Free manicures – Taiwan’s version of Haidilao debuts spicy hotpot; 40% off meals before June 14

▲The new brand “Wending Spicy Hotpot Health Pot” launched by Ma La International Catering Group has officially opened.

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

The new brand “Wending Spicy Hotpot Health Pot” launched by Ma La International Catering Group has officially opened. In addition to offering higher-quality ingredients, waiting guests can also enjoy free manicures, real-person massages, and unlimited Haagen-Dazs ice cream. From now until June 14, meals are 40% off.

Wending was built with an investment of 60 million NT dollars from the Ma La Group. In addition to its classic Chinese decor, the store also displays various antiques and artisanal crafts such as bronze mirrors, cloisonné, jade artifacts, and porcelain. The pots used are also distinctly Chinese, inspired by the “? plate” from the Zhou Dynasty, featuring intricate totem carvings. Other items include dragon-phoenix spoons and jue cups.

▲Choice-grade boneless beef short rib.

Wending Spicy Hotpot mainly offers à la carte hot pot dishes. There are spicy hot pot, health pot, pickled cabbage pot, and vegetable pot options, with a base fee of 158 NT dollars. Unlike Ma La’s all-you-can-eat model, Chen Guoguang, manager of Wending’s operations, said that the spicy hot pot base here is of higher quality, infused with green Sichuan pepper, Da Hong Pao tea, and over 10 other Chinese herbal medicines. For the health pot, chicken and pork bone broth is simmered and then enhanced with over 10 types of herbs including angelica and codonopsis.

Regarding ingredients, Chen Guoguang mentioned that since à la carte diners have higher quality expectations, they can choose Choice-grade boneless beef short ribs (368 NT dollars), ribeye sirloin (368 NT dollars), with the cheapest option being 168 NT dollar beef belly. Other offerings include Hokkaido scallops, Argentine angel shrimp, and handmade meatballs, dumplings, and fish balls. The most expensive seafood platter is 498 NT dollars.

▲Manicure service.

In addition to using premium ingredients, one of the highlights of Wending Spicy Hotpot Health Pot is the free services provided while guests wait, including manicure services, massage services, and unlimited access to 16 flavors of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. The free manicure service is a collaboration with the nail polish brand OPI, with two on-site manicurists applying polish for guests; the free real-person massage is handled by one masseuse, limited to one 5-minute session per person.

Won’t people take advantage of the unlimited Haagen-Dazs ice cream before entering—register for a waitlist, binge on ice cream, and then leave early saying they’re busy? Chen Guoguang said it probably won’t happen, but if it does, they’ll just take the loss, as their goal is to provide the best service.


▲Unlimited access to 16 flavors of Haagen-Dazs ice cream.


▲Classic Chinese-style dining area.

▲Seasoning station.


▲Wending uses iPad ordering.
 

▲Seafood platter.

Address: 2F, No. 210, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei (Exit 3 of Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT Station)
Phone: (02)2731-2107
Business hours: 11:30 to 22:00
Reservations: Not available in June