A Hot Pot Guide in China 2024
In my recent orientation sessions with clients, I observed that some of them find it challenging to understand hot pot. It can be a strange experience for newcomers but an enjoyable journey for the adventurous ones.
My British friend who lived in Shanghai once told me that hot pot is not very popular among foreigners, and most are unfamiliar with the eating process. Therefore, I would like to create this guide to help foreigners, newcomers, students, and expats alike understand Hot Pot and how to enjoy it.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the hot pot world, explore its regional styles, and guide you in enjoying this communal feast.
What is a Hot Pot?
Hot pot, also known as "huoguo" (火锅) in Chinese, is a culinary tradition that brings people together around a simmering pot of flavored broth. The concept is simple: diners cook raw ingredients, such as thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables, and handmade dumplings, in the communal pot of simmering broth at the centre of the table. This shared cooking and dining experience fosters conversation, making hot pot a cherished social activity in China.
The Shanghai Hot Pot Scene
Shanghai, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, has embraced hot pots from various regions across China. Here, you'll find various hot pot styles to consider tasting. Let's take a closer look at some of these options:
Haidilao (海底捞)
Haidilao is a classic hot pot chain in China, known for its delicious hot pot and its exceptional customer service. Expect attentive staff, an extensive menu (from an iPad, an array of dipping sauces, and a semi-buffet of fruits and appetisers.
The broth options at Haidilao cater to a wide range of preferences, from spicy Sichuan to mild and herbal, with a maximum of 4 types in 1 square pot!
Don't miss their handmade noodle dance (you can also search “haidilao noodle dance” on Youtube), prepared table side by skilled chefs!
Address: 20 locations listed on BonApp, by far the most popular receiving the most like votes on BonApp. Just look for the one closest to you and give it a trySeveral locations of Haidilao opens 24 hours!
Coucou Hot Pot: Fancy Taiwanese Style hot pot chain（凑凑火锅）
CouCou Hot Pot has many locations in Shanghai but is also well-known in Hong Kong and Singapore. You can expect excellent quality fresh ingredients, including wagyu beef, which offers many types of broth. They also combine the famous Taiwanese shake bubble tea, which offers customers a novel Taiwanese culinary experience.
Similar to Haidilao, CouCou offers a great variety of sauces and an ingredient station for your DIY hot pot dipping sauce to your meal.
They have a pot with a nickname “Mercedes benz pot” because the pot has 3 choices of broth and it looks like the logo of the car brand.
Address: 4 locations listed on BonApp. There are more listed on Smartshanghai. Search Cou Cou Hot Pot; You can also read the reviews on BonApp.
The location at SML center Line 9 dapuqiao opens 24 hours too!
Little Sheep（小肥羊）
Words to describe this hot pot style: Simplicity and Freshness with your choice of various flavours as the base broth. Eater picks up pre-sliced paper-thin raw lamb, puts it in the boiling pot, and removes it as soon as the lamb changes colour. Each person has a small bowl to hold sauce for the cooked lamb. The sauce is typically a mixture of sesame paste, garlic, scallion and more.The restaurant also offers other side dishes such as Mongolian yoghurt cake, mogonlian lamb fried rice etc.
The chain is managed YUM! which is the same group that operates KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bells brands in China.
There are many locations in Shanghai. You can search “Little Sheep” on BonApp to see which one is closest.
The Foreigner Friendly Hidden Gem - Yasmine
If the chain above is not your vibe, you want to try hot pot in a smaller, quieter environment, especially for your first hot pot experience, I’d recommend you pay a visit to this joint, either the one in downtown on North Xiangyang Road or the one near international schools in the Minhang district. BonApp lists them as the “Wagyu beef Sichuan hot pot expert”. Owner Maggie is very friendly, and the staff would guide you by recommending broth (sichuang spicy or Yunnan mushroom non-spicy), dipping sauce and various ingredients. They have both communal pots and individual pots. The picture above was taken by myself, I visited it one afternoon for lunch and I still remember how wonderful that solo lunch was. I chose a mushroom broth, which is mild and not tasty, the ingredients were so fresh and perfect portion, with a little bit of everything.
Addresses:
93-4 Xiangyang Bee Lu, near Changle Lu, Shanghai
上海市襄阳北路93-4号，近长乐路
No. 157 569 Yunle Lu, Fengshang International Plaza,
运乐路569弄丰尚国际广场157号
2F No.178 Biyun Road
碧云路178号二楼
Other Hot Pot Alternatives:
In addition to the above foreigner-proof chains, there are also other authentic ones from different styles. Bring a Chinese-speaking friend (or me,hahaha) to taste the following:
5. Chaoshan Beef Hot Pot: A taste from southern China (潮汕牛肉火锅)
Chaoshan hot pot, originating from the Chaoshan region of Guangdong Province, focuses on beef and clear, delicate beef bone broths with a few slices of radish.
Thinly sliced beef of different cuts, different proportions of fat and flesh, often served with vegetables and Soy products (Tofu skin), Beef meatballs are the highlight of this style.
In contrast to all of the above, Cantonese hot pot typically uses fewer and very different condiments as in their sauce: Soy sauce, garlic, scallion, occasionally Sacha sauce (oil, garlic, chillies, and dried seafood), excellent taste from the south and different kind of freshness, and it’s non-spicy.
I know a few hidden gems in town. Contact me for recommendations!
6. Sichuan Style Old Hot Pot: Numbing Heat with a Fiery Kick (川式麻辣火锅)
Chengdu hot pot is famous for its numbing and spicy broth, loaded with Sichuan peppercorns and fiery chili peppers.
Dive into a world of bold flavors as you cook various ingredients, including beef, mushrooms, and tofu.
Dip your cooked morsels in fragrant sesame oil or a cooling yoghurt-based sauce to balance the heat.
I know a few hidden gems in town. Contact me for recommendations!
7. Hot Pot Alternatives: Ma la tang: Customize Your Hot Pot Adventure (麻辣烫)
Malatang offers a unique twist on hot pot, allowing diners to choose their ingredients from fresh vegetables, meats, and noodles. One recognisable chain is Yangguofu (杨国福）
After selecting your ingredients, the restaurant cooks them in your choice of broth, which can range from mild to fiery.
Pay-as-you-weight pricing ensures that you have control over your hot pot creation.
It has become more popular among foreigners, especially vegetarians/vegans. You can find some shops open until very late, as a late-night meal, after a night of partying among young people. I started to see Malatang taking over the world with some Chinese immigrants introducing this to Western countries. (I took my Australian friend to the one I discovered in Melbourne; we love it.)
Address: More than 10 locations listed on BonApp, search “Yang Guo Fu (Ma La Tang)” to find the one near you.
Finding the Best Hot Pot Spots in Shanghai
Shanghai boasts many hot pot restaurants, ranging from well-established chains to hidden gems. Here are some tips on finding the best hot pot spots in the city:
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Locals often have insider knowledge of the best hot pot restaurants in their neighbourhood. Don't hesitate to seek their advice.
Explore Restaurant in Malls: Areas like SML center, Joycity, K11, iAPM, Kerry Centre, Crystal Galleria, Taikoo Hui, or Taikoo Li etc. are known for their culinary diversity, making them excellent places to discover unique hot pot experiences.
Read Online Reviews: Websites and apps like SmartShanghai, BonApp can provide valuable insights into restaurant quality and customer feedback.
Try the Popular Chains: Established chains like Haidilao, CouCou, and Little Sheep are known for their consistent quality and diverse menu options.
How to Enjoy Hot Pot Like a Local
Eating hot pot in Shanghai is not just about the food; it's about embracing the culture and tradition. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to enjoy hot pot like a local:
Step 1: Choose Your Broth
Most hot pot restaurants offer a variety of broth options. Consider your spice tolerance and flavour preferences when making your selection. Can’t make a decision? most restaurants offer at least 2 (YINGYANG pot) half and half, and up to 4 choices in Haidilao in a square pot with 4 grids.
Step 2: Select Your Ingredients
Pick a selection of ingredients from the menu, including thinly sliced meats (beef, lamb, pork), fresh seafood, vegetables, mushrooms, and noodles.
Don't forget to order side dishes like dumplings and tofu.
Step 3: Cook and Enjoy
Once your broth is simmering, add ingredients to the pot. Cooking times vary, so follow the guidance of your server or the instructions provided.
Use your chopsticks or a strainer to retrieve cooked items.
Customise your dipping sauces with soy sauce, sesame paste, garlic, chilli oil, and vinegar.
Step 4: Savor the Experience
Hot pot is a leisurely meal meant for sharing and conversation. Take your time, enjoy the food, and engage in lively conversation with your dining companions.
I am surprised you read this blog all the way here!
Check out these 3 blogs by Rachel Gouk from Nomfluence -her hot pot experiences are even more profound.
(NEW UPDATE) 15 Jan 2024: 8 Regional Chinese Hot Pot Restaurants in Shanghai
Loushan late-night Cantonese hot pot
Beijing Style Lamb Hot Pot in Shanghai
Rachel Gouk is also an expat from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and has lived in Shanghai since 2011. She also runs several WeChat communities for Expats to share restaurant news and recommendations. Here is the QR code of the official account to follow. I often get to know what is new in town. The recommendations and the food reviews are legit. I rely on Nomfluence to discover new eateries, bars and great deals featuring cuisines from all over the world that you can find in the dazzling city of Shanghai.
Scan to follow Nomfluence on WeChatReference:
https://www.haidilao.com/
http://www.littlesheep.com/
https://thenanyan.com/2018/01/05/what-to-eat-beef-hot-pot/
https://www.gadventures.com/blog/chinese-hot-pot-history-and-how-/
https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/hotpot/