Taipei winters aren't below-freezing cold. They're a different kind of cold: the temperature isn't that low, but the air is damp, the rain doesn't stop and the wind gets right under your jacket. For a lot of Americans, weather like that means one thing: a hot bowl of chili. This post isn't about the history of chili or how it's made (we've covered those elsewhere). It's about one question: why chili is what you crave when it gets cold, and how to get your fix in Taipei.
In America, chili is a winter food
- It's a slow-simmered, one-pot meal: chili takes time, so many American families cook a big pot on a cold weekend and eat it for days.
- Football season is chili season: through fall and winter, chili shows up at tailgates and watch parties. For hot dogs and game day, see this guide.
- Even chili's holiday is in winter: National Chili Day falls on the fourth Thursday of February, and it's often described as a celebration of one of America's favorite winter dishes. In 2027 it's February 25.
- Chili cook-offs are everywhere: communities, schools and churches across the US hold chili cook-offs where people put their family recipes head to head.
Why it warms you up
Hot, thick, slow-simmered chili with the heat of chiles and spices warms you from your throat all the way down. Good chili builds its heat in layers rather than hitting you all at once. Why we use a dozen-plus spices is in the story of our chili.
Taipei's damp cold feels colder than the numbers
Taipei's monthly average in January and February is only around 16°C, which doesn't sound cold on paper. But the drizzle and humidity brought by the northeast monsoon make it feel a lot colder than the thermometer says. On days like that, you don't want anything icy or light. You want something hot and filling. If you need an indoor spot in the East District on a rainy day, see AI DARTS's guide to rainy days in Taipei.
How to warm up at Hotdogray this winter
- Chili Dog: the most direct route, a hot dog topped with a big spoonful of our signature chili.
- Seared Cheese Chili Dog: our signature dog, chili topped with seared cheese, the richest one on the menu.
- Chili Fries and Chili Cheese Fries: hot fries smothered in chili, great for sharing. How they compare to Canadian poutine is in this post.
- Chili Walking Tacos: Chili Cheese, Spicy Mexican Chili, Chili Dog or Chili Fries, with the chips soaking up the hot sauce.
- Already have a favorite dog? You can add chili to any hot dog or Walking Taco.
- Take it home: our signature chili is available to go by the bag, great with rice or bread. Message us on LINE for portions and prices.
See the full menu.
Before you come in this winter
Hotdogray serves Wednesday, Thursday and Friday plus every other Saturday, from 8 p.m. to around midnight, and is closed on Tuesdays. We may not open on rainy winter days, so check with us on LINE before you head out. Curious why chili dogs became a classic? Read the origin of the chili dog. Want to know why we say the best chili in Taipei is ours? See this post. And for Thanksgiving at the end of November, we take chili pre-orders (serves 4, NT$2,000, order on LINE); details are in Thanksgiving in Taipei.
FAQ
Q: Is the chili very spicy?
A: It has a warm kick from the spices, but the point is the layers of flavor, not the heat. If you don't like spicy food, skip the Spicy Mexican Chili taco and don't add jalapeños.
Q: Which dish warms you up the most?
A: For a hot dog, get the Chili Dog or the Seared Cheese Chili Dog. For sharing with friends, get the Chili Cheese Fries.
Q: Can I take chili home?
A: Yes, our signature chili is available to go by the bag. Message us on LINE for portions and prices.
Q: Are you open when it rains?
A: We may close for rain or special circumstances, so check with us on LINE before you head out. We serve Wed, Thu, Fri plus every other Saturday, 8 p.m. to around midnight, closed Tuesdays.
