📍Location and Transportation: Tao Ran is located in the New Taipei City, in the Xindian urban area. The nearest MRT station is Qizhang, exit 1, which is about a 2-minute walk. There are a few motorcycle parking spaces in front of the store.

🏠Space: Upon entering, there are several high stools at the counter area for single diners, as well as long tables that can accommodate 2-3 people on one side, and tables for 4-8 people. The restaurant often gets fully booked during meal times, so it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance or arrive early. The walkway space is reasonable, although the store has been open for quite some time, so the decor isn’t brand new. However, the sauce area is clean and has a wash basin.

💰Ordering and Payment: Orders are placed verbally with the staff. Recently they have been promoting QR code ordering, which comes with a complimentary egg. Payment is only accepted in cash after the meal (there is a point collection system that can be used for discounts).

🍽️Dishes:
Hot Pot:
Nourishing Herbal Soup Pot (Chicken): The soup base includes a herbal pack, which adds a strong yet not bitter flavor that remains aromatic until the end. The chicken served is thick-cut tender chicken rather than the common frozen thin slices.
Vegetable Platter: The vegetables are fresh and clean, and the portion of cabbage is substantial, not just a few slices stacked together 🤨. Guests can choose to include hot pot ingredients or not; if not, other vegetables will be provided, but the fried tofu is still available 🤣.
Side Dishes: A drink and a dessert are included, but they are not self-service. The ice cream flavor for the dessert often changes. If you bring children, there is a minimum spending requirement (120/200 TWD) for an additional side.

💭Summary:
I have been eating at this hot pot restaurant for several years due to its proximity to my home and reasonable prices. I visit every two or three weeks as a loyal customer. There are basic options for beef, pork, chicken, and lamb starting at 280 TWD, with premium options above 500 TWD including steaks, surf and turf, and the rare grouper (deliciously chewy).
I particularly recommend the Hua Diao chicken, which is a must-order for me every time I visit. Overall, I haven’t had any bad experiences with the meat selections, and one pot is quite filling. The drinks/desserts are not unlimited, but I find that acceptable.
The downside is that staff training seems insufficient, and the flavored soup bases are often unavailable for ordering.