Shu DaXia Hot Pot opened in Boston’s Kenmore Square in Spring 2022. | Shu DaXia
The phrase “hot pot” is a translation of huo guo and alludes to the Chinese cooking method in which a large metal pot filled with broth is placed over a fire. This self-service kitchen is similar to fondue and raclette, but varies from region to region.
Home to arguably the spiciest and most popular stew, the southwest Chinese city of Chongqing has an incredibly dense stew restaurant scene; In 2019 it was almost 27,000. Due to stiff competition, the city’s signature hot pot style has branched out into various subgenres, some of which are finding their way into Boston’s ever-growing food scene. While Chongqing-style hot pot is easier to find here, Sichuan also remains a predominant style, but the Boston area is also trying other regions of China when it comes to the popular cooking method.
From all-you-can-eat buffet-style hot pot spots to the trendiest and most traditional hot pot spots from Chengdu and Chongqing, a number of restaurants in the greater Boston area offer a wide range of excellent options. Here are nine to try.
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Note: The restaurants on this map are listed geographically.
