New Taipei-style fusion hotpot spot: Caterpillar sushi with mentaiko and cheese

Text and photos by /Wisely

I haven’t come across any particularly outstanding hotpot spots worth recommending lately, but during a recent break from my busy schedule, my friend President Zhou invited me and Little D to dine at ‘New Shop.’ Along with a few friends, we not only tried some unique creative Taiwanese dishes but also enjoyed Japanese cuisine that rivals that of traditional izakayas — and the best part is, the prices are more affordable with high-quality ingredients!

The shop is located on Taihe Street. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Zhonghe Temple Street and close to Jing’an MRT Station. There are nearby parking options at Zhonghe City Hall Parking Lot and Zhonghe Road Parking Lot. The quirky bald mascot figure on the storefront is a caricature of the shop owner... Wisely reminds you: “Don’t drink and drive — safety first.”

The interior is spacious and comfortable, with many celebrity autographed photos and posters on the walls. This is because the shop’s shareholders include individuals deeply involved in the entertainment industry, so chatting with them can lead to discovering lots of interesting stories.

In terms of pricing, each dish is around NT$150–200, and because the portions are generous, it’s quite good value. Aside from classic stir-fried dishes, they also offer newly introduced Japanese-inspired fusion dishes, featuring sushi, grilled items, and sashimi.

Large chunks of tuna sashimi and tender squid sashimi look absolutely mouthwatering, and the freshness is top-notch!

Featuring wild snail meat from Hualien, spicy Kung Pao chicken wings, super drink-friendly taro and pork intestines, golden egg tofu, as well as classic pan-fried pig liver, rich baby bok choy with dried shrimp, and soft, silky unagi skewers — all these appetizing hotpot dishes are great conversation starters, and their flavors give a glimpse into the chef’s culinary style.

If you’re worried about drinking too much and want something to sober up, the warming fish miso soup is a great choice. Its broth is light yet packed with ingredients, completely different from the usual izakaya fare that just offers fish bones.

My favorite dishes include the plump oyster youth dish. I’ve had similar ones in many traditional Taiwanese eateries. It features juicy fresh oysters preserved with ice crystals, then mixed with sauce and mustard for a sweet, rich taste that’s utterly addictive!

The Osaka-style raw beef combines thinly sliced raw beef with quail yolk and onion slivers — a signature dish in many Japanese izakayas. Its tender, sweet flavor pairs perfectly with beer.

Spicy stinky tofu is a staple at every hotpot spot, but whether it’s good or not depends not only on the portion of tofu and duck blood but also on the broth. They use large pieces of stinky tofu and duck blood, served in a spicy and sweet chili sauce that’s incredibly satisfying with rice.

The mixed flounder fin meat is artfully arranged on a long wooden platter alongside salad — the presentation is striking, and the taste is equally impressive.

The caterpillar sushi is another one of my top recommendations. It takes a regular hosomaki sushi, grills it with cheese and mentaiko, and adds eye-catching salmon roe — a dish that’s truly unforgettable and makes you want to order another.

The rare yellow croaker overnight dry crispy fish is tender with beautifully arranged presentation. The premium ingredients make even the bones delicious. Though it looks nothing like typical Japanese cuisine, the taste is on par with top-tier restaurants.

Made with premium-textured Kobe beef ribs, the dish is slow-grilled to preserve the beef’s natural flavor, with a sprinkle of sesame for aroma. The colorful plating gives off an air of elegance, and the taste is simply delicious.

The shop’s mentaiko chicken wings are generously portioned and packed with flavor. The chicken meat is not overly salty, preserving a subtle umami, complemented by the rich, savory taste of mentaiko — a fantastic option for those who love Japanese-style drinking snacks.

The mentaiko chicken skewers offer a different flavor profile, using more elastic thigh meat. The generously applied mentaiko paired with a slice of tangy lemon adds a unique layer of taste — definitely one of my personal recommendations!

Overall, ‘New Shop’ offers a diverse and high-quality selection of dishes. It’s a great choice for gathering with friends after work for a meal and some good conversation. Moreover, it captures the unique charm of Taiwanese hotpot spots — a place where you can chat loudly and freely when the drinks flow. For hotpot lovers, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too.

● ETtoday News Cloud reminds you: Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking.

New Shop (Taiwanese Hotpot)
Address: No. 37, Taihe Street, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City
Phone: 02-22407567
Hours: 17:00 – 02:00 (next day)
Website:FB
Rating: ★★★★☆

Wisely
A Pisces man who records food, travel, and life,
Who enjoys capturing life’s little moments on ordinary days.
Always dreaming of other people’s rich and colorful stories,
So I also diligently share moments of my life on my blog,
to ensure the footsteps I’ve taken and explored in life aren’t just kept in my memory.
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