Taihodien, a legendary hot pot restaurant, was already a popular dining spot when I was in junior high or high school. It was considered a high-end hot pot restaurant, especially favored by many Hong Kong celebrities when they visited Taiwan. At that time, Taiwan didn't have as many options for spicy hot pot, and the spicy food culture wasn't as vibrant as it is now. It wasn't as common to find spicy hot pot restaurants everywhere as today, and Taihodien was not an affordable choice for students due to its higher pricing.
It was the kind of restaurant you knew about but didn't go to, yet you still wanted to try. I once contemplated organizing a gathering with friends during high school to go there but eventually gave up on the idea. I spent many years away from Taiwan and didn't think about Taihodien. Although I can handle a bit of spiciness, I'm not a die-hard fan of it. I can take it or leave it. So, two decades passed before I finally set foot inside Taihodien. Haha!
I had thought about inviting friends to go there, but it turns out many of them don't enjoy spicy food. Plus, my family members can't handle spice at all, so it was challenging to find an opportunity. Therefore, when I went there that day and saw someone dining alone, I was truly impressed!
Even though there have been many famous chain restaurants for spicy hot pot in recent years, Taihe Palace seems relatively low-key and unassuming. However, it has never lacked customers, and without a reservation, it's hard to get a table. Especially as the night progresses, it becomes increasingly crowded, and getting a reservation becomes even more challenging.
There is additional dining space at the back. The original indoor dining area is not spacious and can accommodate only a limited number of guests.
The space is relatively small, and the distance between tables is quite close. You can hear conversations from the neighboring tables very clearly.
The sauce station is self-service.
A recommended way to prepare the dipping sauce is to add half minced garlic (minced garlic is optional), then mix it with the spicy broth. This is the dipping sauce for the spicy hot pot. The original broth itself can also be considered a type of sauce. Of course, if you're not a fan of spice, you can create a separate sauce to suit your taste. For instance, I prepared a separate bowl of dipping oil.
The duck blood and tofu in the spicy hot pot base are available for free refills, and they are truly delicious. They are tender and flavorful! The spiciness of the hot pot is not overly intense; it carries a subtle herbal aroma, and while it still packs a punch, it's a comfortable, mellow kind of spiciness. As you continue to cook, it does get spicier, and you'll find yourself drinking more of your beverage.
A must-have: Youtiao (Chinese fried dough sticks)!
The freshness and quality of the ingredients are excellent, and the service is top-notch. They are always ready to assist with keeping the table clean and inquire about your needs. It's quite a comfortable dining experience. When we left, the entire restaurant was full of customers. Finally, my dream of many years was fulfilled!
Taihodien Yin Yang Spicy Hot Pot
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