Hot pots are a Winter specialty in the north of China. Cooked in water or soup in pots made of copper, aluminium or clay are usually such food as lamb, beef, fish, shrimps, beancurd products and fresh vegetables. In Beijing, the most popular is the lamb hot pot. Paper-thin lamb slices could be instantly luscious right after dipping into the hot soup in the pot.
The Origin of Hot Pot
It is hard to trace the origins of the hotpot. However, we do know that hot pot has been around more than 1,000 years in China. The prosperous time of this food was around Tang Dynasty. And in Qing Dynasty, this cooking style had been spread throughout China.
The Sauces Used in Hot Pot
A variety of sauces, usually home-made, is available to go with the hot pot. Common ingredients to mix a sauce may include sesame sauce, sesame oil, soy bean sauce, chilly oil, coriander, rice wine, preserved beancurd sauce and sweet garlic. A good blend of sauces would make a hot pot meal more enjoyable.
Time to Eat
Typical Beijing hot pot is eaten indoors during the winter. But now, no matter when you are in Beijing, you can order a hot pot and enjoy it by yourself anytime.
How to Eat
There are some ways to enjoy the hot pot. Each of them is easy to handle even you are a green hand.
Here is one of the easiest ways to eat.
At first, pour the water, the best choice is the soup cooked by some nutritious food such as the pork bone, into the pot. Once the water or soup is boiled, you can begin your hot pot experience.
Use the chopsticks to pick up a piece of beef, mutton, fish, vegetable, even a dumpling if you have ordered, put them into the boiled water and cook for a few seconds to minutes till they can be eaten in the right time.
After this series of actions, you can pick up you food from the pot. Before you put them into your mouth, do not forget to dip the sauce which will make the food more delicious.
The value of the hot pot
This cooking way makes you eat various dishes at the one meal. The nutritious broth used in the pot ensures you can eat nutrition as well as the delicious food at the same time.
It is a good way to warm up in the winter season. If you choose to drink a cup of wine during this meal time, you may have a good sleep at night.
Where to Eat Hot Pot in Beijing
If you're wondering where to try authentic hot pot in Beijing, here are some popular and well-loved restaurants that offer a range of experiences—from traditional copper pot lamb hot pot to trendy modern chains.
Dong Lai Shun (东来顺)
Established in 1903, Dong Lai Shun is one of the oldest and most iconic hot pot restaurants in Beijing. It is particularly famous for its halal Beijing-style lamb hot pot, cooked in traditional copper pots. The paper-thin lamb slices are incredibly tender and flavorful. Diners can also enjoy sesame paste sauce mixed with condiments like garlic and chives.
- Address: 198 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 1 to Wangfujing Station, Exit A, walk 5 minutes north
Manfu Lou (满福楼铜锅涮肉)
Manfu Lou is a local favorite for traditional copper pot hot pot, offering a classic Beijing experience in a cozy setting. The restaurant focuses on high-quality cuts of lamb and beef, and diners can watch the pot bubble over real charcoal. It’s less touristy and more down-to-earth, popular with Beijing locals.
- Address: 1 Baofang Hutong, Xicheng District, Beijing
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 to Hepingmen Station, Exit C2, walk 8 minutes
Hai Di Lao Hot Pot (海底捞火锅)
For a more modern and tech-savvy experience, Hai Di Lao is a national chain known for its exceptional customer service, including free snacks, games, and sometimes even manicures while you wait. They offer individual pots and a wide range of broths, as well as touchscreen menus in English.
- Address: Multiple locations, including Joy City Mall, 131 Xidan North Street, Xicheng District
- Opening Hours: 24 hours (varies by location)
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 4 to Xidan Station, Exit F1, inside Joy City Mall
Xiao Fei Yang (小肥羊)
A hot pot chain originally from Inner Mongolia, Xiao Fei Yang is famous for its clear, herbal soup base and balanced flavors—mild but still aromatic. It’s a good choice for those who prefer non-spicy hot pot or want to try something lighter.
- Address: 2/F, Jinyuan Yansha Mall, 1 Yuanda Road, Haidian District
- Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 10 to Changchunqiao Station, Exit A, walk 5 minutes
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How to Order and Budget
Ordering hot pot in Beijing is usually simple, even if it's your first time. Most restaurants offer illustrated menus or iPad ordering systems. Here's how to plan your order and budget:
- Start with the basics: Choose your soup base first—clear broth, spicy Sichuan-style, tomato, mushroom, or even a split pot with two flavors (called yuānyāng guō).
- Pick your proteins: A meat platter with sliced lamb or beef is essential. If you're adventurous, try meatballs, tripe, or seafood.
- Add some vegetables: Spinach, cabbage, lotus root, and mushrooms are all popular and cook quickly.
- Include tofu and noodles: Tofu skin, frozen tofu, or glass noodles soak up the broth and add variety.
- Don’t forget dipping sauce: Mix sesame sauce, garlic, vinegar, and chili oil at the DIY sauce station.
Estimated Cost:
A basic hot pot meal for two people typically costs 150–300 RMB, depending on the restaurant and how much you order. Luxury options like seafood or wagyu beef can increase the price.
Tips for First-Timers:
- Most restaurants have English or picture menus. If not, just point at photos or ask for staff assistance.
- Many places allow you to take leftovers home. Just ask the staff politely.
- Don't over-order at first—it's easy to add more dishes later.
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