🍲 Food around Ann Arbor | Hot pot sushi

This spot is famous for its duck hot pot in Ann Arbor, and it’s only a 30-minute drive from Central Campus—totally worth the trip for warm, flavorful Japanese comfort food. We tried hot pots, sushi, and small plates, and while there were a few misses, the highlights made it a great meal. Here’s what to order (and what to skip) 🍲! 🌟 Hot Pots: Sukiyaki Beats the Famous Duck Pot! Both pots are good, but one stands out: Sukiyaki Hot Pot: 🥩 My favorite! The broth is richer and more savory than the duck pot—deep, sweet-savory, and perfect for soaking up with extra udon noodles (add a serving—you won’t regret it!). Every bite is warm and comforting, way more flavorful than I expected. Duck Hot Pot: 🦆 The star everyone talks about! The broth is delicious, but here’s a tip: eat the duck as soon as it’s cooked—leave it in too long, and it gets tough. It’s tasty, but the sukiyaki is the real winner. 👍 Must-Try Dishes (Order These First!) These are the reasons I’ll come back: Unagi Don (Eel Rice Bowl): 🐍 Even my friend who hates eel loved this! The eel is tender, glazed with a sweet-savory sauce that’s not too heavy, and the rice is fluffy. It’s high-quality eel—way better than most spots in Ann Arbor. Soft-Shell Crab: 🦀 I order this every time! It’s fried to crispy perfection—no soggy bits, just crunchy coating and tender crab inside. The seasoning is spot-on, and it’s addictive. Fire-Seared Sushi Roll: 🔥 The only sushi roll here served with a quick flame sear—and it’s great! It’s warm (a nice change from cold sushi), with melted cheese and a rich sauce. I forgot the name, but just ask for the “fire roll”—they’ll know. Sashimi: 🍣 I’m not a sashimi expert, but this was fresh—no fishy aftertaste, tender texture, and served with fresh wasabi. Solid for a casual izakaya. ❌ Skip These (Disappointments Ahead!) A few misses to avoid: Beef Tongue: 🥩 We tried this twice, and both times it was tough—chewy and hard to bite through. The flavor is okay, but the texture ruins it. Karaage Skewers (Fried Chicken): 🍗 Just “meh”—nothing special. It’s crispy, but the seasoning is bland, and it’s not worth ordering when there are better options. Liver: 🥩 I didn’t try it, but my friend said it’s super fishy—steer clear if you’re sensitive to strong flavors. 📍 Logistics & Price Location: 43327 Joy Rd, Canton, MI 48187 – 30 minutes from Ann Arbor, easy to find with parking. Cost: ~$40 per person (after tip) – fair for the portion size and quality, especially for hot pots and eel. 🌟 Final Verdict: Great for a Warm, Casual Meal Izakaya Sanpei is perfect for when you’re craving hot pots or Japanese comfort food. The sukiyaki, eel don, and soft-shell crab are musts—just skip the beef tongue and liver. It’s a cozy spot for a group meal or casual dinner, and the drive from Ann Arbor is totally worth it. #UniversityOfMichiganAnnArbor #FoodieLife #Sukiyaki #JapaneseFoodie #AnnArborEats #MichiganFood #IzakayaSanpei