The weather has been quite bi-polar in California these past few weeks; one week we get warm spring weather and the next week, it’s like we went backwards into winter! For those chilly, gloomy days, what better way to warm up your bodies (other than cuddling and staying in bed) than going for some hot pot?
Although they are similar, there are many versions of hot pot. The more common versions that we are familiar with are Chinese and Japanese. The main difference between the two are the dipping sauces and the vegetables that are served. In Chinese hot pot, sesame oil or sesame paste are common dipping sauces while traditional Chinese vegetables, such as bok choy, are served. In Japanese hot pot, a raw, pasteurized egg or ponzu are common sauces while udon and Japanese vegetables, such as shiitake mushrooms, are served. Below, you’ll find our frequently visited and favorite hot pot restaurants:
1. Yojie Shabu Shabu, Japanese
The food presentations are always on point, slices of meat are consistent, veggies are fresh and delicious, and who can resist green tea fondue for dessert? If you’re a regular at Yojie, they also have a membership called the Swisher Society!
2. Boiling Point, Taiwanese
If you like more variety, Boiling Point is the place to go. They have several hot pot combos and options to choose from and no two dishes are the same! Although this is Taiwanese style hot pot, they fuse other flavor, such as Thai and Korean. You can’t forget the infamous mini macaron ice cream sandwiches!
3. Jazz Cat, Taiwanese
With so many delicious choices, it may take a while to pick your broth and your sides. Their portions are quite large, so come in with an empty stomach. If you’re feeling like a carnivore, they have options of having more meat and less veggies!
4. Kariya Shabu-Shabu and BBQ, Taiwanese
Can’t decide whether you want hot pot or barbecue? Now, you can have both! Kariya developed this clever idea of having your hot pot boil in the middle of a hot grill! You better come hungry because the vegetable, meat, and seafood options here seem endless.
5. Shabu Shabu House, Japanese
Sometimes simple and less frills is the best way to go. Although there aren’t many varieties, Shabu Shabu house gives you the option of ordering how you want your meat (marbled, lean, or fatty?). That’s quality, in our opinion!
Did your favorite place make our list? If not, feel free to share your favorite, go-to hot pot place!
Feature image courtesy of discoverhongkong.com.
