“22:02” — Quality ingredients are no joke here. Group gathering averages around NT$500 per person.

Text & Photos /Mazzy Little Rabbit

As long as you’re with the right good friends, anything tastes delicious. But having amazing food to share makes friendship even deeper, and the birthday party even more exciting!!! Aries may be a passionate and straightforward sign, but they’re also high-maintenance, fussy, and super neurotic. Basically, you could say they’re easy to get along with, or you could say they’re really hard to hang out with.

Little did we know that besides our Wang family’s five crazy and ultra-close sheep, two years ago we fortuitously met another (even) more high-maintenance and neurotic Aries friend. Then, ever since we started planning an Aries birthday bash ages ago, we partied N times throughout March and April, having an absolute blast — and the first party was the super fun 【22:02 Hotpot Wellness Feast – A Birthday Party with Endless Good Food】. Several high-maintenance, neurotic Aries folks got to know each other through a trip to northern Guangdong, and the Aries party was actually just our best excuse to eat great food.

We had already loved 22:02 to begin with, and for our first Aries party in 2014, we chose the day before my birthday and Yunyun’s. We gathered here to celebrate with hotpot. Unexpectedly, the dishes that day were full of surprises — aside from 22:02’s main signature ingredients, there were also many hidden private dishes from the boss, plus birthday private dishes sponsored by Mr. Li next door, which sent the foodie Aries birthday celebrants’ joy index through the roof.

Therefore, some of the dishes shared in this post might not be available at 22:02. Remember to call the restaurant before you go. Little Rabbit has a friend who saw my check-in featuring abalone, so they rushed over the next day, only to find that the abalone hadn’t officially launched yet and had to be reserved. My friend was a bit disappointed — sorry about that... XDDD

The % pork tenderloin and beef short ribs at 22:02 — must-orders every time. The high-quality ingredients are truly delicious.

22:02’s hotpot is à la carte (not all-you-can-eat), and the shop offers organic vegetables and carefully selected ingredients. But honestly, the prices are fair and reasonable. On several visits, I averaged about NT$500 per person — tasty, healthy, and nourishing. These days, I don’t even like all-you-can-eat places anymore. I mostly choose quality hotpot spots, preferring to order individually and enjoy premium ingredients.

The broth at 22:02 is definitely worth mentioning — healthy, nourishing, and refreshing.

The % broth base is thoughtfully designed with layers of flavor — clear yet rich, with a mild spice that warms you up without being too heavy. This part is my favorite.

The % level of spiciness is just right for those who aren’t used to very spicy food, but still want a bit of heat. There are multiple levels of spiciness to choose from.

The % also has options for those who love beef, and there are fresh, thinly sliced beef slices that melt in your mouth.

Then came the “Portuguese-style shrimp” from Mr. Li next door to 22:02. I missed out on the previous gathering with Mr. Li due to a prior engagement, and I’d been looking forward to it, so this was my first time trying his cooking. This Portuguese-style shrimp was absolutely incredible — it really hit the spot.

The % sauce pairs really well with the shrimp. Although it’s a bit spicy, it’s not overpowering, and the flavor is just right. It’s actually quite easy to handle. For those who love spicy food, it’s not too challenging.

There’s also the % fish dumplings, which are also a solid choice. They go really well with the clear broth.

The % tofu skin at 22:02 is also incredibly smooth and tender. Every time I eat it, it reminds me of the delicate tofu skin in Japan.

The % tripe here is also one of our group’s favorites. The beef tendon is super fragrant and chewy — when you come to 22:02, how can you miss this? The beef tendon is so fragrant and Q-textured, and the pork intestine is my favorite. When you come to 22:02, how can you miss this dish?

The % beef tendon is also a highlight here, and it’s not greasy at all.

The % mango fish skin from Mr. Li is also super fun to eat — slippery and delicious.

The % beef slices are also thinly sliced and flavorful. You can’t go wrong with a slice or two.

The % tendon here is also super tender, and the texture is just right.

The % enoki mushrooms are also very fresh. They don’t seem to be on the menu, but you can ask the staff for them. They’re also cut super thick, almost face-sized.

The % salted egg yolk part is also quite unique. The portion isn’t huge, but the taste is memorable. XDDD

The % chicken meatballs are also made with quality ingredients. The texture is bouncy and juicy, and the flavor is really satisfying. I wish I could bring some back home.

% OH WOW... suddenly there was abalone, and everyone got really excited... Could this also be sponsored by Mr. Li next door?

% It seems this abalone is something 2:02 is planning to introduce, but because it’s high quality and the cost is high, the owner is still figuring out the pricing.

The % abalone is also super fresh. The broth is clear and flavorful. If you’re lucky, you might get some with lots of tendon. It’s really something special. This abalone was purely prepared for our birthday celebration — we’re so grateful. So if you want to try it, remember to call the boss in advance to see if you can reserve some.

The % oysters are also super fresh — that’s something I always highly recommend. They’re plump and juicy, and the flavor is amazing... haha

%What the hell? We’ve already eaten? I can’t even remember how much I spent on my meal... It’s because we’re all monsters, aren’t we?

%I was so surprised!! I really love banana desserts, and usually when I see them on the menu, I order one right away. But this time, there were so many dishes that I didn’t even notice, and they disappeared super quickly. My heart sank a little.

%Ji Dian? Alley alley alley sparse? Warm? The other person was just... [br /> It’s said that when Ma Ge arrived first at 22:02, she casually mentioned whether there could be a surprise for her birthday. Unexpectedly, the thoughtful owner immediately made a banana cake, which appeared at the end of the meal. Everyone was so happy about it!! Are we, a bunch of crazy Aries, just too blessed~~~

%Thank you 22:02, thank you Ma Ge, Yun Yun, Albert... and every good friend who celebrated my birthday with us. Thank you to this group of like-minded, equally crazy and wild companions. Also thank you, God, for letting me meet all of you. Being with you all makes me so happy and feel incredibly lucky. Let’s keep eating, drinking, and having fun together in the future!! (Is the Aries party going to last until the end of time?)

【22：02 Hot Pot. Lohas】
Phone: 02-2748-2202
Address: No. 7, Lane 17, Section 4, Bade Road, Songshan District, Taipei City
Business Hours: AM11:00~14:30; PM17:00~22:00
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/2202LOHAS