Sichuan-style Dry Spicy Hot Pot – Bashu Xiangxiang Pot, Spicy to Your Heart’s Content

▲ Eating dry spicy hot pot avoids the scalding from hot soup.

Reported and photographed by Xiao Wanning / Taipei

Ever tried a dry spicy hot pot? Originating from Sichuan, China, this unique dry-style spicy hot pot experience from “Bashu Xiangxiang Pot” reimagines traditional hot pot. Fresh vegetables and meats are stir-fried with various spices, Dahongpao chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, peanuts, and over twenty other ingredients. It’s an alternative treat for spice enthusiasts during the cold winter months.

▲ A meat-to-vegetable ratio of two to eight tastes the best.

“A ratio of two parts meat to eight parts vegetables is just right—not too greasy, and you still get the texture of the meat.”Huang Wenjian, Chairman of Bashu Xiangxiang Potshared that although he originally only had business management experience and no kitchen skills, running a food court previously introduced him to many chefs. Additionally, when he first opened the store in Taiwan and couldn’t find enough staff, Huang pitched in to cook alongside the chefs.

Huang also mentioned that the secret to the Xiangxiang Pot lies in the chef’s control of the heat—quick high-heat stir-frying brings out the full aroma of the spices in one go, instantly skyrocketing the deliciousness. Another key factor is the freshness of the ingredients. Vegetables, pork, beef, and more are displayed on the counter, making mouths water at first glance.

▲ Chairman Huang Wenjian has been personally cooking for guests recently (pictured left), and the kitchen has over 20 types of spices for stir-frying (pictured right).

“Bashu Xiangxiang Pot” also serves a noteworthy dish called “Bashu Dan Dan Noodles,” which is topped with Sichuan’s unique crushed rice sprout vegetable. In addition to being spicy and aromatic, the distinctive sourness of the crushed rice sprout vegetable stimulates the appetite, and its natural tanginess adds layered flavor to the Bashu Dan Dan Noodles.

▲ Bashu Dan Dan Noodles are topped with Sichuan’s special crushed rice sprout vegetable.

[Bashu Xiangxiang Pot]
Phone: (02)8502-0621
Address: No. 218, Lequn 3rd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan (opposite Miramar Department Store)
Business Hours: 11:00–22:00
Price: Bashu Xiangxiang Pot – NT$180 per serving; Bashu Dan Dan Noodles – NT$60