Newly opened affordable Japanese izakaya in Banqiao: fried foods, grilled skewers, and seafood hot pot

Text and photos byPingzi

If you’re looking to enjoy a casual drink at an izakaya near Banqiao’s Jiangzicui Station, Pingzi recommends the Japanese-style pub and casual eatery — Jiangcui Branch of Kōenjōchō. This spot specializes in yakitori, sashimi dishes, winter hot pot, and fried foods, all served in a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Japan. The prices are very reasonable, and they’ve recently started serving lunch, making it a great place for food lovers and nearby office workers to indulge.

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

Transportation to Kōenjōchō Japanese-style pub & casual eatery — Jiangcui Branch: Located near Jiangzicui Station on Taipei Metro’s Ban-Nan Line. It’s a 5-minute walk from the station into a nearby alley. There’s convenient parking nearby, and drivers can use the on-site parking lot.

Kōenjōchō Japanese-style pub & casual eatery — Jiangcui Branch has two locations in Banqiao: one at Xinpuxi and the newly opened Jiangcui Branch. The storefront exudes a full Japanese vibe — even before stepping inside, the large floor-to-ceiling windows and traditional wooden doors make for great photo opportunities and build anticipation for the delicious food inside.

Paper lanterns hanging nearby add to the Japanese aesthetic, making it even more enticing to dine at this izakaya.

Push open the wooden door and step into the L-shaped dining area, which has a slightly dim ambiance. The space features wooden tables and round wooden chairs, with some barrel-shaped stools that double as storage bins for convenience. There’s also an open kitchen, giving diners a clear view of the cooking process.

The walls are adorned with classic movie posters, contributing to the nostalgic Japanese interior design that creates a relaxing, pressure-free dining environment.

Seating options include tables for two, four, and larger groups, making it a great spot for couples, friends, or colleagues to gather after work for drinks.

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

The tables are thoughtfully set with plates, chopsticks, and napkins for your convenience.

The open kitchen includes a sashimi fridge, showcasing the daily supply of fresh seafood.

On the other side of the transparent open kitchen is the grill section, where charcoal-grilled dishes are prepared, filling the air with a rich smoky aroma.

The Kōenjōchō Jiangzicui menu is designed on both sides with clear text and straightforward pricing. Compared to typical izakaya prices, the offerings here are very affordable and great value. Even drinks, sparkling beverages, and alcoholic options are reasonably priced, offering excellent bang for your buck.

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

When it comes to drinks and alcoholic beverages, there’s a wide selection. Wine enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the draft beer available exclusively at the Jiangcui Branch — it’s not offered at the Xinpuxi Branch, so beer lovers can enjoy it to their heart’s content here.

Upon being seated, you’ll be served a small appetizer: edamame seasoned with coarse black pepper and soy sauce. The strong black pepper flavor is addictive and gets even tastier the more you eat.

Stir-fried water spinach (NT$120): Sautéed with garlic and ginger, the water spinach has no grassy taste. The cooking technique is excellent, and the vegetable is prepped to stay extra crispy. The unique aroma of the garlic enhances the dish, showing impressive skill even in a simple stir-fry — absolutely delicious.

Grilled corn shoots (NT$120): These are grilled whole, infused with charcoal smoke. The outside is slightly charred; peel back the skin to reveal the tender green shoots inside, which are delicious when dipped in salt.

Chilled honey tomatoes (NT$70): The tomatoes are hand-selected and prepared in-house, not from pre-packaged mixes. Topped with a specially made sauce, these sweet and tangy chilled tomatoes are refreshing and perfect for whetting your appetite.

Seafood hot pot (winter special, NT$300 per pot): This recently launched hot pot comes served in a clay pot heated by charcoal, adding to the authentic Japanese small hot pot atmosphere.

The seafood hot pot is loaded with fresh seafood: shrimp, crab meat, clams, squid, and sea bream slices. For such a reasonable price, the variety is incredible. None of the seafood has a fishy or earthy taste — the shrimp are especially fresh, easily shelled with just a light peel. You can tell the ingredients are top quality just by tasting them.

The broth is made from katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), resulting in a clear, savory, and not greasy soup. After cooking the seafood in it, the broth takes on a rich umami flavor. Sprinkle in some chopped scallions for even more depth — it’s incredibly tasty.

Grilled chicken skewers (NT$95): A hugely popular signature item. The chicken is made from thigh meat — a step up from the often bland chicken breast used elsewhere. The thigh meat is tender and juicy. After grilling, it’s sprinkled with sesame seeds for added aroma. Very juicy, and the grilling technique is top-notch.

Salmon roll sushi (NT$260): A plate of 8 pieces that’s very eye-catching — another popular signature item and must-try.

Each salmon roll sushi is wrapped with a generous slice of salmon coated in a special sauce, along with seaweed, rice, and a few other fillings. Pop the whole thing in your mouth — it’s the perfect bite size. You’ll taste the freshness of the salmon, and the tender filling is simply divine. This is the best salmon roll sushi Pingzi has ever had — highly recommended, must-order.

Shrimp and asparagus hand roll (NT$75): Filled with fresh shrimp, asparagus, and katsuobushi. Biting into it is refreshingly light. The crispness of the seaweed complements the veggies — even this simple hand roll is delicious.

Chicken hearts (3 skewers, NT$60): Most places serve overcooked, charred chicken hearts, but not here. The grill master here has excellent control — the chicken hearts are tender, not dry or tough, with a unique hint of sesame aroma. They’re juicy and delicious.

Mackerel overnight dry (NT$260): The owner personally selects the mackerel, then processes it through marination and overnight air-drying — a complex method that results in this highly recommended secret dish. The grilled mackerel has an ultra-crispy exterior with tender, flavorful meat inside. It’s salty, fragrant, and delicious. Even the head is edible — proof of the skill involved. At most izakayas, the fish head is undercooked and not crispy, but here the whole fish, including the head, is enjoyable. You can really taste the grilling expertise.

Shrimp tempura (NT$150): Includes shrimp, eggplant, and sweet potato. After frying, the golden pieces are served in a small Japanese bamboo basket, paired with miso dipping sauce.

Pick up the golden, crispy shrimp, sweet potato, and eggplant pieces, dip them in the miso sauce, and enjoy the contrast between the crispy texture and moist filling. The combination of flavors is fantastic.

Grilled willow leaf fish (NT$80): A must-try for those who love fish roe. These are perfect drinking snacks. The grilled willow leaf fish is crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside, with plump, fresh roe. Sprinkle some pepper on top for extra flavor.

Charcoal-grilled squid (NT$220): The whole squid is grilled until the surface is slightly charred but not burnt, creating a crispy texture while locking in moisture. The exterior gains a satisfying crunch. Dip it in pepper salt and enjoy the full umami of the sea. A must-order for seafood lovers.

Calpis (NT$90), and the shop’s signature kumquat tea (NT$50): Perfect drinks to pair with grilled Japanese dishes and sushi — very enjoyable while eating.

On this visit, Pingzi’s total came to NT$1,930, and she left completely satisfied. Once again, the delicious food at Kōenjōchō Japanese-style pub & casual eatery — Jiangcui Branch, combined with the chef-owner’s excellent cooking skills, makes every dish truly memorable. If you live in Banqiao or are visiting friends there, definitely consider this izakaya. You’ll find yourself craving the wonderful flavors long after your meal.

Kōenjōchō Japanese-style pub & casual eatery — Jiangcui Branch.

Kōenjōchō Contact: 02-8258-5097.
Kōenjōchō Address: No. 15, Lane 7, Alley 182, Section 2, Wenhua Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City 220 (about a 5-minute walk from Jiangzicui MRT Station).
Business hours: Sunday to Thursday – 17:30–01:00. Friday, Saturday, and holidays eve – 17:30–01:30. (Closed on Mondays)
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Upssmile Pingzi (up’s smile upward smile)!
A designer by profession, as well as a photographer for Upward Smile Travel, Food, Design, and Photography.
Passionate about “travel,” “food,” “design,” “photography,” and movies.