There is no shortage of hot pot restaurants in Taiwan. In commercial districts there are often several on a single block, often stacked one on top of another. From single serve fast casual concepts to old school no-frills traditional sports to higher end premium restaurants, there’s a plethora of choices. So when there is one that stands out and gets the approval from Taiwanese society, you know it’s notable. Wu Lao is a higher end concept by the “Tripod King” group that owns several hot pot chains, including the namesake mala hot pot restaurant that started it all.

Wu Lao is a “sit down” restaurant, with a warm, traditionally elegant dining atmosphere, caring table service, and a well curated menu featuring premium ingredients that set it apart from the (also beloved) AYCE chains out there. As soon as you sit down, you are served hot tea. You choose your base and then all the ingredients are a la carte. Sauce and rice is self-serve.

They are particularly known for the layered tofu hot pot, a bone broth base with a special mix of Chinese herbs and aromatics and delicately silky layered tofu that melts in your mouth. They also have a spicy soup base with a signature mix of Chinese herbs and spices for satisfying heat that still retains the flavor of the broth. The key is to go with the “yin and yang” option – both broths served in a divided pot so you can swap the flavors. While hearty, it doesn’t leave you feeling thirsty or greasy, and at the end of the meal, they bring out shots of an iced lemon drink to cleanse the palate with a cold, tart drink.