Liuyishou Hot Pot at Flushing, NY location
Hot Pot Takes Over: A Trendy Spin on a Beloved Cuisine
As hot pot chains pop up across the U.S., they’re bringing a whirlwind of flavors and cultural influences with them. From the herbaceous, Mongolian-inspired broth and tender lamb at Happy Sheep to the fiery, three-flavor pot of pork innards at Da Long Yi, there’s something for every palate. Think individually sized broths paired with stinky tofu at Boiling Point, or the clean, delicate flavors of Japanese shabu-shabu. The hot pot scene is anything but boring!
When David Zhao and his partner Haibin Yang launched their hot pot venture in 2015, they knew they were entering a hot market. High-end brands like Haidilao and Liuyishou were already making waves in North America with locations in cities like Los Angeles and Richmond, BC. But Zhao had a fresh vision: instead of focusing solely on traditional broth, he wanted to spotlight American Wagyu beef. Their aim was to create an experience that was not only interactive but also welcoming to newcomers and hot pot enthusiasts alike.
“We wanted to reach beyond just the Asian community in America. Our goal was to make this cuisine accessible to everyone,” Zhao explains.
With this ambitious mindset, they opened Chubby Cattle, setting out to “do something bigger.” Now, with spots in Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and Denver, Chubby Cattle embraces a vibrant, casual atmosphere. Imagine hot pot items gliding along chilled conveyor belts, or trays of shellfish dramatically presented with a cloud of dry ice.
In 2020, the Venetian in Las Vegas invited Zhao and Yang to create a luxe hot pot experience, resulting in The X Pot Las Vegas. Here, hot pot evolves into a lavish affair, featuring prix fixe menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, along with immersive light shows and futuristic decor.
This over-the-top approach has fueled the rise of Hot Pot TikTok, where every aspect—from the first dip of marbled Wagyu to the mesmerizing bubbling broths—becomes part of the spectacle. To attract attention, restaurants are getting creative. Some have even taken cues from the boba tea trend, introducing playful options like flavored teddy bears that melt into your broth, adding flavors like chili oil and butter in the shape of cute bears. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any sweeter, some places are now offering dessert versions with a black milk tea base topped with fruits, pudding, and taro balls.
Of course, hot pot has its critics. In 2019, Hong Kong food critic Chua Lam stirred controversy by suggesting hot pot should disappear, calling the style “culturally void.” But progress is being made. In 2022, China’s Occupational Classification System officially recognized “hot pot chef” as a distinct profession, a move that many hope will lead to more resources for the industry and boost its global expansion. It’s clear that hot pot isn’t going anywhere, especially after thriving through a pandemic.
The rules for enjoying hot pot have transformed alongside the dish itself. While lighter broths might suggest cooking meats first, heartier options are now meant to enrich over time, creating a delicious soup by the meal's end. As Zhao notes, adaptability has never been a challenge for their nimble operation compared to bigger players like Haidilao. “Part of the work is educating our customers,” he says, pointing out that even seasoned hot pot lovers might find the upscale experience at The X Pot surprising.
The Secret Ingredient? Cuteness!
Today’s hot pot experience is all about tech. From custom pots to robot servers and app-driven menus, these innovations set each restaurant apart. The essence of hot pot is about abundance, and that translates to service. In many of its Chinese locations, Haidilao goes above and beyond, offering manicures, hand massages, and complimentary snacks while you wait. At their U.S. locations, members can rack up points for dining perks or even snag exclusive collaborations, like this year’s Miffy x Haidilao merchandise. The chain is famous for its noodle dancers, who create fresh noodles right before your eyes.
Hot pot has transformed into more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience that combines delicious food, engaging service, and a touch of technology— it a combination that is continuing to drive expansion and investment.
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