Asparagus and yeast-fed pork take center stage in a refreshing summer hot pot

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

Taiwanese people love hot pot, especially in winter, but did you know that eating hot pot in summer—with the right ingredients—can actually boost metabolism and promote better health? Some local hoteliers are going against the grain this summer by launching an “asparagus hot pot set,” offering foodies a uniquely tasty hot pot experience during the warmer months.

Pork is often a key star in hot pot dishes, but regular pork is commonly perceived as dry and tough. Chef Lin Tsang-Hsin from Taipei Sheraton Hotel has opted for healthy Kakegawa fully matured yeast-fed pork to pair with a sweet and light asparagus broth. “Kakegawa fully matured yeast-fed pork” refers to pigs that, after undergoing standard fattening, are fed a special low-calorie, low-protein feed fermented with Kakegawa yeast over a golden 10-day period. They are then further matured and fattened for over five weeks. The resulting Kakegawa yeast-fed pork boasts tender meat and rich fat, with lower animal fats, higher plant fats, and concentrated unsaturated fatty acids—delivering a healthier, richer lipid profile.

▲ A hot pot broth made from asparagus is especially delightful to enjoy in the sweltering summer heat. (Photo provided by the business)

To best savor the texture of fresh pork, the simplest method is blanching. Therefore, the chef has specially prepared an asparagus broth using imported white asparagus, blended with classic Japanese bonito stock. The resulting soup is fragrant, smooth, and delicate. When the Kakegawa fully matured yeast-fed pork is blanched in this broth, it turns out tender, bouncy, and carries a subtle sweetness from the asparagus.

Sake and hot pot make a perfect pairing. With high summer temperatures, the body tends to lose more salt, and drinking sake can help cool down and stimulate appetite. Sake is fragrant, sweet, and refreshing—invigorating the appetite upon drinking. When chilled, its nutritional benefits remain intact while its taste becomes even better. The Tōzan selection includes three premium sake varieties: Jōsen sake, Yamadanishiki Tokubetsu Junmai, and Chōtesen Hōrin Junmai Daiginjō. These three types complement the healthy Kakegawa yeast-fed pork and the sweet asparagus broth, enriching the overall dining experience with their smooth, mellow, and delicious flavors.

The “Healthy Kakegawa Yeast-Fed Pork Perfectly Paired with Sweet Asparagus Broth” duo set is priced at NT$3,600+10%, with an additional NT$1,800+10% per person for each additional guest starting from the third person (includes Kakegawa fully matured yeast-fed pork, Japanese-style salad, vegetable platter, Japanese mochi, Sanuki udon noodles, dessert, plus a choice between a seafood platter or boneless beef).

The 300ml bottles of Jōsen sake, Yamadanishiki Tokubetsu Junmai, and Chōtesen Hōrin Junmai Daiginjō are priced at NT$400+10%, NT$700+10%, and NT$1,400+10% respectively.