Lao Huotang Tuakiri Waitohu by Bi Cheng Zhong

Lao Huotang Tuakiri Waitohu by Bi Cheng Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Parahi in Hoahoa Whakairoiro, Whakaahua Ringa me te Whakawhitiwhiti Ataata Competition Category.

ParahiWhakairoiro· 2026

Lao Huotang Tuakiri Waitohu

by Bi Cheng Zhong

A' Design Award Parahi Winner in Whakairoiro 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 Tuakiri Waitohu

He tuakiri waitohu a Lao Huo Tang mō tētahi wharekai kōhua wera i Taiwan. Kei te moko tētahi kōhua rino maturuturu e puritia ana e te ringa kotahi, me te rārangi mamaoa e piki ake ana hei tohu i te kōhuatanga āta hū. Kua tuhia ngā pūāhua Hainamana ki ngā tā paraihe āhua mura ahi, ā, kua honoa ki te tuhinga taipa hou. Ka whakapaparahia e te huinga tae te whero koropupū, te whero karaka, te whero pereki me te kirīmi mahana, e ārahi ana i te karu mai i te tōhio ki te tēpu. Ka whakamahia te mā mō te moko me ngā reta hei whakapiki i te mārama. Ka whakamahia te tuakiri ki ngā tohu, ngā rārangi kai, ngā kāri pakihi me ngā rauemi tā.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Parahi

Ko Lao Huotang Tuakiri Waitohu te toa o te A' Design Award Parahi, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa kōeke e tohua ana mā te auaha, te mahi mōhio me te whakaaro hōhonu. Ko ngā toa Parahi he mahi pukenga e rite ana, he auaha mīharo, e whakatūturu ana i te wheako nui, te whakaaro me te mōhio-ā-ringa o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko Lao Huotang Tuakiri Waitohu he taonga whakanuia, whakamīharotia, aroha nui, he ngaio, he auaha hoki. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Parahi e whakauru ana i ngā tikanga pai rawa i te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau, ā, he tino mīharo ki ngā taipitopito. Ka whakatutuki a Lao Huotang Tuakiri Waitohu i ngā hiahia, ka pā ki ngā hiahia, ka whakaoho i ngā kare-ā-roto, ā, ka kume i te pākiki.

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