How to eat Chinese hot pot
A first meal should be easy to control: choose the broth, order a small round, and learn the timing one ingredient at a time.
How to eat Chinese hot pot
A first meal should be easy to control: choose the broth, order a small round, and learn the timing one ingredient at a time.
- 01
Choose a split pot if your group has different spice tolerance
Choose a split pot if your group has different spice tolerance.
- 02
Order three small groups: one meat, one vegetable, one noodle or tofu
Order three small groups: one meat, one vegetable, one noodle or tofu.
- 03
Put potatoes, tofu skin and noodles in early; cook tripe and duck intestine briefly
Put potatoes, tofu skin and noodles in early; cook tripe and duck intestine briefly.
- 04
Try the house dipping sauce first, then add chilli or garlic
Try the house dipping sauce first, then add chilli or garlic.
- 05
Ask about allergies and use the Chinese phrase cards before ordering
Ask about allergies and use the Chinese phrase cards before ordering.
Is hot pot shared?
Yes. A shared pot is common, while private pots are available at some restaurants.
How spicy is it?
Ask for a split pot or mild broth. Mala means numbing and spicy, not simply hot.
Restaurant prices, opening hours and branches change. We show a last-verified date and link to the current map or official source wherever a fact can change.
Last verified: 2026-10-04