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Comprehensive Guide to Hot Pot in Guangzhou, China

Hot Pot is a beloved dining experience in China, and Guangzhou, as a vibrant culinary hub, offers a unique take on this communal meal. Known for its Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou incorporates its regional flavors and ingredients into the Hot Pot tradition, making it a must-try experience for visitors.

Types of Hot Pot Available in Guangzhou

Sichuan-Style Hot Pot (Spicy and Numbing)
- Originating from Sichuan province, this style is known for its bold, spicy, and numbing flavors, thanks to the use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil. It’s widely available in Guangzhou due to its popularity across China.
- Broth Options: Spicy, mild, or a dual-flavor pot (鸳鸯锅, yuānyāng guō) with both spicy and non-spicy sections.
Cantonese-Style Hot Pot
- Reflecting Guangzhou’s culinary traditions, Cantonese Hot Pot emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and lighter, more delicate broths. Common broths include pork bone, chicken, or seafood-based soups.
- Key Ingredients: Fresh seafood (prawns, fish, scallops), thinly sliced beef, tofu, mushrooms, and leafy greens.
Chaoshan Beef Hot Pot
- A regional specialty from nearby Chaoshan, this style focuses on premium cuts of beef, sliced to order. The broth is usually light and clear, allowing the natural flavors of the beef to shine.
- Unique Feature: Diners can choose specific cuts of beef, such as brisket, tenderloin, or tripe.
Seafood Hot Pot
- Given Guangzhou’s proximity to the South China Sea, seafood Hot Pot is a local favorite. Fresh seafood is often displayed in tanks, and diners can select their ingredients on the spot.
- Broth Options: Light seafood or herbal broths to complement the fresh ingredients.
Mushroom Hot Pot
- Popular among health-conscious diners, this style features a variety of wild and cultivated mushrooms in a rich, earthy broth.

Popular Restaurants and Areas to Try Hot Pot in Guangzhou

Haidilao Hot Pot (海底捞)
- A famous chain known for its exceptional service and wide variety of broths and ingredients. Haidilao is a great introduction to Hot Pot for first-timers.
- Locations: Multiple branches across Guangzhou, including Tianhe and Yuexiu districts.
- Cost: Around ¥150–¥250 per person, depending on your choice of ingredients.
Dong Lai Shun (东来顺)
- A historic chain specializing in Beijing-style lamb Hot Pot, but with a Cantonese twist in Guangzhou.
- Location: Tianhe District.
- Cost: ¥120–¥200 per person.
Shu Jiu Xiang (蜀九香)
- A Sichuan-style Hot Pot restaurant offering authentic spicy broths and a wide range of ingredients.
- Location: Zhujiang New Town.
- Cost: ¥150–¥250 per person.
Chao Xiang Niu Rou Huo Guo (潮香牛肉火锅)
- Specializing in Chaoshan beef Hot Pot, this restaurant is a favorite among locals for its fresh, high-quality beef.
- Location: Haizhu District.
- Cost: ¥100–¥200 per person.
Taotaoju (陶陶居)
- While primarily known for dim sum, this historic Cantonese restaurant also offers a unique Hot Pot experience with a focus on fresh seafood.
- Location: Beijing Road Pedestrian Street.
- Cost: ¥150–¥300 per person.
Seafood Hot Pot Restaurants in Huangsha
- Huangsha is a seafood market area where you can find restaurants offering fresh, market-to-table Hot Pot experiences.
- Cost: ¥200–¥400 per person, depending on the seafood you choose.

How the Dining Process Works

Choose Your Broth
- Upon arrival, you’ll select the type of broth(s) you want. Many restaurants offer a divided pot for multiple flavors.
Select Ingredients
- Ingredients are typically ordered à la carte. You’ll receive a menu or use a tablet to choose meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu, noodles, and more.
Prepare Your Dipping Sauce
- Most Hot Pot restaurants have a self-service sauce station. Common ingredients include sesame paste, soy sauce, garlic, chili oil, and fresh herbs. Cantonese-style Hot Pot often features lighter sauces like soy sauce with scallions and ginger.
Cook Your Food
- Once the broth boils, you’ll cook your selected ingredients at the table. Cooking times vary: thinly sliced meats take seconds, while root vegetables and seafood may take a few minutes.
Enjoy
- Dip your cooked food into your custom sauce and savor the flavors.

Local Etiquette and Customs

Sharing is Caring
- Hot Pot is a communal meal, so it’s customary to share ingredients with your dining companions. Avoid taking too much of one item at once.
Use Serving Utensils
- Most restaurants provide separate chopsticks or tongs for handling raw ingredients. Use these to avoid cross-contamination.
Don’t Waste Food
- Order only what you can eat. It’s considered impolite to leave large amounts of uneaten food.
Pace Yourself
- Hot Pot is a leisurely meal. Take your time to enjoy the process and the company.
Respect the Heat
- Be cautious when handling the boiling broth and hot ingredients. It’s polite to warn others if you’re adding something that might splash.

Unique Aspects of Hot Pot in Guangzhou

Freshness is Key
- Guangzhou’s emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in its Hot Pot culture. Many restaurants source seafood and produce daily from local markets.
Seasonal Ingredients
- Cantonese Hot Pot often incorporates seasonal ingredients, such as bamboo shoots in spring or hairy crabs in autumn.
Dim Sum and Hot Pot Fusion
- Some restaurants in Guangzhou combine Hot Pot with dim sum, offering a unique blend of two iconic dining experiences.
Herbal Broths
- Reflecting Cantonese cuisine’s focus on health, many Hot Pot broths in Guangzhou include medicinal herbs like goji berries, ginseng, and jujube.

Average Costs

Budget-Friendly Options: ¥80–¥150 per person (local chains or smaller restaurants).
Mid-Range Dining: ¥150–¥250 per person (popular chains like Haidilao or Chaoshan beef Hot Pot).
High-End Experiences: ¥300–¥500+ per person (premium seafood or upscale restaurants).

Tips for Enjoying Hot Pot in Guangzhou

Go with Friends or Family
- Hot Pot is a social experience, best enjoyed with a group.
Visit During Cooler Months
- While Hot Pot is available year-round, it’s especially comforting in Guangzhou’s cooler winter months (December–February).
Ask for Recommendations
- Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for advice on cooking times or sauce combinations.
Explore Local Markets
- For a truly local experience, visit a seafood market like Huangsha and enjoy Hot Pot at a nearby restaurant.

Hot Pot in Guangzhou is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural experience that reflects the city’s culinary diversity and love for fresh, flavorful food. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Hot Pot enthusiast, Guangzhou offers something for everyone.