A new hotpot choice: Taiwan’s first “smoke-free” dual-flavored spicy hotpot restaurant

Text and photos byKuo Jen-jung

It’s been a while since I last shared a food post about Taiwan. Recently, I saw everyone checking in at this place on Facebook. Just check in here and you’ll get a plate of king prawns worth NT$400 for free. After some investigating, I found out that this restaurant is located in Xinzhuang—no MRT here—you have to take bus 257 from Taipei Main Station. It’s a bit of a trek, but for great food and my favorite king prawns, I made the trip.

Yes!!! It’s the king prawns in the photo—there are three in a plate, so don’t come as a group of four or one friend will miss out—three is just right. First, let’s take a look at the menu!! The ordering system is à la carte. For our group of three, we had to order one main dish from the red section first, and then we could freely choose side dishes based on our preferences.

I have to mention that their hotpot cookware is really unique—it feels a bit like stepping into a smoke-free barbecue restaurant. This is also Taiwan’s first dual-flavored spicy hotpot restaurant with a built-in ventilation smoke-free system. After eating spicy hotpot here, your clothes really won’t smell at all, and your hair will still smell fresh too!! So bringing a girl here on a date definitely won’t get you complaints about the smell.

Besides that, the pot itself is also special. Unlike traditional round hotpots that are split in half for dual flavors, the pots here are square-shaped. The owner, Brother Hsien, says this is Taiwan’s first original smoke-free ventilated square pot. And the rod in the center of the pot is a steam vent that concentrates heat for fast boiling. If you want to bring a regular gas stove pot to a boil, it might take about 14 minutes, but with this smoke-free ventilated square pot, it only takes 7 minutes—cutting gas use in half!! It’s an energy-saving pot!!! After chatting with the owner, I found out that Brother Hsien’s background is actually in professional restaurant kitchen equipment—no wonder their pots are so unique. I’ve eaten at so many hotpot restaurants around Taiwan, and this is the first time I’ve seen anything like it. Enough chit-chat—let’s see what delicious food I ordered that day!!!

Personally, I think the king prawns are the top must-try, but the beef short ribs are also great!!! Just look at how tempting these slices of meat are when spread out—(my stomach’s growling again)

I also personally love the Hsinchu rice meatballs, which you usually don’t find at all-you-can-eat buffets. Since Hsinchu rice meatballs are more costly, they’re really excellent!!! The meat is firm, bouncy, and full of chew.

As for the broth, I felt it was a bit too mild, so I added the original broth several times. But Brother Hsien told me their broth doesn’t contain any MSG, which is why it’s lighter but also healthier. (The foodie reporter here is used to bold flavors—so... I’m a bit not used to it)

For the dipping sauces, I felt they were a bit on the plain side, but those who like original flavors will probably enjoy them. Also, because it just opened a month ago and I visited on a weekday evening, there weren’t enough staff. I heard that on weekends, when there are more local community customers, they have more part-timers. If you want to try it out, remember to check in to get the free king prawns, and make a reservation in advance for weekends!!

Restaurant Info:
Taste Spicy Hotpot
Phone: 02-2279-5075
Address: No. 5, Lixin 5th St., Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
Website: spicyshabu.com/
Business hours: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM

"Food & Travel Reporter Kuo Jen-jungIf you liked my article
Please give a like to myFacebook fan pageGive us a like![NL]
I occasionally host giveaways for exclusive gifts
And share the latest info on food, drink, and play discounts!!!