Ever heard of Beijing hot pot? It is similar to the South-east Asian steamboat in concept but with a different flavor. Our local friends say it originates in Mongolia, and yeah, we’ve actually tried Mongolian hot pot (and barbecue) long time ago but just couldn’t really figure out the difference. Anyway, with a selection of thinly sliced meats, seafood and vegetables leisurely cooked in the middle of your dining table, hot pot is very popular in Beijing during the harsh winter season as it warms your body the same way as their Chinese wine. Coming from this part of the world (and summer at that time!) to the chilly temperature of China’s capital last Christmas season, I just couldn’t get enough of this hearty, soupy comfort.
That’s how it looks before it gets heated. Don’t tell me what’s in it as I am as clueless as you are. I know it’s bland at this point and the yummy goodness comes from what goes in afterwards.
Condiment can be anything but I love this one that has peanut flavor in it…
Thin slices of meat such as lamb (as shown above), beef and chicken…
Hope you like tofu as I do…
Mushrooms and veggies galore!
Even rice noodles.
Isn’t it great to be able to chat with your friends while cooking and enjoying your food in the middle of your dining table? Just be sure to use a separate set of chopsticks for raw food and have slotted serving spoons ready for fishing out the goodies.
This is actually something that you can try at home. I was invited for a hot pot lunch at a friend’s home few months ago. Two types of base soup were served – one is Chinese hot pot flavor and the other one is… tada! Sinigang soup! At siya pa ang mas popular sa dalawa!
so Chinese yun friend mo and she had sinigang soup? ayos! i remember our steamboat days! jan ata ako nag-umpisang manaba noon and of course swensens:) tama ba? haha!
re: mrlinky…onga ano…cge let’s give it a try again next week…syempre pa espesyal ang theme next week:)hehehe
natikman ko na rin iyan at sa Beijing pa ang napasarap ako sa kain. Tawag dito sa atin, Shabu-shabu:) ganyan din ang entry ko hehehehe! Eto siya..
http://pinaylighterside.blogspot.com/2008/07/lapis4-soup-sabaw.html
Maritess last blog post..La.Pi.S.#4 Soup (Sabaw)