Chingu BBQ Taipei MRT Ximen Branch — Restaurant in Wanhua District

Disappointing Service Ruined the Experience – Especially for a Restaurant Rated 4.9

As someone who travels across Asia 2–3 times a month, I rely heavily on reviews when picking places to eat. This restaurant had a 4.9 rating, so expectations were naturally high. Sadly, the experience was nowhere near that standard—and that’s putting it lightly.

We arrived and did what most people would do: told the staff we were a party of two. Nothing happened. No greeting, no instruction, no guidance. It turns out we were supposed to order before getting seated—but there was no clear signage, and no one explained this. Eventually, we figured it out on our own and placed an order at the counter. We even chose the most expensive combo (around NT$2,500) with pork belly, wagyu, and the works.

After being seated, the pork belly and a few slices of beef came out first. The portions seemed small for the price, so we asked if that was it. The server simply handed us the menu again—without saying a word. I asked once more if that was the full set, and only then did she confirm that there was more to come, just spaced out. Which is fine. But her demeanor? Cold. No smile, no effort to make us feel comfortable. Just… disinterested.

Now to be clear: this wasn’t my first time in Taiwan. I’ve always said the people here are incredibly warm, even when English isn’t spoken fluently. And while I understand that this server may have had limited English or was possibly having a bad day, the overall energy was one of barely-contained frustration.

The restaurant does have an English menu—but it’s posted at the entrance. Once you’re seated, you don’t have it unless you specifically ask for it again (which we had to do). Why not offer it proactively, especially to foreign guests?

30 minutes into the meal, we noticed we still hadn’t received any banchan. When I asked about kimchi, the server said it was self-service. This is basic information that should have been given early on—or at least be visible via signage.

Then we saw something else: every other table had been given aprons. We hadn’t received any. Again, only after asking did the server quietly place two aprons on the seat next to us—without saying a word or offering them properly.

This isn’t a cheap meal spot. If you’re charging NT$2,500+ for a meal, the service has to match that price point. Food was decent, but it’s hard to enjoy a meal when the service makes you feel like you’re not welcome or worse, invisible.

Look, maybe the server was overwhelmed. Maybe it was just an off day. But if that’s the case, the business should have systems in place to make sure first-timers—especially non-locals—can navigate the experience without having to constantly ask.

Here’s what could easily fix this: • A clear, visible sign explaining that guests should order before seating • English menus that stay with the customer at the table • A small sign explaining where the banchan is and that it’s self-service • Aprons placed on the table or offered as you’re seated • Staff training to ensure even a neutral demeanor (I’m not asking for a Broadway smile, just basic courtesy)

The 4.9 rating clearly reflects the potential of this restaurant. But potential means nothing when execution falls flat. I truly hope the management sees this as constructive criticism—because I wanted to love this place. But today, I walked away...

Really conveniently located on the heart of one of Taipei's shopping districts, we came here on a Sunday night when the shopping district was hopping with a whole bunch of street buskers, creating a wonderful atmosphere while we wandered thinking what to eat. On the second floor the maitre'd (captain) greeted us warmly and patiently talked us through the different menu options, advising on what was popular and how much was an appropriate order. The food came quickly, and looked wonderful, with the menu also including free flow salad and kimchi. My favourite was the cheddar wrapped pork, and one thing that i loved was that the wait staff come and cook your food at the table for you. Toping it all off was the lovely gappe Soju that we had. A great meal, well worth the $2300 NTD we spent for four people. An unreserved...

Quite disappointed with today's dining experience, not going to lie. Dined here around a month and a half ago and we really enjoyed the meat, it was tender and juicy and man did we devour it like prison inmates on their first day out. It was such an unforgettable experience.

So here we are today, again, expecting to have the same quality of meat, but then today the pork belly was extremely tough and rubbery and the rice ball is so wet that you can't even form it into a ball without it falling apart. We could not finish the food, got home, and had instant noodles instead. What a shame.

Service was good tho, but that's not what I'm here for. I'm here for consistent juiciness of the meat and hence I won't be here...