Tuan Yuan Hotpot has officially opened its doors in Portland, Maine. The new restaurant offers authentic Szechuan flavors. It is located at 29 Forest Ave. This exciting addition promises a unique dining experience. It brings the popular hot pot concept to the city.
A New Venture by a Familiar Name
Qi Shen is the owner of Tuan Yuan Hotpot. She also owns Sichuan Kitchen, a popular restaurant on Congress Street. Tuan Yuan Hotpot is her second culinary venture. The name “Tuan Yuan” translates to “reunion dinner.” This name reflects the restaurant’s communal dining spirit. Shen aims to blend traditional Chinese flavors. She also focuses on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant had a soft opening on December 13, 2025. Its official opening followed on December 15, 2025. Hotpot is a trending dining style nationwide. It offers a very interactive way to eat. Many customers have shown interest in this concept. Therefore, Shen decided to create a dedicated space for it. This is especially appealing during Maine’s colder months.
A Taste of Szechuan Hotpot
The heart of Tuan Yuan’s menu is its Szechuan hotpot. Guests gather around a simmering pot of broth. They then cook a variety of fresh ingredients themselves. The restaurant offers a wide selection of broths. Popular choices include vegetarian Mala-spicy broth. A chicken with pumpkin broth is also available. Other broth options like bone, tomato, and kimchi broths might also be featured. Diners can choose from 28 different add-ins. These include fresh vegetables. Expect options like winter melon and napa cabbage. There are also diverse meat selections. Try lamb shoulder or rib eye steak. Seafood lovers can enjoy mussels and prawns. Vegetarian options like pressed tofu are also offered. These customizable choices allow for a personalized meal.
Diverse Drink Options and Appetizers
Tuan Yuan Hotpot also features a robust bar menu. Guests can enjoy a selection of wines. Beer and cider are also available. Sake is on offer too. This includes options from Farthest Star. Non-alcoholic beverages are also provided. Appetizers are available to start the meal. Crispy pumpkin cakes are a highlight. Wings are another option. These starters complement the hotpot experience nicely. The restaurant also aims to provide a full-service bar. This makes it a versatile spot for different occasions.
Welcoming Atmosphere and Capacity
The restaurant is designed for comfort and community. Tuan Yuan can accommodate up to 79 diners. It has seating on the first floor. This area includes 4-seat hotpot tables. There is also a dedicated bar area. A mezzanine level offers additional seating. This space includes two large marble-topped tables. It can seat 32 people. The dining area is spacious. It is designed to foster a sense of togetherness. This aligns with the “reunion dinner” theme. The restaurant’s hours are Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 11 pm. On weekends, it opens at noon and serves until late. The location on Forest Ave is easily accessible. It is situated in the former Able Baker space within the Portland Stage building. This new establishment adds to Portland’s growing list of diverse restaurants. It is a trending spot for those seeking authentic Asian cuisine. The restaurant offers an immersive and flavorful dining experience.
