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Hoja means delicious in Hokkien which is a dialect commonly spoken in Taiwan and parts I China. I've heard mixed reviews about the First Markham Place location, never been because of it, so I found myself at the Times Square location on a weekday lunch. This Hoja location specialises in lamb stew. As the years gone by, I got progressively less accepting of lamb. Maybe because I seldom eat lamb or goat. So I didn't end up getting the lamb stew special, but ended up ordering the karaage and braised minced pork belly bento instead. I've was very impressed by the portions, variety and value. In the bento, you get a steamed egg, stir fried cauliflower, black fungus with dried tofu, a spring roll, karaage, and a healthy portion of rice with braised minced pork belly on top and a few slices of orange. The flavours of the side dishes were good, but unfortunately cold by the time the bento arrived. They really should consider dishing out the side dishes when the meat is finally ready. The egg was also lukewarm in temperature. But it did tasted right and I was surprised that they actually put a shrimp in it. The karaage however was disappointing. The batter was crunchy, but it was a stiff, hard type of crunch. The chicken was quite salty. One would expect fried chicken to be salty, but the taste was very one dimensional. The braised minced pork belly was solid with a good soy taste. There was a decent balance of lean and fatty meat. In terms of service, the younger server is a little bit clueless. When I told her that I had trouble loading the ordering QR code, her response was, it's probably bad signal. She didn't bother to offer me the store wifi or to give me a physical menu. The owner on the other hand was very pleasant, friendly and enthusiastic. She proactively went to all the table to check in on everyone. If I'm coming the next time as a larger group, perhaps I would give their lamb stew a try.
This review is based on a takeout bento order, and Hoja absolutely delivers on convenience and quality. Being able to order and pay online is a huge plus -- smooth, quick, and perfect for busy days. I went for the Lunch Bento Box with Deep Fried Pork Jowl and Popcorn Chicken Cutlet. The packaging is excellent; even after an hour, everything was still crisp, fresh, and well-seasoned. The side dishes are thoughtfully prepared and actually complement the proteins instead of feeling like filler. Special shoutout to the steamed egg custard -- silky, warm, and surprisingly memorable. If this is the takeout standard, I'm excited to dine in. The Lamb Hot Pot is calling my name, especially on those freezing winter days when only something rich and comforting will do.
Came here to celebrate belated birthday! It was just 2 of us so didn't get to try everything on the menu. We ordered the clams, the $9.99 vermicelli special and the deep fried oysters. Loved the oysters. The manager lady came by to ask if we want any special sauce, we asked for their special hot sauce! It was so good. Overall the dishes were a little salty. But overall dishes. Would come back to try the other items.
Location/Service This place is right in Times Square, which is quite blooming with the amount of food options. Parking on the ground level is very busy, so take advantage of their free underground parking. Inside is big with very good vibes. It really reminds me of Taiwan, especially at night with the neon lights - it's like at the night market. Food Was invited to try a few items. This place is more known for their lamb claypot and it was done very well. The soup was flavourful and the lamb was very tender. It wasn't very gamy in my opinion and I love how hearty it gives. Definitely pair it with a bowl of rice to complete the experience. For those who don't like lamb, their stir fry dishes are also very delicious. A popular dish is the eggplant pot, a little oily but very well seasoned, big chunks and soft to eat. The 3 cup chicken is also very solid, also juicy meat without a lot of bones and both again would pair well with a bowl of rice. This place took me by surprise, love the vibes and the food was amazing
Good price for the portion. Taste is also pretty good. Would come back for their other foods
Soooo happy to see Hoja expanded into a full restaurant that serves traditional Taiwanese dishes like the lamb hot pot. My gosh, the sauce and the favour of the lamb hot pot is so authentic. The noodles that came with the lamb hot pot is a must order, texture, taste, smell just wow!!! The crispy shrimp was such a great appetizer. The clams were also so tasty! The stinky tofu was the biggest let down because the tofu was not cooked long enough for the flavour to seep through. We also ordered the green bean icy dessert at the end which brought us back to the old days. This is such an authentic Taiwanese restaurant with super warm and friendly service. The server even bent down at our table so she can be eye level with us along with the little things to show she cared. Space is much bigger than the OG Hoja with so many more dishes to choose from. Great for a group or solo dining. I loved the lunch combos too, the chicken cutlet combo looked big and crunchy! I can't wait to go back to try this!
Stumbled upon this restaurant today and it just so happens to be their grand opening this weekend. When you spend $30+ there's a lucky draw where you win free food. They're the sister restaurant of Hoja at FMP but this location has a completely different menu but similar interior and has an open kitchen concept. There were a lot of people just before 7 but we were seated in about 30 mins. They have a waitlist outside where you leave your name & number. Service is super friendly and so efficient. The food here was quite yummy. It'll be really nice to come here during the winter months! What we ordered: - Taiwanese Satay Lamb Hot Pot - $44.99 Came w/ Special Fermented Tofu Dipping Sauce, which was really nice to dip the meat in. Also added on king oyster mushroom, cabbage, and bean curd sheets. - HongZao Pork Jowl - $19.99 Very crispy on the outside & slightly sweet on the inside. Would prefer if there was more flavour or dipping sauce. - Twice-Cooked Pork with Cabbage - $17.99 Yummy but nothing special. Would order again though! - Must-Try Lamb Oil Vermicelli - $7.99 I wouldn't say this is a must try but good to try at least once. They said we can eat it by itself or put it into the lamb soup. I THINK it's the same noodle they use at their sister restaurant, HOJA... We also won free baby shrimps for our next visit.
We had a wonderful experience at Hoja, the service was incredible friendly and attentive, everyone was so welcoming and kind. Their food was also amazing. There are three flavorful broth options for the lamb Clay pot, each with rich aroma and perfectly tender meat. My personal favourite was the crispy skin, so light, crunchy and absolutely addictive. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for authentic Taiwanese style hot pot and stirfry with great service and cozy vibes.
Everything on the menu is fairly priced, and it's easy to see why this place stays busy. They had a good system in place to join the waitlist and we luckily didn't have to wait too long. The chicken was seasoned perfectly in that classic Hong Kong-style dry rub, and the crispy basil bits added the perfect crunch and flavor. The wintermelon drink was light, refreshing, and a great palate cleanser between bites. The mi-sua wqs super tasty. The thick, flavorful soup clung to the noodles beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying. The intestines had a nice chew without any strong odor (iykyk), and the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender. Portions look much larger online than in person and we were definitely taken aback by that in person. But the thick noodles and hearty soup make each bowl filling. A satisfying meal overall, with great flavor and attention to detail in every dish.
I don't go to Taiwanese restaurants often, but this was newly opened nearby and we wanted to give it a try. I came here on a weekday evening and it was very busy. We did not have to wait for a table for 5. Service was good and the food came out pretty quick. We got a various dishes, but the ones that stood out is the lamb hot pot and the lamb-oil noodles. The soup was flavourful and had very tender lamb pieces. The oil noodle was good as well just a little pricey at $8 for the portion. I was not a huge fan of the eggplant casserole. Maybe I was looking for the wok hay and it didn't have that. The seafood udon was $18 and didn't have a lot of seafood other than the clams. It was very average in taste. Our bill came to around $160 after tax and tips for 5 ppl. I don't eat Tawniness food often so maybe just not a cuisine I love... but a nice spot just don't know if I would go back.
I came with my family today to try this place out! We ordered the lamb pot with herbal soup and the fried shrimp and vermicelli. The vermicelli was really good and we enjoyed it as well as the fried shrimp. The portions more than enough for 3 ppl. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the herbal soup broth, it was too strong of a herbal taste for my liking, however I know ppl enjoy this taste so this is strictly my opinion. I would love to try the satay flavour next time around. Overall the service was prompt and it was good. My parents really like this place as well.
This is the second branch of Hoja Restaurant, and it's very different from the first. While the original location focuses on MeeSua and Braised Pork Rice dishes, this one highlights stir-fried dishes and Taiwanese-style lamb hot pot. At first, we were a bit concerned about how the unique flavors of lamb hot pot and Taiwanese fried dishes would be received in Canada, but the restaurant really nailed it. The food tastes authentic, with just the right touch of local ingredients. Sauces are easy to find in Asian supermarkets, but fresh ingredients are harder to source -- yet Hoja did a fantastic job finding great substitutes without losing the original flavor. For example, the stir-fried clams needs to use a kind of special clam in Taiwan, and they successfully use the common clams from BC to replace it, and still tasted alike. Everything we tried was perfectly cooked, the lamb hot pot soup was rich and delicious, and the fried dishes tasted just like in Taiwan. Service is 10/10 -- the staff were warm, attentive, and very hospitable. The atmosphere also captures the feel of a Taiwanese stir-fried-dishes eatery. If you're curious about Taiwanese-style food, I highly recommend giving this place a try!
We had a great experience at Hoja Clay Pot! The clay pot dishes were flavorful, comforting, and served piping hot. The ingredients tasted fresh, and the portions were generous for the price. The service was friendly and efficient. Not only is the food authentic, I'd say the restaurant has an authentic Taiwanese stir fry atmosphere too. Worth many visits.
1,000/10 COMFORTABLE environment! STELLAR TABLE SERVICE! NO LOUD BLARING THUMPING MUSIC! Food reminded us so much of the food we have devoured in Taiwan. We ordered the lamb saté (different to Malay, Thai or Indonesian saté) which was out of this WORLD. The flavours reminded us of Korean doenjang - in fact it was (Chinese) doenjang chopped up with garlic. Very traditional Taiwanese flavour profile. We also ordered the Hsinchu stir fried vermicelli which contained copious amounts of fresh vegetables, dried shrimp and tiny pieces of pork belly. It was light, non-greasy and so delicious. The wintermelon drink is always a treat and we received a pitcher "on the house". We had tons of food left over to take home. I highly, highly recommend this gem. read more
A Taiwanese Restaurant that is the second location but this one specializes in Claypot rice in Richmond Hill. Never tried their other location so I had didn't have high expectations for this spot. I thought everything was just okay in taste, the restaurant decor was cute with customized lanterns though. It was pretty empty throughout our dining here. Here's what we got: Herbal Lamb Hot Pot 2/5 - I've had some pretty good lamb hot pot so in comparison, I didn't think this was great at all. Would probably skip. Deep Fried Stinky Tofu 3/5 - Wasn't stinky at all but was good with the flavour sauce pairings. Deep Fried Chicken Skin 3.5/5 - Good starter and had a great crisp. Baby Shrimps with Salt and Pepper 3.5/5 - These were good but the shrimps were huge in comparison to other restaurants. They're suppose to be river shrimps but larger than usual for sure. Braised Pork on Rice 3.5/5 - This was a good addition to the hot pot. Crispy Fried Calamari 4/5 - Probably the best thing we got overall. Overall, I think maybe we ordered not the right items? But nothing really stood out to us and tastes were just okay with everything. There's definitely room for improvement though. read more
This time we went there for the lunch special that only offer during 11am to 2:30pm on Monday to Friday. There were multiple options that we could order online. We got raised pork rice that including a bowl of egg and a piece of shrimp, 3 little dishes of veggies, and the combo also comes with a can of pop (Iced Tea or Ginger Ale). The taste of the Raised Pork was good, just too little of the pork, the good taste came from the sauce. With this price ($13.99), nothing we could have complained. This is lunch/business special, they must be really fast to be getting ready, most of the veggies were preserved. We can try other lunch specials next time. read more
4 months ago
Hoja means delicious in Hokkien which is a dialect commonly spoken in Taiwan and parts I China. I've heard mixed reviews about the First Markham Place location, never been because of it, so I found myself at the Times Square location on a weekday lunch. This Hoja location specialises in lamb stew. As the years gone by, I got progressively less accepting of lamb. Maybe because I seldom eat lamb or goat. So I didn't end up getting the lamb stew special, but ended up ordering the karaage and braised minced pork belly bento instead. I've was very impressed by the portions, variety and value. In the bento, you get a steamed egg, stir fried cauliflower, black fungus with dried tofu, a spring roll, karaage, and a healthy portion of rice with braised minced pork belly on top and a few slices of orange. The flavours of the side dishes were good, but unfortunately cold by the time the bento arrived. They really should consider dishing out the side dishes when the meat is finally ready. The egg was also lukewarm in temperature. But it did tasted right and I was surprised that they actually put a shrimp in it. The karaage however was disappointing. The batter was crunchy, but it was a stiff, hard type of crunch. The chicken was quite salty. One would expect fried chicken to be salty, but the taste was very one dimensional. The braised minced pork belly was solid with a good soy taste. There was a decent balance of lean and fatty meat. In terms of service, the younger server is a little bit clueless. When I told her that I had trouble loading the ordering QR code, her response was, it's probably bad signal. She didn't bother to offer me the store wifi or to give me a physical menu. The owner on the other hand was very pleasant, friendly and enthusiastic. She proactively went to all the table to check in on everyone. If I'm coming the next time as a larger group, perhaps I would give their lamb stew a try. read more
8 months ago
This review is based on a takeout bento order, and Hoja absolutely delivers on convenience and quality. Being able to order and pay online is a huge plus -- smooth, quick, and perfect for busy days. I went for the Lunch Bento Box with Deep Fried Pork Jowl and Popcorn Chicken Cutlet. The packaging is excellent; even after an hour, everything was still crisp, fresh, and well-seasoned. The side dishes are thoughtfully prepared and actually complement the proteins instead of feeling like filler. Special shoutout to the steamed egg custard -- silky, warm, and surprisingly memorable. If this is the takeout standard, I'm excited to dine in. The Lamb Hot Pot is calling my name, especially on those freezing winter days when only something rich and comforting will do. read more
Came here to celebrate belated birthday! It was just 2 of us so didn't get to try everything on the menu. We ordered the clams, the $9.99 vermicelli special and the deep fried oysters. Loved the oysters. The manager lady came by to ask if we want any special sauce, we asked for their special hot sauce! It was so good. Overall the dishes were a little salty. But overall dishes. Would come back to try the other items. read more
Location/Service This place is right in Times Square, which is quite blooming with the amount of food options. Parking on the ground level is very busy, so take advantage of their free underground parking. Inside is big with very good vibes. It really reminds me of Taiwan, especially at night with the neon lights - it's like at the night market. Food Was invited to try a few items. This place is more known for their lamb claypot and it was done very well. The soup was flavourful and the lamb was very tender. It wasn't very gamy in my opinion and I love how hearty it gives. Definitely pair it with a bowl of rice to complete the experience. For those who don't like lamb, their stir fry dishes are also very delicious. A popular dish is the eggplant pot, a little oily but very well seasoned, big chunks and soft to eat. The 3 cup chicken is also very solid, also juicy meat without a lot of bones and both again would pair well with a bowl of rice. This place took me by surprise, love the vibes and the food was amazing read more
2 months ago
Good price for the portion. Taste is also pretty good. Would come back for their other foods read more
Soooo happy to see Hoja expanded into a full restaurant that serves traditional Taiwanese dishes like the lamb hot pot. My gosh, the sauce and the favour of the lamb hot pot is so authentic. The noodles that came with the lamb hot pot is a must order, texture, taste, smell just wow!!! The crispy shrimp was such a great appetizer. The clams were also so tasty! The stinky tofu was the biggest let down because the tofu was not cooked long enough for the flavour to seep through. We also ordered the green bean icy dessert at the end which brought us back to the old days. This is such an authentic Taiwanese restaurant with super warm and friendly service. The server even bent down at our table so she can be eye level with us along with the little things to show she cared. Space is much bigger than the OG Hoja with so many more dishes to choose from. Great for a group or solo dining. I loved the lunch combos too, the chicken cutlet combo looked big and crunchy! I can't wait to go back to try this! read more
1 year ago
Stumbled upon this restaurant today and it just so happens to be their grand opening this weekend. When you spend $30+ there's a lucky draw where you win free food. They're the sister restaurant of Hoja at FMP but this location has a completely different menu but similar interior and has an open kitchen concept. There were a lot of people just before 7 but we were seated in about 30 mins. They have a waitlist outside where you leave your name & number. Service is super friendly and so efficient. The food here was quite yummy. It'll be really nice to come here during the winter months! What we ordered: - Taiwanese Satay Lamb Hot Pot - $44.99 Came w/ Special Fermented Tofu Dipping Sauce, which was really nice to dip the meat in. Also added on king oyster mushroom, cabbage, and bean curd sheets. - HongZao Pork Jowl - $19.99 Very crispy on the outside & slightly sweet on the inside. Would prefer if there was more flavour or dipping sauce. - Twice-Cooked Pork with Cabbage - $17.99 Yummy but nothing special. Would order again though! - Must-Try Lamb Oil Vermicelli - $7.99 I wouldn't say this is a must try but good to try at least once. They said we can eat it by itself or put it into the lamb soup. I THINK it's the same noodle they use at their sister restaurant, HOJA... We also won free baby shrimps for our next visit. read more
We had a wonderful experience at Hoja, the service was incredible friendly and attentive, everyone was so welcoming and kind. Their food was also amazing. There are three flavorful broth options for the lamb Clay pot, each with rich aroma and perfectly tender meat. My personal favourite was the crispy skin, so light, crunchy and absolutely addictive. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for authentic Taiwanese style hot pot and stirfry with great service and cozy vibes. read more
1 year ago
Everything on the menu is fairly priced, and it's easy to see why this place stays busy. They had a good system in place to join the waitlist and we luckily didn't have to wait too long. The chicken was seasoned perfectly in that classic Hong Kong-style dry rub, and the crispy basil bits added the perfect crunch and flavor. The wintermelon drink was light, refreshing, and a great palate cleanser between bites. The mi-sua wqs super tasty. The thick, flavorful soup clung to the noodles beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying. The intestines had a nice chew without any strong odor (iykyk), and the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender. Portions look much larger online than in person and we were definitely taken aback by that in person. But the thick noodles and hearty soup make each bowl filling. A satisfying meal overall, with great flavor and attention to detail in every dish. read more
I don't go to Taiwanese restaurants often, but this was newly opened nearby and we wanted to give it a try. I came here on a weekday evening and it was very busy. We did not have to wait for a table for 5. Service was good and the food came out pretty quick. We got a various dishes, but the ones that stood out is the lamb hot pot and the lamb-oil noodles. The soup was flavourful and had very tender lamb pieces. The oil noodle was good as well just a little pricey at $8 for the portion. I was not a huge fan of the eggplant casserole. Maybe I was looking for the wok hay and it didn't have that. The seafood udon was $18 and didn't have a lot of seafood other than the clams. It was very average in taste. Our bill came to around $160 after tax and tips for 5 ppl. I don't eat Tawniness food often so maybe just not a cuisine I love... but a nice spot just don't know if I would go back. read more
I came with my family today to try this place out! We ordered the lamb pot with herbal soup and the fried shrimp and vermicelli. The vermicelli was really good and we enjoyed it as well as the fried shrimp. The portions more than enough for 3 ppl. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the herbal soup broth, it was too strong of a herbal taste for my liking, however I know ppl enjoy this taste so this is strictly my opinion. I would love to try the satay flavour next time around. Overall the service was prompt and it was good. My parents really like this place as well. read more
1 year ago
This is the second branch of Hoja Restaurant, and it's very different from the first. While the original location focuses on MeeSua and Braised Pork Rice dishes, this one highlights stir-fried dishes and Taiwanese-style lamb hot pot. At first, we were a bit concerned about how the unique flavors of lamb hot pot and Taiwanese fried dishes would be received in Canada, but the restaurant really nailed it. The food tastes authentic, with just the right touch of local ingredients. Sauces are easy to find in Asian supermarkets, but fresh ingredients are harder to source -- yet Hoja did a fantastic job finding great substitutes without losing the original flavor. For example, the stir-fried clams needs to use a kind of special clam in Taiwan, and they successfully use the common clams from BC to replace it, and still tasted alike. Everything we tried was perfectly cooked, the lamb hot pot soup was rich and delicious, and the fried dishes tasted just like in Taiwan. Service is 10/10 -- the staff were warm, attentive, and very hospitable. The atmosphere also captures the feel of a Taiwanese stir-fried-dishes eatery. If you're curious about Taiwanese-style food, I highly recommend giving this place a try! read more
3 months ago
We had a great experience at Hoja Clay Pot! The clay pot dishes were flavorful, comforting, and served piping hot. The ingredients tasted fresh, and the portions were generous for the price. The service was friendly and efficient. Not only is the food authentic, I'd say the restaurant has an authentic Taiwanese stir fry atmosphere too. Worth many visits. read more
7 months ago
This review is specially about their rice dish! I love this pork rice bowl, which you can increase the serving size for those who want more than a few bites. This time (my second time in a week) I opted to add some of their popcorn chicken. Loved it! The rice bowl is savory and velvety with the smooth sauce. High recommend if you want some authentic Taiwanese grub! read more
7 months ago
If you like lamb hotpot, this is the place. I find best combo is accompanied by the fried oysters, lamb oil noodles and mini rice bowl with meat sauce. Service is also great with lots of friendly staff ready to explain and recommend dishes to you base on your preferences. Must try for Taiwanese food fans! read more
We came here on a whim. The decor was so pretty and the place was spacious. It wasn't too busy as we came for lunch on a Wednesday. The food was good. Really solid meal and the bento lunch was affordable at $15 (approx). The serving was also big and so varied. I really enjoyed my meal. I would love to try other items on their menu if I ever find myself around this area. The server who assisted us was very helpful. Overall, great experience. read more
First time trying lamb clay pot and I was pleasantly surprised. I usually don't like lamb but this Dish: Taiwanese satay lamb clay pot was sooo good. Slow cooked and tender and huge portion; enough for 4. Everything was great. Came out piping hot and so filling! This is a perfect comfort food spot in Richmond hill read more
We have been to Hoja restaurant in First Market Place a couple of times and loved the food there. When we heard they opened another spot in Time Square, we came here on Saturday afternoon. It was much bigger and spacious than FMP store, so it was relatively easy to get a seat. But there was still a line up after 7:00pm. We didn't order the lamb pot, but some dishes that people have been talking about. They all tasted good although quite oily and rich. Sizzling chicken with black pepper $17.99 is very flavorful and big volume. Hongzao Pork Jowl $19.99 is crispy outside and juicy inside. Wonton in Chilly Oil $6.99 is very small volume and not that tasty. The skin is hard and the filling is almost none. The service is good and it seems the waiters cared about the business. They checked on us how we felt about the tastes. We will come back to try out other dishes. read more
1 year ago
We've been to Hoja twice now, and both visits were fantastic! The first time, we tried the Taiwanese Satay Lamb Hot Pot, and honestly, nothing can beat it - it's rich, nutty, and packed with deep, savory flavor that keeps you coming back for more. The second time, we went for the Spicy Mala Lamb Hot Pot, which had that perfect numbing kick, but the satay one still takes the crown for us. The first time, we added both the deep-fried fish cake and bean curd, which were great additions but a bit too much food - so the second time, we just went with the fish cake, which was crispy on the outside, bouncy inside, and perfect for soaking up the broth. We also ordered the Must-Try Lamb Oil Vermicelli both times, and it definitely lives up to its name - rich, aromatic, and full of lamb flavor without feeling too heavy. We also tried the Lukang-Style Jumbo Oysters and Kara Chicken. The oysters were fresh and flavorful, and the Kara Chicken was crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. Overall, Hoja serves up amazing Taiwanese comfort food with bold, satisfying flavors and generous portions. If you go, you have to try the Taiwanese Satay Lamb Hot Pot - nothing else compares! read more
9 months ago
1 year ago
