Taking a creative spin on the traditional hot pot dining scene in Taipei, Mr Meat Hot Pot & Butchery is uniquely famous for its premium meat offerings and wholesome broth options. In this episode of Behind the Dish, we talked to the owner Han about the concept, the menu and his view on food photography. If you are heading to Taipei for Christmas, make sure you check out Mr Meat Hot Pot & Butchery!
Can you tell us about your culinary background? How did you come to open Mr Meat?
I came from a family with restaurant business background. My uncle has a traditional hotpot restaurant called “Lao Jio,”(meaning the youngest uncle from the mom side) in Taichung. My cousins and sister, we all helped in the restaurant after school or work and we are quite used to it.
How would you describe the Mr Meat dining experience amidst other Hot Pot restaurants?
Taiwanese love hotpot and we have various kinds here, from high end luxury to economic, some specialise in beef, some famous for their seafood.
Where did you get the inspiration to open such a different kind of hot pot restaurant?
Paul Smith said, “You can find inspiration from everything.” and I second that!
You have an incredible selection of meats on the menu. Whats your favourite meat and why?
You are asking which one is my favourite child? Lol
What is the biggest challenge for you so far running such a kind of restaurant?
Although hotpot is well loved here by the local as well as the travellers, we are still facing the low demand during the hot and humid summer in Taipei. We have been opened for 4 years, not new yet still not popular and well known enough for everyone to remember. We are still trying everyday to create new things to attract the consumers.
What do you think of food photography and how does it affect your work?
One picture is worth a thousand words. Food photography is hell important to the restaurant business. It’s a way of communication between restaurant operator and the customers. The consumers are also using food shots sending out messages to each other, as well showcasing chefs’ hard work and efforts.
Mr Meat Hot Pot & Butchery – BOOK NOW
Address: 106, Taiwan, Taipei City, Da’an District, Lane 81, Section 2, 35 Dunhua South Road
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday – Sunday 12–2:30pm, 6–10pm
Dishtag favourites
Soup: Spicy Chilli Pot with Udon Noodles NT$ 445 (HK$ 114.2)
Meat: Wagyu Beef A5 150g NT$ 700 (HK$ 179.5) & Iberico Bellota Pork Boston Butt 150g NT$ 620 (HK$ 159.2)
1 soup is for 1 person and comes with a selection of vegetables and tofu