Chinese HotPot

I'm so excited that I finally had hotpot for the first time! Before I ever arrived in LangFang I'd heard from my husband and others who had traveled to China before that hotpot was amazing and delicious and I had to have it. I can't believe it has taken me so long to get to a hotpot restaurant. 

There are two different types I'm told. One serves hotpot in individual pots, the other is served in one giant pot that everyone digs into. I currently have a horrible cold so I opted for the individual pots to avoid passing my illness on to others as much as possible. The restaurant we ate at is the hotpot chain, Xiabu Xiabu. They are located all over and are often found in malls. I've noticed that in China the top one or two floors of a mall are usually dedicated solely to sit down restaurants. The location near my apartment is part of a strip mall.       

At this restaurant, there are several long bars for seating. Once you order, they bring you an individual pot full of hot water and seasoning that you chose. I went for the spicy version tonight. Next they bring out your selection of raw vegetables and meats to add to your pot.  

Raw Beef

Raw Vegetables

Raw Fish

I received fresh herbs, vinegar and sauce packets to mix the sauce to my liking. Once the pot is heated up, you drop in the raw food to cook then pick it out with chop sticks, dip it in the sauce and enjoy! It was so good that I ate long after I was full. I can say for certain that I'll be back!   

Have you tried hotpot? What's your favorite Chinese food?