Never been to Chinese Hot Pot, help!

[Anonymous]

DH, kids and I are going to Urban Hot Pot on Saturday. The menu is overwhelming! Would love suggestions on soup base, what ingredients go best with that soup base, condiments, etc. I am of SE Asian descent so we love Asian food and can go spicy/unusual but are completely unfamiliar with the Chinese version of hot pot. Thanks in advance for suggestions and your favorite combos!

[Anonymous]

I like the kimchi pork soup base there
The spicy broth is pretty spicy, I'd rather add my own spice from the sauce bar

[Anonymous]

I am so jealous. My kids are too little to do hot pot. I love hot pot from my time as a Peace Corps volunteer in China. I like to get the spicy broth but maybe they can do a half/half? Honestly, everything is so so good in hot pot, you can’t go wrong! Some of my favorite things are: all kinds of tofu, but especially tofu skin; all kinds of pork, potatoes; lotus root; cabbage; green vegetables. I don’t know if this place has it but you could also consider getting pig brain. (I’m serious! Sooo good!) Basically, order lots of different things, even vegetables that you might think you don’t like. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

I have been to several chinese hot pots in the area. The first 3 bases on the menu are classic chinese hot pot broths, which i have tried there are other places and they are fine. One or two are the numbing kind. Personally, I like Tom Yum or Pork bases. Kids will like meatballs like lobster meatball, fish meatballs, etc. my small kids also like the white fish fillet, mussels. If you like shrimp, then get lots of shrimp.

[Anonymous]

Most hot pot places will allow you to change bases for a few dollars. Check that in case you want to try 2 bases or you pick something you hate.

[Anonymous]

It’s important to order right away when you sit down so things start coming to the table.

Order base soups, water and drinks on iPad first. Submit.
Then order meats, vegetables, noodles. Submit.
Then order cold side dishes, more food, etc.
Basically order in waves, getting more of what you like. You don’t want to take forever ordering and waiting for everything because of the time limit, and you don’t want to over-order.

The sauce bar usually has a line, so go right away after ordering the base.

[Anonymous]

What’s to be worried about, it’s just Chinese Fondue. Better cook your food quickly.

[Anonymous]

Start with Original or Tom Yum. You can have it switched out for another when it's low. My kids love scallops, abalone, fish balls, and Quail eggs with tendon and tripe.

[Anonymous]

My kids and I tried three different broths - all delish. My fav is Tom Yum (thai) broth.

We love seafood, noodles and veggies - very little meat. One meat order was large enough for us - so definitely don't over order until you see the portions.

I don't remember the dipping sauce being anything special. Save room for some dessert.

[Anonymous]

We went to one where you order on an iPad and just hit a bunch a buttons to surprise us.

[Anonymous]

Don't sweat it. It is basically dipping raw foods into a hot broth. Not very complicated. Also, I think that restaurant is an iPad restaurant with a conveyor belt in the middle of the restaurant. Just order 1 of anything you like to try.