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If you haven’t yet experienced the joy of a hot pot meal, you’re missing out on one of the most delightful and interactive dining experiences out there! Hot pot is a meal that’s as much about the food as it is about the fun, connection, and surprises that come with it. Imagine a steaming pot of flavorful broth sitting in the center of the table, surrounded by friends and family laughing and cooking their own ingredients right there in front of them. It’s a meal that feels more like a party than a traditional dinner. For first-timers, the process might seem a little intimidating, but don’t worry—waitstaff at most hot pot restaurants are pros at guiding newcomers through the experience. If you want to feel more prepared, we’ve gathered tips and insights from hot pot enthusiasts and experts across the country to give you a crash course in Hot Pot 101.
So, what exactly is hot pot? The name gives it away to some extent—it’s literally a pot of bubbling, steaming liquid where you cook your food right at the table. Chef Kenneth Wan of Denver’s MAKfam restaurant, recently recognized in the Michelin Guide for Bib Gourmand, likens it to a Chinese version of fondue. “Hot pot is a popular dining experience across many Asian countries,” he explains, “from Japanese shabu-shabu to Korean and Vietnamese hot pot, each with its own regional flavors and twists.” Chef Justin Lee of New Jersey’s Fat Choy restaurant agrees, but adds, “It’s way more action-packed and lively than fondue. It’s a party in a pot!” And that’s exactly what makes it so special—hot pot is social, interactive, and delicious, a perfect recipe for a fun and memorable meal.
The history of hot pot stretches back over 2,000 years, making it one of the longest-standing dining traditions in the world. Food columnist Tony Kwan notes that the earliest forms of hot pot emerged during China’s Shang and Zhou dynasties, around 1600 to 256 B.C. It wasn’t until the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 A.D.) that the use of copper pots became common. Jay Li, executive vice president of KPOT Korean Barbeque and Hot Pot, shares that hot pot has its roots in Chinese dynastic traditions, even pointing to stories of Mongolian soldiers using their bronze helmets as makeshift hot pots. Over time, the communal nature of hot pot has made it a beloved tradition, bringing people together around a simmering pot of broth where everyone cooks and shares a variety of ingredients.
So, how does it actually work? At most restaurants, you’ll either have your own personal induction burner and pot of broth or share a divided pot with others at the table. The next step is picking your broth base, which can range from light and mild to spicy and bold. Many hot pot places are all-you-can-eat, where you order meats and premium seafood from the menu while having access to a buffet of vegetables, noodles, tofu, and other ingredients to cook at your leisure. The beauty of hot pot lies in its personalization and variety. Joanne Liu, founder of Denver’s Mile High Asian Food Week, loves hot pot for this very reason. “There’s such a wide variety of ingredients to choose from,” she says, “and everyone gets to mix their own dipping sauces, which makes the experience unique and fun. It’s interactive, and it brings people together in a way that feels truly special.”
One of the biggest misconceptions about hot pot is that the food is bland because it’s boiled. Tony Kwan is quick to dispel this myth: “The food is incredibly flavorful thanks to the variety of broth bases and the mix of ingredients you cook in it. Plus, the sauces and seasonings add even more depth to the meal.” Hot pot can also be surprisingly romantic. Kenneth Wan shares his own story of how hot pot helped him win his wife’s heart. “She was obsessed with hot pot, and I used it as an excuse to invite her to my birthday party,” he says. “She showed up, and the rest is history. To this day, we love recreating those cozy, flavorful dinners at home.” Whether it’s a romantic evening or a lively gathering with friends, hot pot has a way of bringing people closer together.
To make the most of your hot pot experience, there are a few simple guidelines and pro tips to keep in mind. Kenneth Wan advises not to overorder—only take what you can finish, as many restaurants charge for uneaten food. Luti Salem of Arlington, Virginia’s Mala Tang restaurant reminds diners to keep the sauce bar tidy. When it comes to etiquette, Wan stresses the importance of not dipping your chopsticks into the shared broth for hygiene and courtesy. Instead, use the communal tongs or scoops to retrieve your food. Jay Li recommends patience, especially when the pot is already filled with ingredients. “Let it cook for a few minutes before adding more,” he says. Safety is also key—use the provided utensils to gently place ingredients into the boiling broth to avoid splatters. Finally, Joanne Liu suggests saving noodles for the end of your meal, as they’ll soak up the flavorful broth, and you’ll want to enjoy them last.
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