Non-military personnel can dine in a barracks too – Experience military life at the Headquarters Company of the 172nd Battalion

Text and photos by Boge

I stumbled upon this military-themed restaurant in Anping by chance one day. Seeing a few people taking photos and moving around inside, I thought it was already open for business. But the owner said it would officially start serving food on November 8th. Still, he warmly welcomed us to take photos. With such an interesting place, I definitely had to snap some pictures!!

This military-themed restaurant isn’t hard to find—it’s located on Anping Road, right across from the canal. The interior space is much larger than it appears from the outside.

At the entrance stands a soldier figure, making it feel as if you’re really entering a military camp!!

Since I’ve never served in the military and have no experience with a boyfriend in the service, everything here felt incredibly fresh to me. It was like visiting a small museum, which is why there are so many photos in this post XD

Military restaurants are already quite rare in Taiwan, but one that brings an entire military camp scene into the dining space is extremely uncommon.

The restaurant features various themed areas where you can dine—like the fuel depot, ammunition storage, anti-aircraft sentry post, and more. Isn’t that fun?^^

Even the car has been designed as a double-seat dining area, not just for show. It’s both creative and practical.

The second floor is also a dining area, giving off the vibe of an outdoor restaurant. It must be really cool here in the evening or at night.

There’s even a check-in counter!!! The simulation is incredibly realistic. To soften the otherwise rigid interior, they purposely chose a female senior enlisted soldier as the model.

There are also plenty of camouflage uniforms available for trying on and photos, in sizes for both adults and children. Spend over a certain amount and they’ll even give you a helmet-shaped safety cap!!! This owner is really talented XDD

Next, we entered the indoor lounge area. Whether it’s the choice of doors and windows or the font design of the signs, it all closely resembles military buildings as seen on TV!! ((I’m just a clueless civilian who’s never seen a real military camp XD

Inside is a scene modeled after the camp’s convenience store, with the counselor’s sleeping quarters above. My impression of a military canteen/convenience store is always that it’s where soldiers try to flirt with girls XDD ((That’s how it always is on TV

I was constantly surprised here and couldn’t stop clicking the shutter, because so many little details were crafted so meticulously~~

There are also many slogans inside the restaurant. Some are really motivational and intense, but this one... did the owner get it wrong XDD

There are also simulated rifles that replicate the weight of real firearms, allowing guests to try holding them. They’re actually quite heavy—just imagine soldiers having to carry them all day, that must take a lot of strength~

The tables and chairs were all made by the owner himself. When he hired designers, they couldn’t capture the feeling he wanted, so he ended up doing it all on his own~~

Even the tableware stays true to military life. The owner said the utensils used vary depending on the dish. What impressed me most was drinking cocktails from grenade shells!! How fun~

The walls are adorned with photos documenting the reconstruction and renovation process. Every time I see before-and-after pictures like these, I’m filled with admiration. It’s hard to imagine how much effort and perseverance goes into creating something from nothing.

Finally, here’s the menu for your reference, so you can take a look at what you might want to eat XDD The naming of the meal sets is pretty fun too~~
This post doesn’t include any food reviews because we visited before the official opening. It will start serving food on November 8th—I’ll come back and share a food review later ^_^

◎ Anping District, Tainan. Headquarters Company of the 172nd Battalion Military Theme Restaurant ◎
%┑ Address: No. 54, Guanhou St., Anping District, Tainan City
%┑ Phone: 06-2800108
%┯ Business Hours: 11:30 AM ~ 10:00 PM
%┢ Follow their Facebook page:Headquarters Company of the 172nd Battalion Military Theme Restaurant

 

。%Q Boge %Q。
I believe stories have the power to move and influence, so I want to tell stories—and only real ones. Love traveling * love food * love photography * love beauty.