Introducing the top 7 must-try hot pot restaurants in Taichung, recommended by university students who have lived here for nearly four years!
First on our list is Lajue - Secret Hot Pot, located in the Donghai Villa area. This affordable personal hot pot spot is a favorite among students, especially because they offer "free" noodles and rice refills.
Lajue offers four different hot pot broths: Spicy Sichuan Pepper Pot, Nourishing Herbal Hot Pot, Thai Sour and Spicy Seafood Pot, and Secret Cheese Kimchi Pot. Whether you like it spicy or mild, there's something for everyone here!
Must-Try Recommendation:
Nourishing Herbal Hot Pot, with plenty of Chinese herbs and goji berries, provides a sweet and warm broth that's soothing and satisfying.
The second restaurant on our list is "Let's Have Fun, Hai Di Lao". It’s an excellent spot for gatherings and social events, offering a range of complimentary services and snacks to enhance your experience.
Hai Di Lao provides a variety of free services including manicure, shoe polishing, and massage chairs. Their snack options include appetizers, fruits, sweet soups, ice cream, and more, ensuring that your taste buds are well satisfied. There are also many other special services waiting for you to experience in person, making it a great place to spend quality time with friends and family!
Must-Try Recommendation:
Lao Pai Basa Fish Slices
Lao Pai Tender Beef Slices
Shrimp Paste
Brown Sugar Rice Cake (left picture)
Cookie Square Crisps
The third restaurant is the affordable all-you-can-eat hot pot spot: Da Xi Hot Pot.
Da Xi Hot Pot offers a family-friendly dining environment at very reasonable prices. They provide a wide range of unlimited ingredients, including vegetables, hot pot items, noodles, cooked dishes, fresh salads, fruits, drinks, desserts, ice cream, and various meats (pork, chicken, fish slices, beef). It’s a favorite among Taichung residents. (Fun fact: Most Da Xi Hot Pot branches are located in Taichung!)
Warm Reminder: Please take only as much food as you can eat to avoid wastage!
Pricing:
Weekday Lunch: 300 TWD/person
Weekday Dinner: 320 TWD/person
Weekend: 350 TWD (no service charge)/person
The fourth restaurant is Sukiyaki Ichiban:
Known as the sukiyaki restaurant that’s been “derailed” by its desserts, Sukiyaki Ichiban is a high-value all-you-can-eat restaurant! In addition to the unlimited high-quality meats, the self-serve area offers a variety of drinks, ice cream, fresh vegetables, assorted side dishes, and over 20 types of exquisite desserts.
What’s even more fun is that you can make your own waffles, adding a hands-on element to your dining experience.
The restaurant also features a special “Light Pancake,” where you can get creative and craft unique dishes!
Sukiyaki Ichiban is sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your creativity!
Warm Reminder: Remember to take only what you can eat and avoid wasting food!
The fifth restaurant is Momo Paradise:
Momo Paradise is a renowned Japanese chain specializing in shabu-shabu and sukiyaki, known for its fresh ingredients and high-quality meats.
What’s special here is the authentic Japanese service experience—waitstaff will bring a cart of dishes right to your table, so you can enjoy your meal without leaving your seat!
Warm Reminder: Remember to take only as much food as you can eat and avoid wasting food!
The sixth restaurant is Wan Ke Shi Hot Pot:
A little historical tidbit: The first Wan Ke Shi Hot Pot location opened on Hankou Road in Taichung. What started as a mini hot pot restaurant has now expanded to five branches in Taichung and two in Taipei. A unique feature of this spot is its extended hours—from 11:30 AM to 5:00 AM—making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even late-night hot pot cravings!
The restaurant's signature sesame oil fried egg is not greasy and features a crispy exterior with a tender interior.
The peeled chili pepper broth and roast chicken wine broth are especially notable for their rich, sweet, and savory flavors!
The seventh restaurant is Stone Hot Pot:
Partnering with local farmers ensures the safety of their ingredients and supports local agriculture. Their signature stone pot offers a unique "two-flavor pot" experience, combining traditional methods of stir-frying and then simmering to deliver a dining experience characterized by "stir-fry aroma, simmered fragrance, and fresh taste."
They also offer a refreshing lemon winter melon tea, which blends the zesty fragrance of lemon with the sweet subtlety of winter melon. It's perfect for quenching your thirst and invigorating your senses during the summer.
This concludes the fifth episode of The Story of Hot Pot.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are purely personal and do not reflect the stance of our platform or the viewpoints of the restaurants mentioned.
Feel free to share your favorite hot pot spots with us, and don’t forget to visit our main page to listen to our podcast, where you can discover more recommended places to explore!！
Listening Platforms:
Spotify: 食之物語
SoundOn:食之物語
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