Kids' exclusive play area available here!
A minimalist-style Korean cuisine spot under 100 RMB per dish

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It’s rare to have personal time during the three-day holiday—you can sleep in and head out well-rested. PoPoPo Hotpot Korean Cuisine has been around for about two years. We once passed by thinking it was just another brunch spot like the neighboring Fong Sheng Kitchen, but turns out, it’s genuinely a Korean food restaurant. The interior design shows unique creativity, and we believe it’s worth introducing to everyone.

From the exterior visuals to the interior furnishings, it breaks away from the traditional layout of Korean restaurants, adopting a modern style that emphasizes warmth and humanity—which is why we initially mistook it for a brunch place.

An entire wall is lined with merchandise, but what caught our attention was the material used for the display shelves—resembling old window iron railings, including decorations on the sides of the tables. The blend of retro and modern elements creates a rather special and thoughtful ambiance.

The shop seems to have children, and they can be placed in the play area to enjoy themselves freely while adults can focus on their own activities.

This kind of space should easily accommodate several kids playing together, which is a very thoughtful gesture for parents with children.

Let’s take a look at the menu—the hotpot dishes are quite affordable, priced around 150–180 RMB each. There are three options: A, B, and C. Option A is rice replacement (bibimbap), which costs an additional 25 RMB; Option B is drinks plus dessert, adding 110 RMB; Option C includes both drinks, dessert, and bibimbap replacement for an extra 130 RMB. Drinks are available for 80 RMB, desserts for 60 RMB, with the price difference paid for any upgrades.

Most individual dishes are around 100 RMB each. Even with the Option C combo, the total comes to just over 300 RMB, which is very reasonable.

There aren’t many drink and dessert options, though expanding the beverage selection could make it even better.

Grilled Pork Rice – 150 RMB / À la carte

The grilled pork rice comes with either pork or chicken—we opted for pork. It’s a complete set meal with the main dish, side dishes, and soup.

We’re not sure if the three side dishes change daily. The small dish on the left resembles mapo tofu in preparation but without the spiciness, yet it’s very flavorful with rice. Next to it is a simple marinated shredded onion salad, light and refreshing. The last one is a mix between a tamago-like soft-boiled egg and a soy-braised egg—basically, the yolk is half-cooked but has the salty taste of a braised egg.

The rice is chewy, not soggy. Maybe it’s because we were hungry, but the plain rice actually tasted really good.

The soup with seaweed and egg drop had just the right saltiness—not bland at all, quite tasty~

Most grilled meat slices tend to be on the sweeter side, but this one isn’t. The meat is marinated very well with a bold flavor. For those used to lighter tastes, it might seem a bit salty, but we personally thought it was delicious.

Seafood Tofu Hotpot – 150 RMB / Add 130 RMB for upgrade combo

Seafood tofu hotpot is one of the most basic Korean dishes. Having tried so many versions, most taste quite similar—the difference lies in how the broth is prepared. This one instantly hit the right flavor notes for us.

The ingredients are also decent. For a hotpot around 100 RMB, it’s definitely great value, especially with some very fresh and easy-to-peel shrimp.

The broth is well-seasoned, rich in flavor with a hint of shrimp umami—it’s so good it brightens your mood. My husband even finished it all.

Bibimbap is a traditional Korean claypot rice dish where rice is cooked with various ingredients and seasonings. We expected a small clay pot, but instead, the bibimbap here is served as a mixed bowl with enoki mushrooms, carrots, dried anchovies, seaweed, and rice. Though the flavors are mild, they’re not bland, and even kids can enjoy it.

For the dessert in the combo, we picked red bean and black rice porridge. Ordered separately, it’s 60 RMB per serving. The red beans have a nice bite, and the sweetness level is just right.

Honey Green Tea – 90 RMB / À la carte

The add-on drinks require an extra 10 RMB. The taste is as expected—not particularly special, but fine.

This Korean restaurant gives off a minimalist vibe, excelling both visually and in food preparation. Plus, the kids’ play area allows parents to enjoy a relaxed meal without rushing. The prices are very affordable—we spent less than 500 RMB, even cheaper than some brunch spots. Highly recommended for everyone to try out.

PoPoPo Hotpot Korean Cuisine
Address: No. 213, Fumin Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-5560809
Business hours: 11:00~22:00
Closed on Mondays

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