Moon Moon Food Da’an Park Shop — Restaurant in Da'an District

We had high expectations and looked forward to our meal after seeing the ratings and the number of reviewers only to be crushed by the whole experience at Moon Moon Food.

Service: almost non existent. The hostess didn’t greet us nor explain the procedure although we quickly figured it out. We got a number from a machine, picked up a menu from a pile of menus and indicated on it what we wanted. The hostess called our number, looked at our menu to be sure we knew what we wanted and told us to go upstairs without so much as a greeting. Upstairs, we went to a machine to put in our order and pay by credit card then went to the table we were directed to. Because there were just the 2 of us at a table for 4, a barrier was set up to divide the table in half. We noticed a portable plastic set of drawers containing utensils, tissue paper, plates and miniature flimsy paper cups with a capacity of no more than ONE ounce that you could serve yourself cold tea. Food was delivered on a tray on a track that ran around the tables and was programmed to stop at your table and you had to remove the dishes and place them on, in our case, our half table. So as far as human services, in our opinion, there was none.

Atmosphere: two rows of tiny tables with stools. Bright lights with no art work or anything to soften the noise of bouncing voices. Only atmosphere was the automated track of moving trays.

Food: I am sure that I have never been infected by COVID so I am positive that my taste buds are fully intact. That being the case, perhaps the chef has lost his/her taste. The chicken soup with clams had no chicken nor clam taste. It did taste vaguely of green head cabbage which the soup was filled with. We have had multiple bowls of soup that came free with plate lunches in the past month, all of them were richer and tastier than this soup. Perhaps, because we came in just before closing, they were running out of their usual soup and had to water the remaining down. The chicken was tough and tasteless. In addition, the leg was poorly chopped into 3 pieces resulting in shards of shattered bone around the chicken and in the soup. We ordered the pork rice and had to enhance the flavor with the soy mixture that was available at the counter. The “pork“ was mainly pieces of fat and skin with no actual pork meat. The braised pig ears, bamboo shoots and tofu also lacked the flavor you would expect in any well braised dish. In addition, the side order of braised tofu consisted of a single 1 inch square piece of tofu that was cut diagonally giving the total order of this side, 2 tiny pieces of tofu that lacked flavor.

I certainly will NOT recommend this...

A Taste of Tradition with a Modern Twist: Moon Moon Food In the vibrant food scene of Taipei, where tradition and innovation often collide, Moon Moon Food stands out as a unique and memorable dining destination. Specializing in dishes infused with a subtle yet distinct herbal essence, this restaurant offers a culinary experience that is both comforting and inventive. The Da'an Park location provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere that perfectly complements its one-of-a-kind approach to dining.

From the moment you step inside, the ambiance is friendly and inviting. The staff are incredibly welcoming, and their genuine enthusiasm makes the entire experience even better. However, the ordering process is a modern puzzle. The use of a self-service kiosk and a prepayment system feels a bit out of place, creating an unnecessary hurdle to what should be a simple start to a meal. It is an interesting blend of technology and traditional food that doesn't quite gel.

The true novelty, and arguably the most memorable part of the dining experience, is the food delivery system. A small cart, or what feels like a sleek robot, zips around the tables to deliver some of the dishes, while others are hand-delivered by the friendly staff. This mixed-delivery approach, while a little inconsistent, adds a fun, whimsical element that makes you feel like you are part of a dining spectacle.

The food itself is a testament to their unique concept. The variety is good, and the flavors are fascinating—a subtle and flavorful mix of herbs that creates a refreshing profile. The dishes are well-executed, with a great depth of flavor that is not overwhelming. The chicken was a point of contention for me; it was a bit tough to bite, which was a shame given the high quality of everything else. It is important to note, however, that the prices, while not cheap, are generally considered reasonable for the quality and uniqueness of the food.

The drink selection is somewhat limited, but that is a minor point when the focus is so clearly on the food itself. Overall, despite a few logistical quirks and a slight miss on one dish, the experience at Moon Moon Food is overwhelmingly positive, showcasing great flavors and a friendly environment.

Verdict:

I would recommend Moon Moon Food for anyone looking for a unique dining experience in Taipei. It's an excellent place for those who appreciate interesting flavors and are open to a new kind of dining spectacle. While the food is not entirely without its flaws, the outstanding service, friendly atmosphere, and memorable delivery system make it a worthwhile...

If you want a cheap Michelin dining experience, this is the place. Unfortunately, all cutlery (except chop sticks) are all plastic disposables. That compromises the dining experiences (difficult to eat chicken with bones with flimsy spoons). No complains for the service efficiency until the last part where you were 'asked' to give them a review. This 'asking' was slowly morphed into 'harassment' as I was reminded more than 5 times after I put down my chopsticks, by the same staff! She even 'suggested multiple times' that all the family members, each holding a mobile phone, can leave the reviews. Honestly, I have no qualms leaving reviews, but to be constantly 'asked', 'prompted', 'appealed' is really annoying, just to say the least. That is why they have so many reviews by the customers. Not by own will, but by the sheer pressure of their staff! This last touch point just...