The concept of hotpot is a simple one. A heated pot of soup base is kept in the centre for all to eat from and this is kept simmering throughout the entire meal. Boiling water is added occasionally as the soup evaporates throughout. When eating with friends this is one of the best ways to let people pick what they want to eat for the night and enjoy a tasty cooking style for all to try. There are actually different spins on the hotpot form of dining and I’ve enjoyed exploring the various dishes that bring a new way to enjoy fresh ingredients at the dinner table.
There are many similarities between both these dishes and its often confusing to walk into a restaurant and realise how different the experience may be after chowing down on some delicious meats, seafood and other foods. For instance in China, a typical hot pot meal involves slow and steady cooking that soaks flavours into the ingredients. The hotpot simmers away as people add their choice of ingredients. It’s easy to have the thinly sliced meats get lost in a sea of vegetables but thankfully there are a few utensils on hand to help.