まひるんるん
Visit Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
" All-you-can-drink included! Our most popular Bear Hot Pot Course" (5,500 yen).
《Recommended Points》
- For those who like spicy food
- For those who want to enjoy a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetables
- For those looking for unique gourmet experiences in Akasaka
I had hot pot for the first time in about 5 years. Akasaka is known for having many ethnic restaurants, and there are also various Korean restaurants (although the one I am introducing this time is a Chinese restaurant). I had some business in Akasaka and wanted to have a meal near the station on my way back, so I decided to give this place a try.
The charm of Atenmon is that you can enjoy hot pot even if you're dining alone, and you can enjoy a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetables. There are also plenty of options available, including courses with all-you-can-drink. Recently, the comedy duo Timon D has visited the restaurant, and they even have a special course created for them, so be sure to check it out!
At first glance, there seemed to be many locals dining there. However, the staff spoke fluent Japanese, and the casual atmosphere and cleanliness of the restaurant made it very comfortable. I was drawn in by the visuals and immediately decided on the "Bear Hot Pot Course". Before adding the hot pot soup, a bear-shaped piece made of beef tallow and chili oil is brought to the table, looking like it's sleeping soundly.
- Appetizer: Mouth-watering chicken
This was quite spicy! However, the thick and moist steamed chicken had an amazing texture. The skin was also firm, increasing my expectations for the hot pot.
- Hot pot soup: Spicy & Clear (for those who love spicy food, make it extra spicy!)
When you get tired of the flavor, you can create your own original sauce by combining your favorite toppings (self-service, with over 10 options available). My recommendation is to mix seafood sauce, green onions, garlic, and coriander. It gives you a boost of stamina! Adding nuts or pickled vegetables for a different texture is also great, but be careful not to add too much as each ingredient is quite flavorful. If you prefer something milder, go for the sesame sauce!
Next, vegetables: Assorted vegetables, mushroom assortment, fried tofu with bean sprouts, corn, leafy greens, shiitake mushrooms - this alone fills you up!
- Meat: Premium lamb, premium pork, and 10 slices of beef belly
The lamb meat was easy to eat with little gaminess.
- Seafood: Head-on shrimp, imitation crab, crab stick, fish cake
I was a bit nervous about putting fish cake in the hot pot as it's not a common practice, but surprisingly, it goes well with the dish. It also tastes delicious when mixed with the knife-cut noodles that come later, creating a seafood ramen-like flavor.
- Finale: Knife-cut noodles
These noodles were incredibly chewy! A perfect way to end the meal with a spicy kick. I was sweating a lot, but it was refreshing!
- Snack: Fried octopus
This was also served generously and I finished every piece.
- Dessert: Today's ice cream was vanilla, rich and creamy.
The side menu was also extensive, and I ended up feeling quite stuffed, but the 18 types of traditional Chinese medicinal hot pot made me feel warm inside. As someone who finds stress relief in spicy food, this guilt-free dinner was perfect for me! I heard they also serve grilled meat, so I would love to visit again.