Pin Xian Seafood Restaurant — Restaurant in Da'an District

Pros: Delicious, cheap, fast, and casual. This is my go-to rechao (think stir-fry) and one of my favorite restaurants in Taiwan. There seems to be some agreement on this place with the locals and internationals alike, because this place is always packed with both on the weekends (and some weekdays). That doesn't mean this is a small place. It's huge. Three big rooms as well as a private backroom. I haven't seen their kitchen, but they churn out meals in minutes. It's amazingly fast once you get a table. Beer is also affordable, at 80NT for 臺灣金牌啤酒 TW beer, unlike a lot of places which up-charge a lot for the beer. Beer is self-service. Just grab some from the fridge and pay at the end. Usually there are beer girls promoting a certain beer, but it's also normally a more expensive beer, so feel free to pass on their offers if you'd rather drink the TW gold medal beer. Rice and sauces also self-service. To me, forget the over-priced bars of Taipei, rechao restaurants like this one are the perfect place to come with groups of friends and drink. Or just come and hangout. Either way, the food and atmosphere is great. They have a lot of traditional rechao dishes as well as some added dishes that you don't always see at other rechao restaurants. This is the most affordable rechao I've seen anywhere in Taipei (out of a dozen or more I've been to). Most dishes are 100NT, several dishes are 150NT, and a few are more expensive (like sashimi and specialty dishes). If you come with a group you should order 1.5 to 2 dishes per person. Normally 1.5per is plenty since there's also included rice, unless you're ordering specialty dishes which are smaller.

Cons: Seating can sometimes be a bit cramp. Especially if you're not used to sitting on small stools at small tables. If you need an English menu, good luck. It is a bit outdated and noticeably disorganized, but at least they have one. Also, the staff always seem to have difficulty with reservations. Every time I've made a reservation with the restaurant I've still ended up waiting 10-20mins for a table. But... I keep going back, because everything else is awesome.

Takes reservations as mentioned, but not necessary. If coming with a big group it's...

Ok. The food was good. We ordered sliced pork in garlic sauce, some sort of veggie fried in garlic, the ubiquitous taiwanese boiled cabbage, oysters deep fried in some kind of batter, pan-seared pork liver in sauce, and fried noodles. Everything was good - except for the oysters (bland, tasteless, and not worth trying without a strong accompaniment or sauce).

The atmosphere, well, it's mainly a local joint and it feels that way. Building's old - as is almost every building in Taipei - and the wallpaper's peeling, the design from the 80s wearing thin on the eyes. It's part of the charm, frankly, and we saw old and young jostling for seats. The whole place felt like a restaurant grew around what was probably a small roadside stall back in the distant past, that's pretty cool to think about.

The service, though, just sucked. And my pet peeve: when staff can't explain what's on the menu, and when they toss plates of food on the table, not setting it down. It disrespects the customer, and worse, it disrespects the food and restaurant. Does the food and restaurant mean so little to the staff? They were being tossed onto our table like plates of slop. Don't give a crap about customers? Fine. Give a crap about your own restaurant and have some self-respect.

Coming back here? No. Which is a shame. The...

The tantalizing aroma of stir-fried dishes and the sizzle of skewers waft through the air as you indulge in a variety of authentic, delicious and inexpensive Taiwanese fare. The Kung Pao chicken and fried squid are standout offerings, cooked to perfection and bursting with bold, rich flavors that leave you wanting more.

However, the dining experience at this establishment is not without its shortcomings. Although service is efficient with dishes served promptly, the waitstaff's attentiveness and hospitality could use some improvement. In such a bustling atmosphere, it is essential for the staff to provide a more polished and warm service to maintain the overall satisfaction of their patrons.

The restaurant's lively ambience is reminiscent of a traditional Taiwanese eatery, with chatter and laughter filling the space. While some may appreciate the boisterous atmosphere, others might find the noise level distracting or overwhelming. Despite this, the unlimited rice offerings and ample beer choices further solidify this spot as a crowd favorite. Just remember to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted. It is highly recommended to book a reservation to secure a seat in this highly...