Taipei’s craziest hot pot spot: Toilet wallpaper “imported from overseas” features Marvel and Hello Kitty

Reported by Hua Shaofu / Taipei

The well-known shabu-shabu restaurant “Fengming Dian” set up shop in the prime location near Tamkang University three years ago and has remained steadfast ever since. In April 2016, it expanded next to Mingde MRT Station, earning widespread praise. Then in January 2017, it opened another branch on Xinyi Road. In just a few short years, the restaurant has established three locations across Taipei City. Its success is not only due to the high cost-performance meat hot pot but also the interior decor—apart from the lighting fixtures, the most unique feature is undoubtedly the toilets.

Tamsui Branch
Address: No. 78, Beixin Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City

The earliest-established Tamsui branch features a unique design only in the women’s restroom—a super cute Hello Kitty-themed toilet. The owner, with a girlish heart, laughed as she recalled how a little boy once threw a tantrum, wishing the men’s room had different decorations too. She then made up her mind that all future branches would give both the men’s and women’s restrooms their own distinct styles.

Mingde Branch
Address: 1F, No. 362, Section 1, Donghua Street, Beitou District, Taipei City

Following the Tamsui branch, the Mingde branch’s men’s restroom features elements from Pixar animations, with a giant Buzz Lightyear wallpaper at the entrance and lighting fixtures modeled after the plane from *Planes*. Additionally, the room is adorned with indispensable *Toy Story* wallpaper.

The women’s restroom goes even further, featuring a host of Disney princesses including Tiana from *The Princess and the Frog*, Cinderella from *Cinderella*, Jasmine from *Aladdin*, Belle from *Beauty and the Beast*, Ariel from *The Little Mermaid*, Aurora from *Sleeping Beauty*, and Pocahontas from *Pocahontas*. Even Snow White and Mulan make an appearance.

Xinyi Branch
Address: 1F, No. 393, Section 4, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City

The newly opened Xinyi branch also boasts a luxurious exterior. Its men’s restroom incorporates popular Marvel elements, including comic-style *Spider-Man* wallpaper and *Hulk* lighting fixtures. Honestly, those light fixtures might be a bit scary if you’re alone at night.

The women’s restroom, meanwhile, also uses Hello Kitty elements, allowing customers who haven’t been to the Tamsui branch to indulge their girly side and enjoy a dreamy pink atmosphere while using the facilities.

Of course, aside from the thoughtfully designed restrooms, the food remains the most important part. The restaurant’s top recommendation is the outrageously good “Tyrant Meat Platter,” which offers exceptional value for money. Weighing 310g—twice the amount of meat typically served at other shabu-shabu spots—and paired with a vegetable plate, it starts at just NT$375. Where else can you find such a great deal? Come here this winter and enjoy a hearty hot pot feast.