✨ AI Quick Review
A hugely popular imperial-themed hot pot restaurant on Xining South Road in Wanhua, near Exit 6 of 西門站 (Ximen Station) and the Red House. Its most discussed achievement is turning hot pot into an artistic journey spanning three thousand years, down to custom stainless-steel dragon-and-phoenix pots and dragon-patterned porcelain. Beyond slow-simmered imperial mala and rare slow-cooked broths, it offers complimentary imperial costumes, a children's play area, Tokuyo massage chairs, and unlimited Häagen-Dazs in 16 flavors, making it a neighborhood gathering place where adults and children can feast in comfort.
● Emperor's Imperial Mala Hot Pot and Slow-Cooked Fish Maw and Scallop Soup
The imperial mala broth is aromatic, spicy, and substantial, with duck blood and tofu absorbing its flavor and establishing the table's first impression. Fish maw and scallop soup contrasts the red broth with ocean savoriness and gelatinous body, making it better suited to seafood and vegetables. One side is rich and the other fresh; not every ingredient needs to be tested in mala. Whether fish maw soup or another replacement carries a surcharge depends on the current menu, so ask before ordering—even an emperor must read the bill.
● 18 oz Blooming Prosperity Platter (Assorted American Beef)
The current menu still lists the 18 oz Blooming Prosperity beef platter, layering various American cuts into a flower. Both its portion and presentation suit sharing. Taste fattier slices in the light broth before moving them to mala, and do not blanch lean meat until it loses every expression. The advantage is comparing cuts in one order; the drawback is that two diners who add seafood may quickly turn prosperity into a takeaway meeting.
● Leaping Carp Seafood Platter and Assorted Handmade Balls
The Leaping Carp platter serves fish, fresh shrimp, and shellfish together. Paired with slow-cooked soup, it yields cleaner ocean flavor, while handmade balls add spring and fullness. Seafood and balls cook at different speeds, so add them in batches rather than leaving one side tough and the other cold at the center. The current menu retains Leaping Carp and other seafood options, though contents vary with supply; disclose crustacean or shellfish allergies first.
● Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream in 16 Flavors
A scoop after mala hot pot may be a predictable hot-cold contrast, but the body usually responds honestly. Rotate among lighter or richer choices such as matcha, berries, and chocolate rather than moving the freezer into your bowl at once. The current menu confirms Häagen-Dazs is included in the opening fee, but flavors and quantities depend on that day's supply. If a tub is missing or replaced, do not ask staff to conjure it from the palace.
Use imperial mala and fish maw–scallop soup to divide meat, seafood, and vegetables, then choose beef and seafood platters according to party size. A party of two or three should not chase every large platter at once. Confirm private rooms or birthday needs during booking, and save time to choose ice cream slowly at the end.
- Location:1F, No. 157, Xining South Road, Wanhua District, Taipei; about a 5-minute walk from Exit 6 of 西門站 (Ximen Station).
- Type:Imperial-themed mala hot pot, wellness broths, meat, and seafood platters.
- Highlights:Dragon-and-phoenix pots, an imperial interior, pudding-like duck blood, fish maw and scallop soup, and numerous dining amenities.
- Good for:Family meals, birthdays, friend gatherings, and diners who value space and service.
📌 Editor's Summary
Wending's Ximen branch blends abundant imperial fun with steady Japanese- and Taiwanese-style hot pot craft. Beneath the lively packaging of complimentary costumes and thoughtful amenities, the kitchen maintains solid fundamentals in the thickness of whole-cut Angus beef and the slow-cooked broth generously filled with fish maw and scallops. Seasoning is measured and portions are honest. If you want a spacious, attentive, unpretentious place near Ximending to enjoy luxurious steaming hot pot with family and friends, this genuinely skilled imperial hot pot restaurant is an exceptionally safe and dependable choice.
