot. Now is the perfect time for it. Have you tried the ginger duck one?
Hey sis!~ Yea your right, winter is the best time for hotpot. I have been getting addicted to the dipping sauce. :) And no, I haven't tried ginger duck! That sounds really good!! I will try that out next time. From same restaurant? mmmmm~ sounds good.
薑母鴨 it's a local type of hotpot, I used to go to a very local place that uses a coal stove. Gosh! Found this photo from 3 years ago!
coal stoves are OG! and they actually taste better too!!! 3 years ago photo and seems like it was taken just yesterday~ ingredients didn't change. hehehe
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Looks great, man! I'm more interested in Asian food now. By the way, your profile picture rocks! Set da Tone!
Hahahaha~ My profile pic. I am trying to not try to look cool. Rather trying to just be me.
Crazy. :)
and yes, you should try more Asian food. There is a lot to offer and although I am Asian myself... I havent even scratched the surface of its variety of dishes. Its not just noodles and rice. hahahahaha.
Not sure how I missed them when you posted it. Your hot pot looks super fancy and the meats look delicious. I could eat hot pot for dinner so much. It’s really the best meal.
Oh wow I've got to try Taiwanese Beef HotPot based on these photos and explanation. I can almost smell an taste it, good job on the post. It's making me feel hungry now 🤣