Originally, Qing Hua Jiao wasn’t our planned destination. We had aimed for another restaurant located downstairs at Nangang Station, but the waiting time there was simply too long. Hungry and impatient, we shifted our attention upstairs to Qing Hua Jiao Spicy Hot Pot—and with the weather being perfect for hot pot, it felt like the right decision.
I had heard the name Qing Hua Jiao for a long time, but since not many people in our group can handle spicy food, we rarely get the chance to visit places like this. There are so many spicy hot pot restaurants I’d love to try, but unfortunately, opportunities are limited. That said, I’m not particularly good at eating spicy food myself, nor do I have a strong obsession with it—I’m pretty easygoing when it comes to spice.
Just to be safe, we ordered a split pot (yin-yang pot) as a backup plan in case things went wrong. Of course, you can choose the traditional red, fiery-looking spicy broth, but if you come here, the real goal is the green broth. That’s the signature of Qing Hua Jiao and something you rarely see elsewhere. Visually, it feels much less intimidating than the red broth. The small compartment on the side is where the green Sichuan peppercorns are added. They first show you what they look like before putting them in, and if you feel the flavor isn’t strong enough later on, you can request more—depending on your personal tolerance.
We did ask for an extra portion of peppercorns once, and after that, the flavor felt just right. It wasn’t at the extreme level, but it hit a comfortable balance. Since everything continues to simmer in the pot, the flavor becomes more pronounced over time. The numbing and spicy sensations don’t feel overwhelming or uncomfortable, making it relatively easy to eat without too much heaviness.
(The original set was the Green Peppercorn Fatty Beef Pot, but if you don’t eat beef, you can switch it to pork.)
In the end, we were completely stuffed and only just managed to finish everything we ordered. What initially felt like an insufficient portion turned out to be more than enough. The tofu in the broth can also be refilled. The service here is excellent—staff regularly check in to see if you need more soup or if the table needs clearing, without making you feel pressured. The atmosphere is pleasant as well, suitable for both group gatherings and smaller, two-person meals.
If you’re looking for a spicy hot pot that isn’t overly heavy or intense, Qing Hua Jiao is definitely a great alternative worth considering.
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