Hot Pot, The Ultimate London Comfort Food

Hot pot is a traditional Chinese dish that has become popular in London. It is a unique, healthy and social meal, where diners choose from a range of broth bases that bubble away in the centre of the table, before throwing in their chosen ingredients. The solids in the soup are then dipped in sauces. The meal is often shared between family and friends.

The dish is thought to have originated in Mongolia nearly 1,000 years ago and was eaten by boatmen who needed something hot and cheap.

Hot pot is a unique and traditional Chinese dish

The hot pot is believed to have originated in Mongolia nearly 1,000 years ago and was consumed by boatmen who needed something hot, tasty, and cheap to keep them warm. Today, it is enjoyed throughout China and has become a beloved dish in London, with many restaurants offering their unique take on this traditional meal.

One of the key attractions of hot pot is the variety of ingredients available. From tender wagyu beef to crunchy lotus root, and even more unusual options like pig brains, there is something to suit every taste. The customisable nature of the dish makes it a fun and interactive dining experience.

In addition to the food, the social aspect of hot pot dining is also noteworthy. It encourages conversation and connection as people gather around the pot, selecting ingredients, and fishing for bites. This makes it an ideal meal for groups and a great way to catch up with loved ones.

London's hot pot scene reflects the diverse nature of the city, with restaurants offering everything from traditional Sichuan-style spicy broths to more modern interpretations. Whether you're looking for an authentic Chinese experience or something with a twist, London's hot pot restaurants have something for everyone.

For those seeking an authentic Sichuan hot pot experience, Shu Xiangge in Chinatown is a popular choice, known for its spicy broths and communal setting. On the other hand, Hot Pot on Wardour Street offers a more refined take on the traditional dish, with premium ingredients like Japanese Wagyu beef and lobster.

With its unique combination of customisable ingredients, interactive dining, and social atmosphere, hot pot has become a beloved dining tradition in London, offering a taste of Chinese culture and hospitality.

It's a communal meal shared between family and friends

Hot pot is a unique and traditional Chinese dish that offers a healthy and social meal. It is thought to have originated in Mongolia nearly 1,000 years ago and is now enjoyed throughout China and London as a communal meal shared between family and friends.

The experience of a hot pot meal is not just about eating but also about the journey from the pot to the plate. The meal is prepared in a large bowl of steaming broth, with options ranging from mild to spicy. Diners then select their ingredients, which can include meat, fish, or vegetables, and cook them in the broth. The cooked food is then dunked into various dips and sauces.

The social aspect of hot pot dining is enhanced by the interactive nature of the meal preparation, allowing those gathered to chat and connect while they cook their food. The communal style of eating also encourages sharing and a sense of community.

Hot pot restaurants in London offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes and preferences. For instance, at Happy Lamb Hot Pot, diners can choose from a range of broths, including chicken, lamb, or beef, and select from a variety of fresh ingredients to cook in the broth. The meal is not just for meat-eaters, as vegetarian and vegan options are also available at some restaurants, such as ChilliCool, which offers tofu and vegetable-based dishes.

The interactive and communal nature of hot pot dining makes it an ideal meal for social gatherings, encouraging conversation and connection while enjoying a delicious and healthy meal.

You can choose from a variety of broths, mild or spicy

Hot pot is a unique and traditional Chinese dish that offers a healthy and social meal. It is a communal meal shared between family and friends. Diners choose from a range of broth bases that bubble away in the centre of the table, before throwing in their chosen ingredients.

There are usually two categories of broth to choose from: mild and spicy. The mild broth is often made from chicken bones and has a light flavour. The spicy broth, on the other hand, has an oily texture and can contain chillies or Sichuan pepper, giving it a darker colour and a bolder flavour.

Some restaurants offer a greater variety of broths, with as many as 14 different variations to choose from. For those who are spice enthusiasts, there are fiery red broths that pack enough heat to burn your lips off. These broths often contain the signature Sichuan numbing spice, leaving a tingling sensation on your lips.

If you're looking for something milder, there are also clear chicken and mushroom broths that provide comfort rather than heat. Japanese hot pot broths are typically clear and umami-rich, with a smooth and delicate flavour.

For those who want the best of both worlds, many restaurants offer a mixed broth, allowing you to sample multiple flavours in one pot. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, there is a hot pot broth to suit your taste.

Select your ingredients, from meat and fish to vegetables and noodles

Hot pot is a unique and traditional Chinese dish that is both a healthy and social meal. It is thought to have originated in Mongolia nearly 1,000 years ago and is now enjoyed as a communal meal between family and friends.

When it comes to selecting your ingredients, hot pot menus are usually extensive, with a wide range of options to choose from. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you select your meat, fish, vegetables, and noodles for a delicious and satisfying hot pot experience:

Meat

Meat options for hot pot can vary, but some popular choices include thinly sliced beef, pork, and lamb. At Happy Lamb Hot Pot, you can find a rich broth made from carefully selected chicken, lamb, or beef bones. For meat lovers, the award-winning chef Zhang Xiao Zhong at Tian Fu offers an array of beef dishes that are sure to impress. If you're feeling adventurous, Shu Xiangge Chinese Hot Pot serves unique options like beef aorta and pork kidney.

Fish

For fish lovers, there are plenty of options to choose from. Sichuan Folk offers an all-you-can-eat hot pot with a selection of finely sliced fish, mussels, and prawns. Haidilao Hot Pot also provides a variety of seafood options, including thinly sliced meats and seafood platters. If you're looking for something unique, Bin Bin Q Barbecue Market offers pig's brain, which absorbs the flavours of the broth as it cooks.

Vegetables

Vegetables play an essential role in a well-rounded hot pot. Lotus root is a popular choice, adding a crunchy texture to your meal. At Sichuan Folk, you'll find a base of fresh vegetables, including ginseng, jujube, ginkgo nuts, and lotus roots. Mushrooms are also a great addition to your hot pot; try the black fungus mushrooms at Muyang Hot Pot & BBQ. If you're a fan of aubergine, Crystal China offers a dry hot pot with a variety of vegetables, including aubergine and bamboo shoots.

Noodles

Noodles are typically eaten last in a traditional hot pot, soaking up all the delicious flavours of the broth. At Haidilao Hot Pot, you can find homemade potato and taro vermicelli noodles. For a unique experience, Bin Bin Q Barbecue Market offers fresh biang biang noodles hand-pulled at your table and dropped directly into the bubbling broth.

Choose your dips and spices to add extra flavour

Hot pot is a unique and traditional Chinese dish that is both a healthy and social meal. It is a communal meal shared between family and friends. As you sit around the hot pot, choosing ingredients and fishing for bites, it is the perfect time to connect and bond.

The solids in the soup are ready to be dipped in the sauces of your choice. The table is decorated with small plates and bowls and a selection of dips to complete the experience.

• Powders, pastes and spices: These can be ordered separately and used for dipping. Be cautious as some of the spicy powders can bring the heat!
• Dipping sauces: Once your meat, fish or vegetables are cooked in the broth, they are ready to be dunked into a variety of dipping sauces.
• Mix-and-match: You can mix and match different dips and sauces to create your own unique flavour combinations.
• Tingling ma la chilli sauce: This sauce will add a spicy kick to your hot pot.
• Macerated garlic sauce: For garlic lovers, this sauce will add a strong garlic flavour to your meal.
• Green onions, soy sauce, coriander, oyster sauce and vinegar: These are some basic condiments that can be used to enhance the flavour of your hot pot.
• Sesame oil and paste, chilli and garlic: These are some additional options to spice up your meal.

Remember, the choice of dips and spices is entirely up to your preference. You can make your hot pot as mild or spicy as you like. Enjoy experimenting with different flavours and creating your own unique combinations!

Frequently asked questions