For lovers of Asian food, hot pot in winter is an absolute must. Just as the name suggests, hot pot involves a large pot of soup that simmers gently at the table while diners cook ingredients of their choice in the soup. Considered a social meal, one pot is conventionally shared between everyone at the table and is a great way to bring friends and family together. (If sharing isn’t your thing though, don’t worry – some restaurants offer mini pots designed for individual use.) With origins that date back more than 1000 years in China, but having now spread all across Asia, it’s no wonder that hot pot is one of the most popular dishes for when the weather gets cold. If you’re new to hot pot, just follow the four easy steps below to fill up your belly and ward off any winter blues!
Select from various types of soup, including spicy and non-spicy flavours. Many restaurants even offer a half-and-half option – perfect for when you can’t decide on just one!
Select from a wide range of different ingredients, including meat, seafood, vegetables, noodles, dumplings, and tofu, to name just a few. For the more adventurous palates, why not try some tripe or blood pudding?
Head to the condiment station to mix up your own delicious sauce for dipping your ingredients in after they’ve been cooked. Some classic combinations include soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, or soy sauce, chilli, and coriander, but it’s completely up to you and whatever flavours take your fancy!
Once the soup in your hot pot has reached boiling point, it’s time to start cooking. Hot pot ingredients are designed to cook quickly as they’re sliced very thinly or portioned into small pieces, so it won’t take long before your food is ready to eat. Make sure to dip those cooked ingredients into your dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment!
Not sure where to go to get your fill of hot pot? Check out the places below for hot pot options.
Looking for some bang for your buck? The Cube Hot Pot has long been a Sunnybank favourite for an all-you-can-eat hot pot experience with the added bonus of Chinese-style barbecue, which involves grilled meat on skewers. Seasoned with cumin, pepper, and other delicious spices, Chinese barbecue skewers make for the perfect accompaniment to a soupy hot pot meal. For the price of just $32.80 (add unlimited soft drinks and tea for an extra $3), The Cube Hot Pot will have you feeling full and satisfied without breaking the bank.
Seafood lovers, put on your best stretchy pants and head to Seafood Hot Pot & BBQ Buffet. While all the standard hot pot fare such as meat, vegetables, and tofu can be found here, diners are given a wide variety of seafood options too – including prawns, octopus, mussels, razor clams, and more. As per the restaurant’s name, barbecue is also an option and can be had at the table alongside your hot pot. The menu includes a range of steamed and deep-fried treats as well, plus drinks and desserts, so you’re guaranteed to leave feeling stuffed. Seafood Hot Pot & BBQ Buffet also use individual pots, so each diner has their own mini-hot pot to themselves – a big bonus if you’re not one who cares for sharing!
Prepare to delight your tastebuds with all the flavours!
