It’s time to take a first look at Daikon Cafe. Some people may remember Next Level Cafe/Thai cafe that used to be at 3802 E. Harry. The restaurant closed in 2021 due to medical reasons but has opened further east at 6157 E. Harry St. and is now known as Daikon Cafe.
================
6157 E Harry St., Wichita, KS 67218
316-358-7522
Wednesday – Sunday: 4pm – 11:45pm
Facebook
Cash/Card Accepted
================
We made our way to the new restaurant as they recently kicked off their all-you-can-eat hot pot that takes place every Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight. The special cost $25 per person and $15 for ages 6-10.
If you’ve never had hot pot before, it’s a communal eating experience in which patrons order different ingredients to boil inside a large simmering pot of broth, which is placed in the center of their table.
I dropped by with my cousin to check it out. Fortunately, we arrived early because the restaurant filled up quickly after we placed our order.
According to their Facebook page, Daikon Cafe offers three hot pot soups: oxtail, spicy and sour tom yum and creamy curry. We were told that each Sunday, a set soup would be the featured hot pot. For our week, it was an oxtail base that also included oxtail and extra plates of shrimp, tofu, veggies, and steak flanks along with vermicelli noodles.
It did not take long for our soup to reach the boiling point. We threw in the steak flanks on one side and shrimp on the other, as the oxtail was already in the bowl.
Next step, we put noodles into our bowls and then poured the hot broth over it.
We love hot pot and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I would have enjoyed it more, though, had I gone during the day they were offering Tom Yum. I was unaware that the all-you-can-eat special only offered a feature soup base each weekend, so that’s something you’ll want to keep in mind.
Also, the bowls that everyone was given were pretty small, but nothing that would prevent me from returning.
But aside from that, there was plenty of food to go around. The oxtail was delicious and the steak flank felt like it was never-ending.
We also ordered a side of eggrolls and dumplings for the kids. It’s only fair for me to be transparent with my dining adventures. With that said, when asked how everything was, we did mention that the eggrolls were slightly undercooked. We did not expect anything in return, but just passed on the information because they asked. Daikon Cafe would take the eggrolls off our ticket.
The service was excellent. They were quick to make it to every table despite the restaurant being packed. Sometimes when restaurants offer these types of deals, tables are filled but the service level drops immensely. Not here.
Furthermore, I had the hot pot when they were Next Level Cafe and loved it. I recall their Tom Yum base was a hufe favorite and will certainly be going back for that when I return.
For $25, all-you-can-eat hot pot is a great deal. I’m sure others will feel differently, but I definitely got my money’s worth.
Here’s their regular menu:
Happy Dining,
Eddy
To nominate your restaurant or event to be considered for a review, please email us with your restaurant information.
Did you love the article and want to help continue the free content at Wichita By E.B.? You can help keep our site going with a simple one-time or recurring donation. Your contribution is appreciated.
Would you like to be featured or partner for a highlight? Visit here for more information.
