🍲Review of a new hot pot restaurant in Ann Arbor | I tried it for you
🍲 Broths: Good, But Could Be Richer We got the tomato and spicy broths—both were tasty, but had small room for improvement: Tomato Broth: Flavorful, but I prefer my tomato broths thicker and more intense (this one was a little light for my taste). Still, it added a nice sweet-savory base to the meal. Spicy Broth: One level of spice was enough to pack a kick, and the heat lingered (in a good way!). My only wish? More depth—right now, it’s mostly spicy, with not quite enough aromatic layers (like star anise or Sichuan peppercorn). 🍡 Standout Side: Ciba (Glutinous Rice Cakes) Must-order! The ciba (fried glutinous rice cakes) were delicious—chewy, slightly sweet, and perfectly crispy on the outside. We heard the sour plum soup isn’t great, so we skipped it, but the ciba more than made up for it. 📝 Suggestions for the Restaurant (If They See This!) Two small fixes that would make the experience better: Menu Font: The text on the menu is way too small—printing it on larger paper would make it so much easier to read (no squinting needed!). Condiment Station Tools: The spoons and sauce dishes at the condiment bar are tiny 🥲—bigger ones would make it easier to scoop chili oil, sesame sauce, etc., without making a mess. 💰 Price: It’s All About What You Order (Not As Expensive As I Heard!) Before coming, I saw reviews saying it’s pricey ($50–$60 per person). But our group of 4 (we don’t eat huge portions) ordered mains, sides (ciba, hand-pulled noodles, wide vermicelli), and the bill was only ~$30 per person after tip. It really depends on your order—skip overpriced add-ons, and it’s totally reasonable for Ann Arbor’s hot pot scene. 📍 Location: Easy to Find (Next to Willowtree & Mochinut) 1771 Plymouth Rd ste 104, Ann Arbor, MI 48105—it’s right next to Willowtree and Mochinut. Major envy for anyone who lives near WT and can walk here for hot pot! 🌟 Final Verdict: Great for a Hot Pot Craving Tang Palace isn’t reinventing hot pot, but it’s a reliable new option. The broths are good, the ciba is a winner, and the price is fair if you order smart. It’s perfect for a casual weekday meal or a small group hangout—definitely check it out if you’re jonesing for something warm and savory. #NothingBeatsHotPot #UniversityOfMichiganAnnArbor #MichiganFoodie #AnnArborFoodie #NewRestaurantAnnArbor #TangPalaceAnnArbor