TAIWAN’S ADDICTION AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT: Where to Eat Seafood in Taiwan?

Calling all seafood lovers!

Find all your favorite seafood from around the world–lobsters from South Africa, horsehair crabs from Hokkaido, oysters from France, abalone from Australia, and even king crabs from Norway–all in under one roof!

Taiwan’s Addiction Aquatic Development (AAD) is a massive structure housing fresh seafood and aquamarine products. The chic and upscale market has a collection of themed eateries ranging from stand-up sushi bars, seafood hot pots, and oyster & wine bars, to outdoor grills, very affordable food kiosks, and even take-out sushi.

Their concept is to remove the middleman and to deal directly with consumers, providing reasonably priced seafood.

Here’s what to expect when you visit the Addiction Aquatic Development complex…

ADDICTION AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT
台北市民族東路410巷2弄18號
No.18, Aly. 2, Ln. 410, Minzu E. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City.
Hours of Operation: 06:00 to 24:00
TEL. 886-2-2508-1268 FAX. 886-2-2508-0268
Email: service_add@addiction.com.tw
Website: www.addiction.com.tw

The entire compound is separated into ten different areas:

1. Live Seafood Aquarium
2. Seafood bar
3. Sushi Bar
4. Supermarket (seafood, meats fruits, vegetables, wines)
5. Cooked Food Deli
6. Oyster & Wine Bar
7. Charcoaled Grilled Seafood Barbeque
8. Seafood Hot Pot
9. Lifestyle & Flower Market
10. Tresors De La Mer (Sit down dining)

 

1. LIVE SEAFOOD AQUARIUM

The moment you enter you’ll be overwhelmed by the live aquarium market.

Check out this humongous King Crab from Norway!

They also have fresh seafood flown from around the world, including these lobsters from South Africa…

…horsehair crabs from Hokkaido…

…abalones from Australia and oysters from France.

 

2. SEAFOOD BAR

The seafood trays come with different types of sashimi, crabs, and shellfish.

Here’s the Seafood Bar Menu.

 

3. SUSHI BAR

At the very center of the supermarket is the standing room sushi bar that’s quite popular.

You can choose from a variety of fresh sashimi over vinegar rice prepared right in front of you.

Check out the Sushi Bar Menu.

 

4-5. SUPERMARKET/LIFESTYLE & FLOWER MARKET

Apart from seafood, you’ll find a wide variety of imported local fruits and vegetables! Anyone who’s a foodie will gush over their wide selection of culinary delights.

Steak, chicken, beef, grains, milk….foie gras?

It’s a complete supermarket where you’ll find everything you need in the kitchen.

The beverage section has an overwhelming choice of wine, sake, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks.

Sushi & Sashimi To Go! Besides the display on the fridge, head over to the oyster bar where you can have your choice of sashimi-to-go freshly sliced on the spot.

Get your fresh wasabi packets and soy sauce at the checkout counter.

I heard around 7:30 pm (not sure about the time), they give discounts on the takeout sushi.

 

6. COOKED FOOD DELI

Customers start by grabbing a tray and pick whatever they like from their deli section. Find hot meals like scallop rice, bento boxes, tempura, and grilled shrimps (most were reasonably priced too)!

When you’re ready, you just pay at the counter.

Tip: If you want a taste of everything, best to buy drinks first & takeout sushi from the grocery. Then head over to the hot food takeaway and enjoy everything outside in their large outdoor dining area.

 

7. OYSTER & WINE BAR

Fancy a glass of wine with fresh oysters?

They even have a cheese plate complete with Iberico ham!

 

8. CHARCOALED GRILLED SEAFOOD BARBECUE

For their barbecue, they use the best charcoal called binchotan (white charcoal), the kind that produces no flames and smoke but generates a hellish heat.

I also loved the romantic, rustic setting where you can dine under the stars!

 

9. SEAFOOD HOT POT

Only the hot pot restaurant and Tresors De La Mer takes reservations; all the other establishments are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Make sure to put down your name before the queue gets long.

Each establishment opens on a different hour. Make sure to check the website before going.

 

10. TRESORS DE LA MER

Tres de la Mer is their high-end sit-down dining known for their Taiwanese- and Japanese-style seafood dishes. They have set meals that start at NT1200++/person (minimum of six). But if you’re a party of two, you can opt for the a la carte dishes instead.

There is no regular menu. The specials are based on the fresh ingredients of the day, written on the chalkboard in Mandarin only.

Tip: Request for an English speaking staff to assist you.

Here are some of the highlights from our set menu.

Very fresh sashimi. We had a spread of tuna, hamachi (yellowfin), salmon, scallops, and oysters.

I recommend the fatty hamachi and the sweet, sweet scallops. I love how they melt in my mouth.

It’s my first time trying fresh wasabi with sashimi. I love it! It’s different from the horseradish version you get in tubes.

The texture is soft and a bit creamy. It’s strong and hot but not harsh. Make sure to consume it after grating within 20-minutes as it loses its pungency and hot flavor after being exposed to air.

It also comes with a temaki with fresh tuna. I find that it needs more tuna toppings.

I’ve always wanted to try Taiwanese beer. It reminded me a bit of San Miguel Beer Light from home. (Note: the set meal doesn’t come with drinks.)

The grilled Kuruma prawns cooked in white charcoal were fresh and succulent.

The abalone was also cooked to perfection! Not too bouncy or rubbery at all.

The fish head soup was huge! I love how the miso soup did not overpower the fish.

We ended our meals with dessert (black sesame cake) and fruits (macopa and guava).

Treasures of the sea indeed. You might be a little shocked with the initial price, but once the set meals come in, you won’t regret the quantity and quality of dishes served. It actually comes out cheaper than what most restaurants would charge for such an experience.

 

I’m definitely hooked on Taiwan’s Aquatic Addiction Development!

The only drawback is that you need to carry cash as the whole establishment doesn’t take credit card (not sure why, but it does not seem to affect their business judging by the crowd).

Will definitely go back there for another meal should I be in Taipei again!

 

ADDICTION AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT
台北市民族東路410巷2弄18號
No.18, Aly. 2, Ln. 410, Minzu E. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City.
Hours of Operation: 06:00 to 24:00
TEL. 886-2-2508-1268 FAX. 886-2-2508-0268
Email: service_add@addiction.com.tw
Website: www.addiction.com.tw

 

Live an Awesome Life,

ABI of Team Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure:  We were media guest of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Manila.  I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.