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    Chengdu Memory

    4.4 (655 reviews)
    PriceyHot Pot, Szechuan, Soup
    Closed 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 1 month ago

    Chengdu Memory Photos

    Business Info

    CHENGDU MEMORY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Chengdu Memory

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    Milk tea
    Stark W.

    My friends and I actually come to ChengDu Memory all the time. After dining here multiple times, this is my first time writing a review--I even forgot to take photos of the food! Our go-to order is the beef and lamb platter, crab sticks, winter melon, potatoes, and their milk tea (which comes with free refills). The broth bases and ingredients are always absolutely flawless. However, instead of just reviewing the food today, I want to share some unique insights and perspectives from my background as a former restaurateur who used to own and operate a hot pot restaurant myself. The True History of Chongqing Hot Pot: Humble Beginnings In China, Chongqing hot pot was originally the ultimate food of the people. Back in the day, it was famously called "1-to-3" (1托3)--meaning meat dishes cost 3 RMB and veggies cost 1 RMB. Traditional Beijing mutton hot pot (Shuan Yang Rou) could never compete with that kind of price-to-performance ratio. True hot pot history spans only about a century. Chongqing hot pot originated with laborers working along the riverbanks. Because they couldn't afford premium cuts, they used various animal offal for dipping. Take Huanghou (黄喉 - Ox/Pork Aorta) for example: it is actually the main aorta of the animal. It requires meticulous, layer-by-layer peeling because only the middle layer is crunchy and edible. Similarly, while a cow has four stomachs, only the third stomach--the Omasum (牛百叶 - Beef Tripe)--is used for hot pot. All of these ingredients require intense, repetitive processing before they can ever hit the table. Why Hot Pot is Secretly an Exceptionally Healthy Food At its core, hot pot is a remarkably healthy way to eat. Nowadays, so many people suffer from cavities and tooth decay. When you boil it down, it stems from one major issue: eating too many carbohydrates. A Quick Evolutionary Detour: During the Paleolithic era, humans didn't eat rice or noodles because wheat and rice had not yet been domesticated. Once the Agricultural Revolution began, the proportion of carbs in the human diet spiked dramatically. When carbs enter the mouth, they break down into simple sugars. When these sugars meet oral microbes, they ferment into organic acids that attack our teeth. Human tooth enamel is incredibly strong--second in hardness only to diamonds--and under normal circumstances, it is designed to last a lifetime. Carbs destroy it. For example, Easter Island once had the highest cavity rate in the world; due to a lack of fresh water, locals relied on cassava and sugarcane juice. The massive amount of carbohydrates caused their teeth to rot starting at age 14, and by age 20, most had virtually no usable teeth left. I'm rambling a bit, but my point stands: because hot pot emphasizes fresh meats and vegetables over heavy carbs, it is inherently very healthy! The Science Behind the Flavor Another fascinating characteristic of Sichuan/Chongqing mala hot pot is the continuous simmering process. As the ingredients are repeatedly heated in the broth, the aromatic molecules are continuously re-released. Because of this chemical process, the longer it boils, the more fragrant and flavorful it becomes.

    Our hotpot choices- mushrooms, pork belly, roe filled fish balls, cabbage, sprouts & udon
    Orrin E.

    I love that there are so many new restaurants to discover in Seattle. Our adventures continued in Japan Town when we stumbled upon this restaurant, that we later realized had been suggested by friends. As soon as we opened the doors- the aromas hit and we knew we had made the right choice. The restaurant decor is colorful - the servers were friendly and attentive. We started with sake and landed on a pork bone broth hot pot with pork belly, roe filled fish balls, cabbage, mushrooms, sprouts and with addition of a few things from the sauce bar- we were set. Everything was very good- dinner was topped off with a scoop of ice cream.

    Yesenia G.

    Came here as a last minute dinner plan, was surprised that even tho it was relatively close to closing they still sat us and made us feel welcomed and not rushed our entire stay. The staff was super friendly and accommodating! They have a lot of variety and for someone that is a non-red meat eater i found plenty of options which was a plus. the space was big and had no problem sitting my party of 9!

    Ingrid C.

    My friend said this was super authentic to Chengdu hotpot. Having been to Chengdu before, I can emphatically confirm! When they ask you for the spicy soup base, they MEAN hot. You order from a kiosk, and the server brings it to your table. Sauce bar is self serve. The meat ring was enough to feed the 3 of us, but we also got 2 different noodles, quail eggs, 2 veggies, fish tofu, fried tofu skin and the sauce bar that comes with appetizers. I'm also rating this 5/5 because it's rare I come across a soup base that is so flavorful that I barely dipped any of the meats in sauce. I genuinely would skip the sauce bar because of how rich in flavor everything was. A nice added touch was the hotpot aprons and covers so your clothes don't smell like hot pot afterwards! (Though I think that's a good thing....) Best of all, they were open so late, even on a weekday :0

    Frank S.

    Here's a powerful, polished 5-star review that sounds authentic, elevated, and impactful: I came here after church not expecting anything out of the ordinary but WOW....! I couldn't have been more wrong. This place was an absolute experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, the service was top-tier.....the staff was attentive, welcoming, and genuinely focused on making sure we had a great time. The food came out quickly, but what impressed me most was that nothing felt rushed. Everything was intentional. The ambience is great too. You can tell real thought and care went into creating an environment that reflects Chinese culture in a way that feels both authentic and visually amazing. It's not just a meal, it's an atmosphere you get to be part of. And the food... honestly, it was "beautiful". Not just in taste (which was incredible), but in presentation. Everything felt like it was designed to be enjoyed with your eyes first and then absolutely delivered on flavor. It turned what I thought would be a simple meal into a memorable experience. This was one of those rare places that completely exceeds expectations when you least expect it. I'll definitely be back, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something different, elevated, and truly enjoyable. Easy 5 stars!!

    Jia W.

    Chengdu Memory is my go-to spot when I'm craving hot pot late at night since they're open until 12am, which is pretty rare for hot pot restaurants around here. The meats and veggies are always fresh and high quality, and everything comes out quickly once you order. The servers are attentive and the service is fast, which makes the whole experience really smooth even when it's busy. I also appreciate the little details they provide for guests. They have hair ties for girls, glasses lens cloths, and even clothing spray to help get rid of the hot pot smell afterward. Those thoughtful touches really make the experience stand out. Definitely a great late night hot pot spot!

    Steven M.

    Chengdu's great! The first impression I had 4-5 years ago wasn't the best due to cleanliness and service. It's changed a lot, with the sauce bar having a decent variety of sauces and appetizers that are included. And no flies this time :) We ended up getting the beef/pork spiral, 2 seafood mushroom, 1 enoki mushroom, cabbage, konjac knots and 3 rice bowls. Total was 80 for 4 people, and it was the perfect amount for us. If you're looking for a break from the AYCE options, this is a great spot for some high quality meats and soup flavors.

    The meat ring! MUST ORDER - such a fun experience
    Linda Y.

    I have never enjoyed eating hotpot outside of home but this place is come back to in a heart beat. The selection of hot pot ingredients - especially the ring of meat felt so spectacular. The sauce bar had plenty to choose from and all the small little things like hair ties and bibs were so thoughtful. Do not pass up an opportunity to dine here! The ambiance felt like it could be a restaurant in chengdu!!

    Winnie W.

    Chengdu is one of my favorite hotpot places in Seattle area. If you like spicy, this is the place for you! Food: This is not an AYCE restaurant. So you pay what you order via an iPad. With that said, the quality of meat is better than AYCE. I usually order the meat ring, occasionally the Wagyu (very creamy and buttery), quail eggs and other veggies like mushrooms, fried bean curds, tofu, etc. Meat could take a while to arrive if the restaurant is busy. So I advise ordering the soup broth and meat first. They also have a sauce bar with appetizers with an additional cost. While you are waiting, there's a snack bar and some other accessories for you to prepare your hotpot experience. Service: Granted Chengdu is often busy, they did a good job getting what we need. They give you an apron to avoid soup splashing on your clothes and remove empty plates promptly. Ambiance: It's a Chinese-themed hotpot. Be prepared that you will smell like that soup broth afterwards. Parking: There's a parking lot next to the restaurant. You will need to ask the front desk staff for a parking pass and park on designated sign.

    Alex Y.

    Oh Chengdu my beloved!! My favorite hotpot place in Seattle to be honest, I don't know what about it but I just enjoy it so much. The ring of meat that you can order is just so practical and aesthetic! Such a good share between you and a group, good for pics and easy for everyone to grab. And a good amount for a good price I think. Everything is here, from hairties, to covers for your jackets so they don't smell like hotpot. Ahhh and refillable milk tea. One time I went, they kept topping me off. Not the last time I went though,, admittedly the last time I went the server was a little rude to us, but no big deal. We still got our food and she was busy I guess. Anyways, please come here! Good food, good vibes, fun freebies, lots of fun.

    Abhinav S.

    Felt very overpriced. The ingredients here were of the same quality as happy lamb. At happy lamb, it's all you can eat and you have a much larger variety. The apps, sauce bar was pretty good, but not enough to redeem the whole scenario. Service is great and quick.

    Johanna C.

    Such a wonderful memory, hope they have some restaurants somewhere else too. Food is very good, with a lot of variety and service is exceptional. It is not a quiet place but not too loud either.

    Hot pot
    Jojo L.

    Grabbed some delicious hot pot with some friends before making our way to check out the dance battles. Although the restaurant was incredibly packed, the staff did their best tending to all the customers while also managing the tables in a timely matter. We ordered a ring meat platter of lamb and beef with other sides, such as vegetables and noodles. They even gave us complimentary icecream at the end of our dinner! The staff were friendly and nice, but the restaurant was just a tad bit loud and overstimulating for me with so much going on. They gave aprons and hair ties, as well as jacket covers to prevent stains. Overall I would probably come back again with friends.

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    2 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Varied selections of protein and veggies including plant based protein. Nice location

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    9 months ago

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    Ryan W.

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    26 days ago

    The best hot pot in Seattle+Bellevue. Nothing more to say. You get more than what you paid for, and it is a great place to bring a friend.

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    Chengdu Memory Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Chengdu Memory

    How busy is it at lunch on Saturdays?

    Why is it called Chengdu Memory?

    Cause you remember Chengdu when eating it. Duh.

    Does this place check vaccination card?

    No and effective 3/1 Inslee has lifted the vaccination verification mandates.

    Is the only way to make reservations to call? Can you make reservations online?

    I was told by one staff at the restaurant that if a party is more than 6 you can call to make reservation, but no reservation under 6 ppl.

    Do they have all you can eat option?

    No they don't. But their combo is pretty filling for 2 people and about same price as AYCE

    How much per person? Is the price different from weekdays and weekends?

    It's a la carte so depends on how much you eat.

    Is there any parking?

    No, just street parking or paid lot next to the building.

    Do they have any gluten free broths?

    Can I use the Alipay?

    Free parking available?

    There is only street parking

    Does this place take reservations? If not, how long is the wait for weekdays/weekends?

    They don't take reservations. I've been there a few times weekday and weekend, and we (5 ppl) never needed to wait. But we did go early like right before 6. I've seen the same party waited for the entire time we were there so like 45 minutes or so.… 

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    4.4(150 reviews)
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    Came here on a Wednesday night and the place was literally empty. We were greeted and seated right…read moreaway of course. Our server was really nice and provided refills quickly, as well as offered to put in more broth. The sauce bar is pretty good. There are some appetizers there too. We got the lamb and beef combo, as well as pork belly. All of them tasted great. Ambience is really nice. Very nicely decorated. It does make me really sad to see such a great restaurant sit so emptily, likely due to its location.

    First time trying. Went late afternoon on a Sunday. Plenty of tables available. Several tables…read morewere full with patrons. We ordered the lamb & beef combo, mixed veggies. Selected the healthy mushroom broth and the pork bone broth. Both were just okay not a lot of flavor, but not too salty. We both got the sauce bar too. Also included some chicken feet, a Thai chicken gizzards and celery dish, fungus, two different kinds of soup, and cantaloupe and grapes. You can go up to the sauce bar Unlimited times. Restaurant was tidy and clean, service was very good and cordial Free parking for two hours on the 3rd floor, but a bit sketchy. The restaurant is on level 2c. Kind of hard to find cause the over the door signage says Bite of China in big letters and Pipa Mountain Hot pot in small print Food was okay portion size of meat combo was generous. Might go back again.

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    Frying Lemon Fish - Sole Fish Fillets in a Spicy Gravy Sauce

    Frying Lemon Fish

    4.5(184 reviews)
    27.0 miBayside

    This place is phenomenal. I had a very very specific request for them because they were the closest…read moreI could find to copying a type of fried fish. My girlfriend wanted. Which basically is frying little fillets of fish without really battering them in anything or breading them at all. They did exactly what I asked them to do and didn't charge me any extra for all of the requests and the food came out so perfect. There were so much of it as well for the price. The people were so nice and accommodating I'll be going back often just because of that but again the food was incredible. It was so tasty and my girlfriend could not have been happier with it either.

    So Very disappointed with our delivered meal on 8/31/26. Dinner for two, we've eaten at FLF at…read moreleast 20 times since they opened. We ordered the usual, schezuan shrimp and moo shu pork with a green onion pancake starter. The pancake was bland, not seasoned, but ok. But wow, I open the shrimp and I can smell ammonia coming from the meal. I try one bite of shrimp just to make sure it's not me because it is heavily spiced and cooked in oil. Nope, shrimp is seriously spoiled, and the moo shu is smelling off as well. We decide we can't eat the food, and I decided to head down to the restaurant so I could talk with staff and have them check out the meal. Jin, the waiter in charge, tells me after I come in that it doesn't smell bad to her. Jesus, just what you want to hear when you've driven back to restaurant with the spoiled shrimp. Strike one. Jin then tells me that the employees eat the shrimp today and are fine. Strike two. I explain im really not trying to be difficult, but Im concerned about the defensive posturing in light of a possible food poisoning situation. So Jin, to prove her point, goes ahead and eats one of the shrimps, the other male staff watching her with some discomfort. I tell her to spit it out, but nope, down the hatch it goes. Jim goes on to tell me that we eat dead seafood (you know us---People in Everett--and yeah maybe it's a little soft but that's just typical dead seafood. Strike three. She did finally offer to refund my meal in cash, and I told her I was really trying to just make sure the restaurant wasn't unintentionally making my neighbors, friends, and family sick. I wasn't interested in going on blast with a review and contacting the health district, but after sleeping on it, I'm doing the right thing. Sorry Jin, your ego got in the way of a resolution. Be careful.... PS A note for Jin and Flying Lemon Fish. When I was 23, I served some bad clams at a fine dining restaurant. The family called to tell us their daughter was in the hospital with some liver problems. We immediately went to the cooler and went through all the shellfish, called back the family and offered to take care of any medical bills or follow-up. It happens if you serve food occasionally, just be respectful with your response, it goes a long way instead of challenging a customer's dissatisfaction.

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