Say hello to a robot cat server and sizzling plates at Mekong Plaza's newest restaurant
Immediately upon entering Mekong Plaza on a Tuesday afternoon, I was hit with the deliciously appetizing smell of freshly cooked noodles and beef. I followed my nose to the plaza's newest restaurant, Sizzling House, where I was met with a modestly sized dining room decorated in soft grays and browns.
The server directed me to scan a QR code and order using my phone. I selected the wagyu beef and rice sizzling plate, which came with complimentary miso soup. Dining alone, I watched a basketball game on the restaurant's large screen TV and sipped on my soup while I waited for my entree to arrive.
It soon became apparent why my meal was called a "sizzling plate." Less than five minutes after I sat down, a singing cat robot arrived with my order, which a human server then placed before me, mixing the crackling meat, vegetables and rice.
The smell was so mouthwatering that the man at the table next to me leaned over and asked me what I ordered.
I dug in, careful not to burn my fingers or tongue on the scorching, deeply savory dish, which was generously sized for the price.
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Sizzling House is the newest addition to the largest Asian food court in Arizona
Located inside a former Target in west Mesa, Mekong Plaza is a hub for Asian businesses and culture, from beauty salons and gift shops to stores selling tea and the anchor grocery store at the center of the plaza. But the main appeal of Mekong Plaza are the array of Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino and Taiwanese restaurants.
Sizzling House is the newest addition to the plaza and officially opened on May 30.
What’s on the menu at Sizzling House?
The restaurant is known for its sizzling plates, which each include edamame, corn, garlic butter and green onions. Besides the wagyu beef ($21.99), other sizzling plate options include shrimp ($16.99), salmon ($16.99), angus beef ($15.99) and chicken ($15.99). Any of the meats can be paired with either rice or udon noodles, served in either the house sauce or dry curry.
Optional additional topping options include fried garlic or onion ($0.50); corn, cheese, edamame or mushrooms ($1) and egg ($2).
Sizzling House also offers a large selection of ramen, including miso ($16.99), vegetable miso ($13.99), tonkotsu ($15.99), black garlic tonkotsu ($16.99), spicy Cajun chicken ($16.99), Shio shrimp ($16.99) or wagyu ($23.99), for which you can choose your spice level, ranging from no spice to extreme.
Shrimp, chicken or pork can be added to your ramen for $3, or the bowls can be topped with corn, seaweed, bean sprouts or mushroom for $1.00 or egg for $2.
Appetizers include edamame ($4.99), shishito pepper ($5.99), fried tofu ($5.99), fried dumplings ($5.99), Takoyaki octopus fritters ($6.99) and chicken karaage ($6.99).
Drink options include Coke, Sprite, Japanese green tea or Calpico soda. The restaurant does not serve alcohol.
How to visit Sizzling House
Sizzling House is located at Mekong Plaza and can be accessed via the street or from inside the plaza. Make sure you bring your fully charged cell phone, since there are no paper menus, and you'll place your order right from your web browser.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Details: 66 S. Dobson Road, Suite 107, Mesa. 480-572-1010, @sizzlinghouse.arizona on Instagram.
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Reach the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com. Follow @EndiaFontanez on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sizzling House opens at Mekong Plaza in Mesa. See what's on the menu
