Sanku Maots'ai (Mitte) 三顾冒菜 — Restaurant in Berlin

I recently visited this Chinese hotpot restaurant multiple times with colleagues, and overall, it’s been an excellent experience. The selection of hotpot ingredients is impressive, with everything neatly displayed and consistently well-stocked thanks to frequent refills. Pricing is based on how much you take, as they weigh your bowl before cooking for you, with a minimum requirement of around 300-400g (I don’t remember exactly). Even if you’re a light eater, you’ll still pay about €12 at minimum. The quality is great, and the variety ensures there’s something for everyone. The restaurant offers a wide range of sauces and freshly cut chili to customize your spice level for dipping sauces, and you can also choose your broth’s spiciness. While the buffet concept justifies some crowding and occasional waits, it doesn’t detract significantly from the experience. One downside, however, is their policy on dogs. Though there’s a sign at the entrance suggesting dogs should stay outside (with a dog symbol), I’ve noticed one or two dogs inside during my visits. While this may appeal to pet owners. You might say I’m a narrow minded person, but I also love dogs in general just not inside a restaurant especially when seats are so close to each other. One day, while we were enjoying our hotpot, a dog shook near my colleague’s bowl after coming in from a drizzle outside. The dog’s owner seemed indifferent, making the situation uncomfortable. It would be nice if dog owners were encouraged to sit outdoors to avoid such issues. Despite this, the restaurant delivers fantastic value and flavor. I’d rate it 4.5 stars if possible. Highly recommended if you...

We came as a group of six on a Saturday evening, excited to enjoy hotpot together. The selection of ingredients initially looked promising, but the experience quickly went downhill.

I ordered the spicy Szechuan broth, and it was genuinely unpleasant. It left a strange, almost chemical taste in my mouth and throat, and the sensation was uncomfortably tingly, not in the authentic Szechuan way, but more like something was off. I thought it was just me until I checked with my friends. Shockingly, everyone felt the same ,even those who ordered the Thai base. The food tasted bizarre and artificial, almost like dish soap had been stirred into the pot. Most of us felt sick afterward, and a few even ended up vomiting. That is completely unacceptable.

To make matters worse, the service was surprisingly dismissive. When my friend asked for a few forks for those not used to chopsticks, the staff member handed her only one. When she politely asked for a few more, they were tossed into the tray without a word a small but telling moment that reflected the overall attitude. The same happened when we asked for takeaway bowls. We understand it was busy, but basic courtesy shouldn’t be too much to expect.

Given the poor quality of both the food and the service, this place was absolutely not worth the price we paid. We left disappointed and unwell both literally and...

Sanku is a really nice place. The business model is fantastic. They charge you per kilo. So, you eat a lot, you pay more. If you don't eat a lot, you pay less.

The only thing I did not understand is that there is a minimum amount of food you need to take. If I'm correct, it's about 400g. But the point is, if you put less than 400g, they push you to put more food instead of changing the minimum price. I really don't like wasting food.

Despite this issue, the food is delicious, and they have an "infinity" of ingredients. It covers all tastes, a variety of meats, and a variety of vegetables. The mushrooms and pork belly are my favorites. There are different broths. I usually prefer something not spicy, such as the mixed mushroom broth. However, they are very spicy ones. I saw people literally crying but enjoying it.

I have never been there for dinner, but for lunch, it is always busy, even with several tables available. Sometimes it's not easy to find a place. Go a little bit earlier.

Last but not least, there are several typical drinks, and my favorites are the ones with lychee.

Tip: If it is your first time there, be cautious while getting the ingredients. You might have too much in your basket. Believe me, I made this...