Don’t try this if you can’t handle spicy food—the Devil’s Punishment Burger that bites back with a scorching kick to the head!

▲ The chili sauce drizzled on the patty of the Devil’s Punishment Burger is made primarily from ghost peppers, delivering an intense kick.

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

Lü Baolin, who has loved American food since childhood and is a die-hard fan of TGI Fridays, had always dreamed of opening an American-style restaurant—even though his career was in lab-related construction equipment, not the food industry. That dream came true this year (2015)!DemonL.L American RestaurantOpened in June, its signature dish is the Devil’s Punishment Burger—a bite of which will set your head on fire. Those who aren’t used to spicy food should steer clear.

Lü Baolin says he’s loved American food since he was a kid, especially burgers, and was a regular at TGI Fridays, where he’d often feast on burgers, pork ribs, and chicken wings. Though his career was in lab-related construction equipment, he always dreamed of opening an American-style restaurant. After years of work, he saved up enough money and spent four years traveling to places like LA and New York in the U.S. to gather inspiration. Most of the DemonL.L menu is his own design. So why the name DemonL.L? It turns out Lü Baolin was known for being strict at work, and his colleagues called him “the devil.” When brainstorming names for the restaurant, he simply adopted the nickname, with the “L” standing for the first letter of his surname.




▲ The % Level Angel & Cheese Cream Fettuccine was inspired by one of TGI Fridays’ dishes, “Fettuccine with Shrimp and Chicken.”

One of the signature menu items, the “Devil’s Punishment,” was inspired by an ultra-spicy burger Lü Baolin tried in Washington, D.C. To bring this spicy burger to Taiwan, he even visited a chili pepper museum for research. In the end, the burger’s patty is coated with a sauce made primarily from ghost peppers, packing a serious punch—definitely not for the faint of heart. Lü Baolin’s impression of American food is bold, meaty, and juicy, so the Devil’s Punishment Burger uses double-ground premium beef with a 2:8 fat-to-lean ratio, hand-pattied fresh every morning.

Another signature dish is the Devil & Angel Cheese Cream Fettuccine, inspired by one of Lü Baolin’s favorite TGI Fridays dishes, “Fettuccine with Shrimp and Chicken.” He tweaked the recipe to enhance the cheese flavor. DemonL.L manager Lin Zhengguo explains that the “devil” in this dish refers to red pepper powder—which isn’t actually spicy—while the “angel” is represented by angel shrimp. The dish is then simmered in a cheese sauce blended with cream, ensuring the sauce coats the noodles evenly for a silky texture.


▲ The Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, a classic featuring grilled beef slices with cheese and onions to create a rich, savory umami. The onions added during cooking also lend a subtle sweetness.

Since the focus is on an American-style restaurant, the menu primarily offers burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers like fries, onion rings, and chicken wings. For main courses, the steak options include charcoal-grilled salmon, charcoal-grilled steak with fries, and charcoal-grilled pork ribs. Pasta dishes include Red Devil Sauce Steak Pasta, New Orleans Chicken Seafood Pasta, and the Devil & Angel Cheese Cream Fettuccine. However, as DemonL.L has only recently opened, the menu will be adjusted gradually based on customer feedback—the current offerings are not final.

A unique touch: Since DemonL.L manager Lin Zhengguo enjoys mixology and has studied it, the restaurant also offers classic cocktails.

DemonL.L American Restaurant
Address: No. 13, Lane 5, Alley 147, Section 1, Keelung Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-27679595
Business hours: Monday to Friday 5:00 PM–11:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 AM–11:00 PM

▲ Chicken Wing Duo. Includes Buffalo wings, Jack Daniel’s® wings, celery sticks, and blue cheese sauce.


▲ Pink Lady cocktail.


▲ Storefront.


▲ Interior seating.


▲ Bar counter.


▲ Restaurant sign.