加油站黄牛肉

Dishes

The menu primarily features beef-based hotpot. Available cuts include beef, beef offal (tripe, skin), fresh beef, beef brain, and various vegetables like dried bamboo shoots, wide noodles, and yellow cauliflower. The pre-cooked beef (辣的牛肉) has good texture, being neither too tough nor too soft, but can be quite spicy. The fresh beef slices are large but may not be marinated. The yellow cauliflower is notably crunchy and tastes good. The wide noodles are also a highlight due to their broadness and good texture. The beef brain is slightly chewier than pork brain but still enjoyable. The hotpot broth (both spicy and clear) is made from beef bones and tastes fresh. The spicy broth is not overly pungent like some Sichuan hotpots, offering a smoother flavor. The use of prickly ash oil (huajiao oil) in the dipping sauce adds a strong numbing sensation, which might be intense for those not accustomed to it.

Service

The service is efficient and attentive. Staff helped with ordering, explained the menu (including confirming fresh vs. frozen meat and cooking methods), served dishes quickly, and provided plastic aprons for diners.

Precautions

• The fresh beef dishes (e.g., sliced beef) are served on a bed of vegetables, potentially making the actual meat portion appear larger than it is. However, the overall quantity is still generous.
• The restaurant primarily offers beef by the catty (500g), which might be a large quantity for individuals or small groups, potentially leading to inability to try a variety of dishes.
• The pre-cooked beef dishes (like the spicy beef) are cooked to 'doneness' but are then simmered further in the hotpot, which might alter their texture. Some meat items, particularly the lean beef, can be quite chewy.
• The dipping sauce includes homemade prickly ash oil, which is very numbing. Diners sensitive to numbing spice should add it sparingly or request a milder alternative.
• Plastic aprons are provided, which may be simple but useful for keeping clothes clean during hotpot dining.