How to Build the Ultimate Chinese-style Hot Pot at Home
Melissa da CostaThere’s nothing like gathering around a bubbling pot of goodness on a cold night with friends, family...and a table full of dipping sauces. Whether you’re new to hot pot or a longtime lover, this guide will help you build the ultimate hot pot experience right at home 🥢✨
🫕 What is Hot Pot?
Hot pot (also called huǒguō 火锅) is a traditional Asian communal dining experience where ingredients are cooked at the table in a simmering broth. Popular across China, Korea, Japan, and beyond, hot pot is all about variety, flavour, and fun.
🔥 A Brief History of Chinese Hot Pot
Hot pot dates back over 1,000 years to ancient China. Early versions involved soldiers or nomads cooking thinly sliced meats in communal pots over open flames—a warm, practical way to share food in cold climates.
Over time, hot pot spread across regions of China and beyond, evolving into regional styles:
- Sichuan: Famous for its mala (spicy and numbing) broth
- Beijing: Known for clear, mild lamb broths
- Cantonese: Light seafood-forward hot pots
- Japanese shabu-shabu and Korean jeongol also developed with unique twists
Hot pot became more than just a meal: it’s a social ritual, perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, and cozy nights in. Today, it’s loved all over the world for its interactive, customisable, and comforting nature 💖
Another bonus: There aren't a lot of rules when it comes to how to make your own Chinese-style hot pot at home, so you can play around with whatever you have and free-style it with delicious results!
🔑 Gear You'll Need
You’ve got options depending on your setup:
-
Induction Cooker + Hot Pot Bowl
- More flexible if you already own an induction plate
- Look for stainless steel or ceramic pots with a flat base
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Stovetop Pot (for a DIY setup)
- Use any wide, shallow pot. Preferably one with a heavy bottom for even heat
- Keep the stove on low or move it to the table if using a portable gas burner
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A Divided Pot (Optional but Iconic)
- A yin-yang split pot lets you enjoy two flavours at once, like mala on one side and clear broth on the other!
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Mesh strainers and cooking tongs
- Mini mesh scoops: For safely fishing out your tofu and dumplings
- Slotted spoons: Also handy for group servings!
- Cooking chopsticks or tongs: For grabbing raw meat or veggies
- Sauce Dishes & Soup Bowls
Each guest will need:
- A small bowl for broth + cooked food
- A sauce dish to mix their own dipping combo (go wild with sesame paste, soy sauce, garlic, ponzu, chili crisp and more!)
You can also offer little ladles or soup spoons for extra ease.
🔑 Hot Pot Ingredients to Try
🧂 1. The Broth
Start with a flavour base. Choose from:
- Spicy Sichuan Mala 🥵 (peppercorn + chili oil)
- Miso or Kombu Dashi for a Japanese twist
- Tomato-based or Herbal Broths for something lighter
- Or use an instant broth base for maximum ease and efficiency.
👉 Pro tip: Go half-and-half with a divided pot for spicy & mild!
🍖 2. Proteins
Hot pot isn’t complete without some deliciously thin-sliced protein:
- Beef, lamb, luncheon meat (pre-sliced packs = life saver)
- Tofu (firm or silken)
- Fish balls, prawns, squid, mussels 🦐
🥬 3. Veggies & Add-ins
Mix it up with texture and freshness:
- Napa cabbage, spinach, bok choy
- Mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, oyster) 🍄
- Lotus root, daikon, corn, pumpkin
🍜 4. Noodles & Dumplings
For that satisfying carb moment:
- Instant ramen, udon, glass noodles
- Frozen dumplings (kimchi, pork, veggie)
🥣 5. Dipping Sauces
This is your flavour playground:
- Sesame paste + soy sauce + garlic
- Ponzu with grated daikon
-
Chili crisp, hoisin, vinegar, green onions
- Or try one of these pre-made dipping sauces.
🛒 Shop Hot Pot Essentials at HelloAsia!
From broth bases and sauces, to veggies and proteins*, from dippings bowls to chopsticks —we’ve got everything you need to throw the ultimate hot pot night in Cape Town 🍲✨
*fresh and frozen products are available in-store only.
🧡 Tips for a Perfect Hot Pot Night
- Prep ingredients beforehand and keep them chilled
- Use colour-coded tongs for meat vs veg
- Keep broth simmering, not boiling
- Don’t overcrowd the pot—patience = better flavour!
- End the meal with noodles or congee to soak up the goodness 🍜
🎉 Why We Love It
Hot pot is interactive, customisable, and super social. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together—one delicious bite at a time.