Taiwan Hot Pot Guide: From Classic Favorites to Unique Styles!

easyta
5 hours ago
2 min read

One must-try experience when traveling in Taiwan is hot pot. Taiwanese hot pot comes in a wide variety of soups and cooking styles, making it incredibly diverse.In addition to tourist favorites like Mala Hot Pot and Yuan Yang (dual-flavor) Hot Pot, there are also many unique local hot pot styles loved by locals.It’s perfect for warming up on chilly winter days and for enjoying a fun, shared meal with friends or family.

1. A Spicy Adventure with Mala Hot Pot

When it comes to Taiwanese hot pot, Mala Hot Pot is the most iconic. The bright red broth, made with chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, delivers a spicy and numbing sensation that’s truly addictive.For those who aren’t great with spice, the Yuan Yang Hot Pot allows you to enjoy one spicy broth and one mild broth at the same time.Compared to authentic Sichuan mala hot pot from China, the Taiwanese version is much milder and more approachable.

2. The Rich Aroma of Stone Pot Hot Pot (Shitou Guo)

Stone pot hot pot starts by stir-frying meat and vegetables in a heated stone pot before adding the broth. This technique releases a rich, roasted aroma, infusing the soup with deep umami flavors.Its distinctive fragrance and depth make it a must-try, especially at long-established local hot pot restaurants.

3. Light but Flavor-Packed: Suan Cai Bai Rou Hot Pot

This northern-style hot pot features pickled Chinese cabbage and pork in a light yet deeply flavorful broth.While the pickled cabbage is quite sour on its own, it becomes wonderfully savory when cooked in the hot pot—perfect with a bowl of steamed rice.It’s refreshing, comforting, and ideal for colder weather.

4. Enjoy Taiwan’s Seafood with Seafood Hot Pot

Surrounded by the sea, Taiwan is famous for its seafood hot pot. Fresh fish, shellfish, and other seafood are cooked in a light broth, allowing their natural sweetness to shine.Trying seafood hot pot at local restaurants near fishing ports or coastal areas is highly recommended.Taiwanese squid, in particular, is exceptionally sweet and chewy—definitely worth trying!

5. Warm Up with Authentic Herbal Hot Pot

For health-conscious travelers, herbal hot pot made with traditional Chinese medicinal herbs is an excellent choice.This uniquely Taiwanese style warms the body while nourishing it at the same time—perfect for winter trips or chilly days.The herbal aroma is rich and soothing, and many people find that their body warms up quickly while eating, and they even sleep better afterward.

6. All-You-Can-Eat Hot Pot for Group Fun

All-you-can-eat hot pot restaurants have become increasingly popular in Taiwan. These typically include unlimited meat, vegetables, seafood, desserts, and sometimes drinks and ice cream.Popular chains like Mala Hot Pot and Ding Wang are great for sharing a lively meal with friends or family.

Tips for Enjoying Taiwanese Hot Pot

First-timers should try Yuan Yang Hot Pot to sample two broths at once
Choose Stone Pot Hot Pot if you enjoy rich, roasted aromas
Go for Suan Cai Bai Rou Hot Pot if you prefer a light, tangy flavor
Seafood lovers should try Seafood Hot Pot, while health-focused travelers may enjoy Herbal Hot Pot
For groups, all-you-can-eat hot pot is a fun and budget-friendly option