Hikiniku to Come (Huashan) — Restaurant in Taipei

Fun to try if you can get over the overly strict reservation system, that still doesn't ensure you will get seated within 15 minutes of the stated time. (Failed to get a reservation in Kyoto, so it's nice that they opened a spot in Taipei.) In the mean time, you'll have to wait outside til called, at best being able to sit on the public bus benches. After being led in to place your order by a machine in the corner (using your reservation deposit, plus paying for anything extra on top), you can hang your coats in a closed off closet to keep the smell from sticking to them and have a seat around one of two main grills.

Very juicy wagyu patties (which you can watch get made while you eat) are first flame grilled to get some nice marks on it then finished on a lower heat; you're served 3 pieces over time, with a recommendation of how to try each piece written on a sheet tucked inside the drawer at your seat (along with utensils, a wet napkin, and fancy S&P grinders). The different sauces, spices and accompaniments do make it fun to explore different combinations even if not everything may be to your taste.

The crisp lightly-pickled vegetables are also a nice change of pace from the usual Taiwanese style. The guava drink is refreshing, as well as...

Finally managed to get a reservation from the website. Was quite confusing on how the booking works at first, but just follow the instructions and you won’t go wrong.

On the day of reservation, wait outside the restaurant and they will call the last 4 digit of your phone number based on your reservation. Once called just show them your reservation email and you’ll be able to enter🙂

Once inside, you’ll be able to purchase additional items. I bought the potato salad which was surprisingly good! Note that your reservation do come with the standard meal that have 3 beef patties.

Rice is fragrant and unlimited, there are also plenty of sauce to choose from. Felt overwhelming at first but there are instructions available on how to use them. Plain water is free, and eggs are free too (1 egg for 1 pax).

Beef patty (or hamburg) was so juicy and tender. First patty was recommended to eat as it was, second patty came with Yuzu sauce, and third patty was up to you on how you want to eat it.

Overall was definitely worth and would visit again. The only thing I dislike was the reservation system that was only open...

Meat patties were very juicy and flavorful, even on it’s own.

Each person pays 650NTD (pre-payment required upon reservation online) and you get three patties included (comes with all the peppers, sauces, and one egg). Rice is unlimited; just ask the staff to refill your bowl.

There’s a paper with instructions if you want to follow the different suggested ways of eating each patty in order, but you can also just do it however you feel like based on your taste and preferences. I ate the first one plain and simple (on it’s own and then with rice), just adding some salt and garlic flakes halfway through. I had the second one with the ponzu sauce, and the radish provided but I also eventually added some of the green peppers to add a bit of kick. For the last one, I separated the yolk of the egg and added it onto the patty and rice (instead of beating the egg and adding soy sauce as recommended). It’s a nice experience overall trying it with different flavors...