Spicy hot pot with daiginjo-grade sake lees—enjoy its rich, aromatic flavor!

Text & Photos／Datou

This time, Datou is taking everyone out for spicy hot pot again—but the hot pot this time is special, as daiginjo-grade Japanese sake lees are added to the base. It’s not only fragrant, numbing, and slightly spicy but also has an extra layer of rich aroma. Located on Zhongshan Road in Zhongli, Taoyuan, “Xiao Fei Niu Daiginjo Spicy Hot Pot” was already a well-known hot pot restaurant in Taichung and Kaohsiung. After trying it once, Datou fell in love with it!

The Xiao Fei Niu Zhongli branch was originally located behind Zhongli Railway Station. It moved to its current address last April. Not only is the space more spacious, but the industrial-style dining environment also makes people feel very comfortable. This time, the tried-and-tested Yinzao Spicy Hot Pot paired with the Acidic White Sake Lees Hot Pot lets you enjoy two delicious flavors in one go. The Sichuan-style base is paired with sake lees brewed from Japanese daiginjo-grade sake, making it exceptionally flavorful. The pickled cabbage is fermented by the store using sake lees and lactic acid bacteria. It has a mild tangy aroma, not overly sour or harsh, and is very smooth and mellow!

%The original location of Jipai was behind the Zhongli Railway Station. About a year ago, it moved to its current location. Not only is the space more open, but the industrial-style design of the dining area also gives a very comfortable vibe. The Yinzao Spicy Hot Pot we tried this time, paired with the Acidic White Sake Lees Hot Pot, allows you to enjoy two delicious tastes in one meal. It uses a Sichuan-style base mixed with sake lees made through Japan’s daiginjo-grade brewing process—very unique in flavor. The pickled cabbage is made by the shop by fermenting sake lees together with lactic acid bacteria. It has a slight sour fragrance, not overly sharp or irritating, and is overall quite gentle and smooth on the palate.

%The entrance here has an industrial-style design, and there's also a menu posted nearby for friends who are passing by or interested to take a look.

%The space here is relatively new, featuring some industrial-style designs, and they’ve even used higher-quality materials for the flooring. It definitely feels a lot more premium this time.

%There’s a corner here that introduces the manufacturing process of sake lees. There’s an introductory plaque first, and those who are interested can go take a closer look.

%There’s also a corner here that showcases their locally sourced ingredients. The selection is quite abundant, and it looks very fresh. It seems like they aim to provide customers with a high-quality dining environment.

%There’s also a small area here for kids, which provides toys or drawing boards for young children to use.

%The walkways here are so spacious—even all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurants rarely have such wide walkways!

%All the machinery displayed here this month is from actual equipment used at the store. Take a closer look, and you’ll see that each piece is slightly different. Coming here is like visiting a small museum. Be sure to check out the introductions for each one!

%There’s also a model of a red train here—it’s also part of the store’s collection. They currently have three, and one of them is right here. In addition, there’s also a railway level crossing warning device in the store that actually works!

%The entrance hallway is already filled with displays of machinery, and more will be added later.

%The flooring here in this stylish hot pot place is made using real wood and copper plates. The goal is to create a more refined hot pot dining experience, hoping that every customer who comes here can have a great time.

%If you come with a group, the staff will also help arrange seating together. Especially if you come back again, the staff will remember you. It’s really suitable for regulars.

%There are also two-person set meals if you’re coming as a pair. It’s also a super high value-for-money new option. The detailed menu items are all listed at the end of the article. Friends who are interested, make sure to read to the end, ahhh!

%The plum vinegar drink here (100 NT) tastes sour, fragrant, slightly sweet, mellow, and refreshing—it’s the best companion for spicy hot pot!

%The entrance to the hot pot place is a bit hidden, but the interior is actually quite spacious.　

%Once you try the spicy level we ordered, you’ll find it not too aggressive. It’s numbing, spicy, and smooth on the palate, which many people like. This level of spice is even acceptable for those who don’t usually eat spicy food!

%What’s most special about this place is that the sake lees are made with Japanese daiginjo-grade sake. Not only does it offer a more diverse flavor, but girls who eat it can also achieve that dewy, hydrated look. Also, the sake lees can be added to both the clear broth and the spicy broth—it’s really quite unique!

%We chose the 350 NT option, going with the Yinzao Spicy Hot Pot paired with the Acidic White Sake Lees Hot Pot. The tofu, duck blood, and pickled cabbage can all be refilled unlimitedly!

%The vegetables here are super fresh and crunchy. The mushrooms are also very fresh, of course. They’re really tasty when eaten with the broth.

%The mushrooms here are made using a low-temperature fermentation method from a certain region. They taste very fragrant. The texture is soft, and the umami is rich and unique.

%The mushrooms here are actually developed in-house by the store. They don’t use any additives or other seasonings. They use natural fermentation bacteria and other fermentation techniques. When you bite into the mushrooms, you can really taste their unique fragrance.　

%Another highlight is the dipping sauces here. They’re not overly salty and have a hint of sweetness, so you can adjust them according to your personal taste.

%First, we ordered the beef slices and beef balls. We got one portion of each. There weren’t too many pieces.

%The American Angus Black Angus boneless short rib set meal (398 NT) is especially made with evenly marbled beef, featuring marble-like patterns that are very tempting.

When the beef slices are just slightly blanched in the red broth until they turn a tender pink, they’re ready to enjoy—no dipping sauce needed. The rich, oily flavor, soft texture, and sweet meat juice make every bite absolutely delicious!

Pork belly (180 RMB): Selected premium five-layer pork from Taiwan, with a lovely tender and rosy appearance.

After simmering in the hot pot, the pork belly becomes incredibly juicy and flavorful, bursting with rich meat juices that are simply divine.

Beef slices don’t require much cooking time either—just a quick dip is enough. For those who prefer a unique twist, try double-dipping them for an extra special taste. It has a faint smoky aroma that’s quite distinctive.

Beef skewers (80 RMB): While waiting for the other ingredients to cook, you can start with some skewers. The beef skewers are tender yet slightly chewy, and the generous sprinkling of cumin powder enhances their aroma and flavor.

Pork skewers (60 RMB): These have a sweet, meaty flavor with a hint of oiliness. Their Q-texture (chewy but tender) is very satisfying, and the abundant cumin powder adds a wonderful kick.

Other must-try dishes include the fish ball hot pot (68 RMB), chef’s shrimp (220 RMB), and handmade meatball medley (198 RMB)—all are delicious staples here!

The meatball selection includes six varieties: Taiwanese fish balls, fish skin balls, taro meatballs, bamboo shoot meatballs, mushroom-stuffed meatballs, premium squid balls, and more. Enjoying all six in one go is pure happiness!

Braised pork intestine (220 RMB): The pre-braised large intestine is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, making it a perfect match for the spicy hot pot.

Vegetable combo (168 RMB): This includes cabbage, napa cabbage, and Chinese spinach—fresh, clean, and nutritious. Don’t forget to add some greens to balance your hot pot meal!

Meatball combo (240 RMB): This is a huge portion, enough for four to six people to share.

Let me share a little secret with you: the treasure ball. When you dig into it, you’ll find it’s packed with shrimp—such a generous filling, it feels very wholesome!

The treasure ball is served raw and needs to be cooked in the hot pot. Even friends who don’t usually eat spicy food can enjoy one. Inside, you’ll taste the spiciness and numbing sensation from the red broth, along with the oiliness of the youtiao (fried dough stick), all blending into a wonderfully unique flavor.

The youtiao might not look like much at first glance, but once cooked, its outside becomes delightfully crispy while the inside remains soft. The contrast in textures is really enjoyable, and it pairs well with the hot pot broth.

The treasure ball has a nice crispy texture on the outside, bursting with the sweet taste of shrimp. It’s incredibly satisfying—you don’t even need to peel anything, which is perfect for shrimp lovers!

The shrimp in the meatballs are also delicious, with visible shrimp chunks in every bite. It’s a truly delightful experience!

After trying the Taiwanese-style hot pot, you’ll see why it stands out so much.

In addition to the main dishes, there are also various regional meatballs, braised pork, treasure balls, and pork belly. Each one is prepared differently, offering a unique taste.　

The Taiwanese meatball has a distinct spicy Sichuan flavor, which adds an exciting kick and makes it especially enjoyable.

The braised pork is incredibly tender and smooth, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Paired with the spicy broth, it absorbs the flavors beautifully and becomes even more aromatic.

The bamboo shoot meatball has a strong bamboo shoot aroma, and its texture is both crispy and Q. The layers of flavor are quite complex and satisfying!

The fish paste ball has a delicate, bouncy texture. When you bite into it, the flavor lingers pleasantly on your palate.

The fish skin ball is wrapped in a generous layer of skipjack tuna skin, offering a rich collagen boost and a uniquely delicious taste.

The scallop hot pot (298 RMB) uses Hokkaido-grade raw scallops from Japan. They’re wrapped in a thin slice of cucumber with a goji berry on top—visually appealing and delicious in taste.

It only takes about a minute to cook. Once done, the scallops appear snow-white and glossy. The fresh sweetness of the scallops shines through, and when combined with other ingredients in the hot pot, the flavor becomes even richer and more layered.

After enjoying the hot pot, try the sweet soup, which contains goji berries, grass jelly, white fungus, and red dates. It’s sweet, smooth, and helps cut through the richness of the meal—not just tasty but also refreshing!

We actually ordered quite a lot, but honestly, it depends on the portion size. On average, each person spending around 500–700 RMB can eat to their heart’s content.

The small hot pot costs 100 RMB, while the double-flavor (yin-yang) hot pot is 350 RMB. Definitely go for the double-flavor—it’s more worth it. If you’re in a smaller group, you can also opt for a set meal and add your favorite ingredients à la carte. Here’s a detailed menu for your reference!

The “Premium Wagyu & Sake Red Spicy Hot Pot” restaurant has a spacious and cozy interior, with a rustic industrial design that combines wood and vintage elements—it’s really comfortable to sit in. There’s a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including the sake-infused yin-yang hot pot, premium meats, unique meatballs, toppings, and skewers. Everything is made with quality ingredients, balancing great taste and texture—definitely a very satisfying meal!

If you’re in a smaller group, you can also go for a set meal and add your favorite ingredients. The meals are not only refined and delicious, but also reasonably priced. We highly recommend “Premium Wagyu & Sake Red Spicy Hot Pot”—it’s a place you might just fall in love with after your first visit.

Little Fat Beef Daiginjo Spicy Hot Pot
Address: No. 205, Zhongshan Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City (Parking available at the large multi-story parking lot on Yanping Road, with motorcycle parking spaces at the entrance)
Phone: 03-4276899
Business Hours: 11:30–22:00 (No restrictions on dining times)
Official Website:http://www.fatcalf.com.tw/
FB Fan Page:https://www.facebook.com/fatcalf4686363

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