
When visiting Taipei, nothing warms the soul quite like hot pot. These five restaurants combine ambiance, exceptional service, and flavor to create memorable dining experiences.
Whenever we host Western visitors, my husband and I inevitably find ourselves in a heated debate about where to take them for dinner. I’ll propose one restaurant, only for him to counter with a spot he deems to be boasting more unique items. My rebuttal is that minuscule differences in how the sauce is prepared often matter less to Western tourists than the atmosphere and whether wine is on the menu.
Over the years, through observing plenty of visitors from Europe and the United States, I’ve identified three key elements – in addition to great flavor – that can make or break a dining experience: ambiance, alcohol selection, and service.
Ambiance is, in my opinion, self-explanatory. Dining abroad is an experience that should engage all senses, not just taste. Alcohol selection, meanwhile, matters since many Americans and Europeans enjoy having a drink that is not tea or Taiwan Beer with their vacation meals. Finally, service is what makes the difference between a good and a memorable meal.
One thing my husband and I do agree on is that on a cold winter night, the ultimate Taipei dinner choice is hot pot.
Popular in Taiwan, China, Japan, and Korea, the concept of hot pot revolves around a simmering pot of broth at the center of the table. Surrounding it are an array of raw ingredients that diners cook themselves. At its essence, it’s a communal dining experience.
The broth is the soul of the hot pot, with mild and spicy options catering to different palates. Mild broths might be chicken, mushroom, or tomato-based, while the spicy variety often leans toward the Sichuan style, infused with chili oil and mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns. Many restaurants offer a divided pot, accommodating both preferences in one meal.
Proteins range from thinly sliced meats like beef, pork, and lamb to seafood such as shrimp, fish, and clams. Tofu, leafy greens, mushrooms, root vegetables, and corn often round out the selection, paired with noodles, rice, or dumplings.
Add-ons vary from processed items like fish balls and crab sticks to more premium offerings, such as fresh sashimi, which can be enjoyed alongside the broth. Diners further personalize their meals by crafting dipping sauces from an assortment of ingredients: soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, chili, scallions, and sesame paste, to name a few.
Taipei is awash with hot pot restaurants, but some stand out for their ability to satisfy the tourist-tested criteria – ambiance, alcohol selection, and service – while delivering exceptional flavor. Below is my curated list of hot pot establishments that are sure to impress even the most discerning visitors, from most to least extravagant.
Mihan Honke 三燔本家
Fl. B3, No. 3, Lane 39, Section 2, Zhongshan North Rd., Zhongshan District
If you are looking to thoroughly impress, Mihan Honke is the place to bring your guests. Located within the prestigious Regent Taipei hotel – renowned for its excellent service – tables at this restaurant are placed beyond a wall adorned with antique sake barrels, down long corridors lined with latticed wood.
The restaurant serves shabu-shabu, a Japanese hot pot dish. The term is onomatopoeic, derived from the sound – “swish swish” – emitted when the ingredients are stirred in the cooking pot. Shabu-shabu is generally more savory and less sweet than sukiyaki, which is the restaurant’s other base option. Unlike most hot pot dishes that involve a roomy, steep-sided pot of simmering broth, sukiyaki is cooked in a shallow pot and features a richly flavored sauce.

Mihan Honke’s atmosphere is a blend of understated elegance and thoughtful design. While the dining area feels exclusive and private, the service team enhances the experience with impeccable attention to detail. Guests are welcomed warmly, and the staff’s enthusiasm for the cuisine is infectious. The restaurant also offers private dining options ideal for intimate gatherings or high-profile clientele who value discretion.
Diners can indulge in a selection of premium meats, including U.S. beef and locally sourced Taiwanese pork, complemented by seasonal offerings like exclusive Wagyu collaborations and Japanese king crab. The sukiyaki experience is elevated by the restaurant’s secret broth recipe, rich and aromatic, with a depth of flavor that lingers. Fresh vegetables sourced from local farmers complete the meal.

Seafood enthusiasts will find plenty to love here. I highly recommend the surf-and-turf shabu-shabu set, which features an impressive array of fresh offerings: assorted sashimi, grilled lobster, salted grilled abalone, and seasonal fish. The seafood is so fresh, it’s almost as if the lobster tail might wiggle on the plate.
Shabu-shabu lovers will also appreciate the variety of sauces provided – sesame, soy, and citrus vinegar – all designed to accentuate the flavors of the accompanying meats and seafood. For a more decadent experience, diners can dip their selections into a creamy, whisked egg before savoring them atop a bowl of steamed rice.
While the Regent location is rounding out its third decade of operations, there is also a new location in Taipei’s Beitou District. Mihan Beitou, located on the second floor of Wellspring by Silks Beitou hotel, introduces a new dining model that combines hot pot set menus with an open buffet.
For international travelers and expatriates in Taipei, Mihan offers a quintessential introduction to Japanese hot pot culture. Beyond the food, the restaurant’s beverage selection includes Japanese sake, beer, and wines, complementing the rich flavors of the hot pot dishes.
Orange Shabu 橘色涮涮屋
Fl. B1, No. 135, Section 1, Da’an Rd., Da’an District, No. 29-2, Section 4, Ren’ai Rd., Da’an District
Fl. 7, No. 9, Songshou Rd., Xinyi District
For a refined and elevated hot pot experience, Orange Shabu is an outstanding choice. Known for its impeccably fresh ingredients and attentive service, this restaurant has rightfully earned its place among Taiwan’s premier hot pot establishments. While it is pricier than many other hot pot restaurants, the quality and attention to detail justify the cost, offering excellent value for the experience provided.
The ambiance is sleek and intimate, with semi-private seating areas and a dimly lit interior that sets a sophisticated tone. The menu features a strong emphasis on fresh seafood, including emperor crab, oysters, scallops, and shrimp, alongside sashimi options that enrich the hot pot offerings.

A standout feature of Orange Shabu is the use of leftover broth to prepare a flavorful porridge at the end of the meal – a delightful and satisfying conclusion. Guests consistently praise the freshness of the ingredients, the generous portions, and unique menu items, such as the almond tofu dessert.
The restaurant’s atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for a romantic date night but is equally suited for a gathering with friends or family. Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended to secure a table.
Takao1972 打狗霸
No. 46, Kunming St., Wanhua District
I first visited Takao1972 during Lunar New Year a couple of years ago and immediately noted it as a place to bring future visitors. Unlike many restaurants in Taipei, Takao1972 is remarkably spacious, making it ideal for accommodating larger groups. The interior is thoughtfully designed, with wooden booths separated by bamboo-like structures that create an inviting and memorable atmosphere.
What sets Takao1972 apart is its versatility. The menu offers both hot pot and Japanese cuisine, making it a perfect choice for groups struggling to settle on a single cuisine. For hot pot lovers, the restaurant provides various options and broths, alongside free tea, mineral water, and a selection of customizable dipping sauces. For those looking to complement their meal, sake is also available.

The service at Takao1972 is exceptional, with attentive staff ensuring diners have everything they need. The quality of the ingredients, particularly the meat, is solid, but the true highlight is the broth. Perfectly balanced and deeply savory without being overly salty, the soup is a standout. The waitstaff are quick to refill the pot whenever needed, keeping the dining experience seamless and satisfying.
Takao1972 combines great food, thoughtful service, and a well-designed space, making it a reliable go-to for hosting visitors in Taipei.
Wulao Pot 無老鍋
No. 36, Section 2, Zhongshan North Rd., Zhongshan District
Fl. 2, No. 55, Section 1, Zhonghua Rd., Zhongzheng District
Although Wulao doesn’t meet one of my key criteria – alcohol selection – it more than compensates with its outstanding flavor, inviting ambiance, and excellent service.
The restaurant’s name translates to “Never Old Pot,” reflecting its philosophy of creating hot pots designed to promote health and beauty. With five branches across Taiwan, reservations are essential due to its enduring popularity.
Wulao Pot’s interior features elegant old-world Chinese decor. Service is equally impeccable; staff are attentive without being intrusive and provide detailed explanations of every dish, enhancing the dining experience.
One of the highlights of Wulao Pot is its yin-yang hot pot, allowing diners to sample two of its signature broths. The layered tofu broth is a comforting, creamy concoction made from chicken and pork bones simmered with over a dozen Chinese herbs and spices. The spicy Wulao broth is bold and aromatic, featuring Chinese spices simmered for eight hours before being blended with fresh chicken broth. Both soups are exceptionally smooth and flavorful.

Wulao Pot takes the hot pot experience up a notch by offering free refills of delicacies like congealed pig’s blood and fried tofu skin, adding to its value. For first-time diners, the menu includes a helpful “Tourist Top 10 Food” list, featuring popular items like Shellfish & Fish Paste, Assorted Meatball Plate, Pork Shoulder Boston Butt, and Prime Beef. The assorted meatball platter is a bouncy must-try packed with flavor.
Wulao Pot combines thoughtful service, exceptional food quality, and a uniquely health-focused approach to hot pot, making it a standout choice for an unforgettable meal.
Mala Hot Pot 馬辣頂級麻辣鍋
If you’re looking for bang for your buck, Mala Hot Pot delivers. While some TikTokers hype this chain restaurant as a “hidden gem,” that’s a bit of a stretch – it’s a well-established favorite with multiple locations across Taipei. The all-you-can-eat offering, complete with unlimited wine, beer, and Häagen-Dazs makes this place a surefire crowd-pleaser.
The chain is best known for its spicy Sichuan-style mala (麻辣) broth, which combines fiery chili oil with mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns for an addictive kick. The extensive selection of meats, seafood, and vegetables ensures something for everyone. However, a fun linguistic twist reveals that the “Mala” (馬辣) in the restaurant’s name actually translates to “spicy horse” rather than referencing the signature Sichuan peppercorns.
This restaurant is the most affordable on this list. Prices for dinner are tiered at NT$798, NT$898, or NT$998 per person, with the difference in cost reflecting the quality of the meat and seafood on offer. The higher-end option includes selections like American Wagyu beef, New Zealand and Australian beef tongue, and Argentinian prawns.
While a restaurant where diners scan QR codes to order and self-serve vegetables, drinks, and desserts might not seem like an obvious choice for a list that prioritizes service, Mala Hot Pot excels in a different way. For tourists overwhelmed by language barriers or cultural differences, its straightforward, low-interaction system is a relief. And when it comes to unlimited wine, who better to decide how much to pour than yourself?
Mala Hot Pot combines convenience, indulgence, and an energetic atmosphere, making it a must-visit for those looking to enjoy Taipei’s hot pot scene on their own terms.