Lao Huotang Maha-Marika by Bi Cheng Zhong

Lao Huotang Maha-Marika by Bi Cheng Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Varahina in Famolavolana Grafika, Sary ary Fifandraisana Ara-tsary Competition Category.

VarahinaGrafika· 2026

Lao Huotang Maha-Marika

by Bi Cheng Zhong

A' Design Award Varahina Winner in Grafika Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Lao Huotang Maha-Marika

Lao Huo Tang dia maha-marika ho an'ny trano fisakafoanana hot pot iray any Taiwan. Ny logo dia mampiseho vilany vy natao an-idina tazonin'ny tanana tokana, miaraka amin'ny tsipika etona miakatra izay maneho fandrahoana miadana. Ny soratra sinoa dia natao tamin'ny fikasihan-tsoratra miendrika lelafo ary nampiarahina amin'ny typografia maoderina. Ny loko dia mampifanindry ny mena mangotraka, mena volomboasary, mena biriky ary beige mafana, mitarika ny maso avy amin'ny fatana mankany amin'ny latabatra. Ny fotsy dia ampiasaina ho an'ny logo sy ny soratra mba hanatsarana ny fahazavana. Ity maha-marika ity dia ampiharina amin'ny takela-pamantarana, ny lisitry ny sakafo, ny karatra fanaovana raharaha ary ny taratasy vita pirinty.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Varahina

Nandresy ny A' Design Award Varahina ny famolavolana Lao Huotang Maha-Marika, fankasitrahana malaza be omena ny famolavolana miavaka izay mampiavaka ny fahaiza-mamorona, ny fahazotoana ary ny fahamaotinan-tsaina. Ny mpandresy Varahina dia zavatra vita tanana mahay dia mahay ary mamorona mivantana izay manamafy ny traikefa be dia be, ny sarintsaina ary ny fahaizan-kafoy an'ny mpamolavola azy. Andrasana ho zavatra ankasitrahana be, ankafizina ary tiana, mahay amin'ny asa sady vaovao ny famolavolana Lao Huotang Maha-Marika. Ity famolavolana nandresy ny A' Design Award Varahina ity dia mitahiry ny fomba fanao tsara indrindra amin'ny zavakanto, ny siansa, ny famolavolana ary ny teknolojia, ary tsara indrindra amin'ny fitandremana ny antsipirihany. Ny famolavolana Lao Huotang Maha-Marika dia mahafa-po ny filana tsara, mikasika ny faniriana, mahasarika ny fihetseham-po ary misarika ny fahalianana.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The logo shows a cast iron pot held by a single hand, symbolizing the artisan's careful control and devotion to slow-cooked broth. Steam rising from the lid evokes simmering charm. The Chinese characters of 'Lao Huo Tang' feature brushstroke flames, reflecting the stove's flicker, paired with modern typography for professionalism and approachability. This cohesive identity spans signage, menus, business cards, and DM materials.
Dimensions & Packaging: The project required rebuilding brand identity and spatial perception on an existing operational base. Visual design had to adapt to limitations such as signage not extending to the second floor. Instead, the designer enhanced visibility with strategic color use and lightbox signage. Brand elements were incorporated into placemats, soup ladles, and sauce dishes-transforming every detail into a statement of culinary discernment.
Tags: Hot pot, Cantonese soup, cast iron pot, flame, warm color palette, rebranding
Production Technology: The visual palette centers on red (C34M100Y100K0), representing boiling broth and the passion of craftsmanship. It is complemented by saturated orange-red (C0M73Y92K0), brick red (C34M54Y80K0), and warm beige (C5M32Y18K0), forming a gradient from fire to table. White is used in the logo and typography to enhance clarity and modernity. Applications on red backgrounds, menu covers, and digital media enhance recognizability. Materials include matte foil stamping and spot UV finish, aligning with the brand's 'refined within affordability' philosophy.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was the site's physical limits and repositioning the brand. With a low storefront ceiling, vertical signage was impossible, so recognizability relied on a vivid red lightbox and precise color system. Simultaneously, the design needed to convey the artisanal, slow-simmered identity within a space historically perceived as a budget hot pot chain, elevating the brand without expanding its physical footprint.
Research: The redesign transforms hot pot dining perception by making flavor layering visually expressive, centering the identity on the cast iron pot and artisan hand. Swirling steam evokes slow simmering, while flame-inspired typography animates 'LAO HUO TaNG.' A palette of boiling red, brick, and warm beige evokes heat from stove to table. The refreshed identity feels 'adorable yet professional,' boosting recognition, social sharing, and establishing a new classic within Taiwanese hot pot culture.
Inspiration: In Taiwan's competitive hot pot market, Lao Huo Tang emphasizes 'broth as the protagonist,' rooted in Hong Kong and Macau Cantonese soup traditions. The brand revamp challenges low-cost hot pot stereotypes, highlighting the sincerity of slow cooking. The designer crafted a visual identity that conveys depth and layered flavor, blending tradition with innovation to establish a distinctive, atmospheric presence within Taiwan's hot pot industry.
Project Duration: The project finished in July 2021 in Taiwan.
Operation Flow: Following its launch, the brand's refreshed look drew attention from both loyal and new customers. The design was praised as 'adorable yet professional,' memorable, and full of sincerity. Customers noted that every detail-from the red visual theme to the white logo-reflected thoughtful design. The owner shared that many guests photographed and shared the restaurant on social media, commenting that it 'understands both soup and design.' The result: affordable, yet anything but ordinary-truly classic.'
Team Members: BI-CHENG ZHONG
Image Credits: Amazing Design