The numbing-spicy One Village that keeps you craving more — choose from 9 types of meat

Text & Photos /BearMeow Rudy

Having dined here over ten times, the One Village at Taipei’s 98 Building remains Bear and Meow’s top choice for an all-you-can-eat spicy-soup hotpot

They’ve tried many delicious dishes and have transitioned from young foodies with big appetites to a married couple with more modest eating habits, but they still find themselves drawn back to One Village every so often. (Though it’s always been an all-you-can-eat setup, Bear and Meow have long since switched to just one round.)

Actually, considering the turnover rate at the 98 Building in Taipei’s East District, One Village is also an exceptionally long-lasting eatery. (This photo was taken years ago; the floor layout has changed a lot, but One Village is still going strong on the 8th floor.) The price has risen from NT$450 per person for dinner to the current NT$545, which is about a hundred dollars more, but the overall quality remains solid.

The original interior was designed with a relaxed and comfortable vibe.

Paired with pig-shaped lanterns, it gives off a cute and fashionable feel.

The serving platters also include a variety of handmade meatballs and fresh vegetables.

From the first visit until now, the seafood selection has consistently met or exceeded expectations.

On my most recent visit last week, things felt a bit different to Bear and Meow because the pig lanterns had been removed and the decor had undergone minor renovations.

The sofa colors were changed to green, but the overall atmosphere feels more elegant (almost like a à la carte restaurant).

The background music still mainly features Korean EDM, which is quite appetite-stimulating. (But for old Bear and old Meow, it’s still just one round and they’re full.)

There’s a super-rich sauce bar with dozens of different seasonings to choose from.

The space is also quite spacious, which is one of the reasons why Bear and Meow (and their family) love this place.

As for ice cream, there are currently three brands offering a total of more than ten flavors. (Mövenpick, Capriccioso, and Meiji)

Whenever there’s an available window seat, Bear and Meow will always choose it. For just NT$545 per person, you can enjoy a great night view. (Lunch is NT$399, which is actually quite a good deal even if you treat it as à la carte.)

Here’s a look at the ordering menu: for dinner, everything is all-you-can-eat (except for the single-order beers in the bottom right, though Bear and Meow usually order a bottle of Kirin beer for NT$65, which is reasonable enough). There’s also an all-you-can-eat king crab option (NT$999 plus 10%, per person), served along with Japanese Black Wagyu. If you want something more premium, you can give that a try!!

You can choose two out of five familiar soup bases (Bear and Meow always go for the mildly spicy spicy base paired with a vegetable broth)

Bear and Meow usually start by ordering some greens and raw tofu skin (taros from Dajia, pumpkins, and tomatoes can be used to make a light broth)

Plus some squid and fresh shrimp.

And then the fish slices below — overall, the left side of the vegetable broth is all set.

Next, handmade egg dumplings are a great match for the spicy soup base. (They have a nice texture and look pretty too.)

Chicken with a faint aroma of Shaoxing wine tastes relatively light and delicious when cooked in the spicy pot.

Absolutely must-try: handmade squid balls (right) and handmade shrimp balls (left)

Along with various types of beef, including Japanese Black Wagyu (dinner only, below), natural marbled beef (left), and signature featured beef (right), beef lovers will not be disappointed. There are also options for fatty beef!!

As for pork, there’s also Matsusaka pork (below, dinner only) paired with Berkshire pork (above), plus bacon pork (right) — three combinations in total. Add in the previously mentioned Shaoxing chicken and New Zealand lamb, and that makes a total of nine types of meat!!

Also, Bear and Meow no longer treat One Village as an all-you-can-eat spot (actually, eating slowly and in smaller portions makes it taste even better), so Bear will order a bottle of Kirin beer (NT$65, bottled) — the meat from the spicy pot goes really well with it, it’s so satisfying!!

Cheers!!! (But remember, don’t drink and drive, and always drink responsibly!)

Just toss the vegetables and other ingredients into the pot, and you can instantly sense the rich aroma.

In terms of the broth base, the duck blood at Spicy Village slightly edges out the tofu. Of course, its flavor isn’t as strong as that of a standalone shop, but it’s definitely much better than your average all-you-can-eat hotpot—rarely do you get under-seasoned ingredients. The tofu is a bit milder in taste, but it still has decent firmness.

The squid has a tender, springy texture with a sweet flavor.

The shrimp aren’t very big, but they’re still quite fresh. As I peeled the shells, the freshness was especially noticeable. And as mentioned earlier, the handmade squid balls and handmade shrimp balls also have an excellent texture—paired with shrimp dumplings, they’re the must-order trio of delights.

After checking out the seafood and handmade balls, let’s move on to the meat section.

Bacon pork is always the best partner for a vegetable-based hotpot (it adds richness and pairs perfectly when simmered with pumpkin, taro, and tomatoes). Here, the bacon pork slices aren’t cut too thin, and each piece has a great texture—perfect for those who enjoy tender, juicy meat.

Next, when it comes to beef, nothing beats black-haired wagyu.

If you’re okay with it, the meat is actually best enjoyed at medium-rare (or even slightly more cooked).

Finally, finish off with a serving of Matsusaka pork—the crispy, chewy bite always makes me happy.

Overall, many all-you-can-eat hotpots offer Matsusaka pork, but it’s often sliced too thin or served in tiny pieces. However, Spicy Village shows a generous touch, and with the freshness of the meat, it’s just a joy to eat.

To top it all off, grab some ice cream, and you’ve got an extremely satisfying meal. Whether you’re someone who really wants to eat their fill, a young person looking for a fun, indulgent experience, or just someone with a normal appetite wanting a light taste, both Xiong and I highly recommend Spicy Village’s all-you-can-eat option. Sometimes eating doesn’t have to mean stuffing yourself silly—eating smart and savoring the flavors is a wonderful feeling too.

[Spicy Village All-You-Can-Eat Spicy & Mild Hotpot Combo]
Address: 8F, BISTRO 98 Building, No. 98, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-8772-1518
Prices: Lunch NT$399 (plus 10% service charge), Dinner & Holidays All Day NT$545 (plus 10% service charge)
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30 AM–4 PM, 5:30 PM–1 AM
Weekends & Holidays, 11:30 AM–1 AM (Open every day)
Tip: It’s recommended to make a reservation in advance. Must-try items include the handmade squid and shrimp balls, paired with shrimp dumplings and a variety of seafood and meats.
There are plenty of beef and pork options, along with dozens of sauces and more than ten types of ice cream—it’s quite a good deal in the Eastern District.

Author: BearMiao Rudy — a food-loving couple who occasionally go wild spending money on eating, drinking, and playing, but generally stick to the principle of “limited money, endless appetite.” Same-name blog.《BearMiao Devouring the World》Updated simultaneously.