Centered on a table is a huge bowl of heated broth with simple ingredients like vegetables and meat. This seemingly basic set-up, where you can throw in any recipe here and there, brings smiles to faces of the people gathered for a meal. Every sip of that warm broth adds flavor to life and to conversations.
Some call this communal dining fondue, while others call it steamboat or shabu-shabu; but what is it really? It is hotpot, and it is more than just a meal—it is a culture.
One may ask what about the Japanese shabu-shabu or Singaporean fondue. Well, its origin can all be traced back to China. The first recorded history of hotpot dates back over 1,000 years ago to give warmth during winter. Eventually, what seemed to be a winter tradition became a regular on Chinese dining tables.
With the vast land that covers China, it is not surprising that each region offers its own version of hotpot. Some of the more famous ones in and out of China are Sichuan, which gives off a spicy and numbing flavor; and Beijing hotpot, which is a healthier option with greens and seafood.
Hotpot’s rise to fame is attributed to its communal nature – it’s a great way to socialize. The thing about hotpot is you seldom can eat it alone; it is best enjoyed with close friends, family, and relatives. While you wait for the ingredients to cook, you can chat with each other and create stronger bond together.
But the essence of hotpot is really the broth. And what makes it even more rewarding is that whatever broth or soup base you might have started off, the more you ingredients you add, the more flavorful the soup gets. Besides this, the soup is what gives you warmth when gathered together for a meal.
When you think of hotpot, countries like China, Taiwan, and Japan pop out. But, it surely spreads across different countries. The culture of hotpot extends even further to the Philippines and Thailand, which also have their local flare mixed into the traditional one.
These days, hotpot is often eaten at restaurants. However, going back to its roots, the dish is best consumed at home as the center of the family meal. Go back to the old days and try hotpotting at home and start creating memories with your loved ones.
What seems to be the hindrance for many is that the notion that hotpot ingredients are hard to find. Yet, this is nothing but a misconception. You don’t even have to be creative with hotpot, with a bit of greens, meat and broth, you can easily create your own hotpot.
For an even easier hotpot experience, visit Wei Wei Cold Store for freshly frozen hotpot ingredients. From seafood balls and buns to soup bases and broths, Wei Wei offers a wide variety of all you can shop for your up and coming hotpot at home. Shop at one of our three branches (Arranque, Cubao, BGC) or at leading grocery stores nationwide. For more information, visit our website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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