Shanghai is a city of diverse cultures, culinary traditions, and an ever-growing food scene. Known for its iconic skyline, fusion cuisine, and culinary creativity, Shanghai also has an impressive selection of hot pot restaurants. Hot pot, a traditional Chinese dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a simmering pot of broth, has gained immense popularity in recent years, not just in China but globally. For those visiting Shanghai or those looking for an exceptional hot pot experience in this bustling metropolis, there is a wide range of places to enjoy a delicious and authentic hot pot meal.
In this article, we will explore some of the best hot pot restaurants in Shanghai, from the popular chains to the lesser-known hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for a spicy Szechuan hot pot, a rich and savory Cantonese-style hot pot, or a high-end experience, Shanghai has it all.
Hai Di Lao is undoubtedly one of the most famous hot pot chains in China, with numerous locations across Shanghai. What sets Hai Di Lao apart is its exceptional service, high-quality ingredients, and the overall dining experience. At Hai Di Lao, the hot pot experience goes beyond just the food – it is an event. The restaurant is known for its attentive service, where waiters will ensure you are always comfortable, bringing you snacks and even offering free manicures and entertainment while you wait for your table.
The menu features a variety of broths, including the classic mala (spicy and numbing) broth, which is a fan favorite for those who love a fiery, flavorful experience. In addition to the traditional broths, Hai Di Lao also offers options like mushroom soup, tomato broth, and a mild chicken-based broth. The fresh ingredients include a wide selection of meat, seafood, vegetables, and tofu, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy.
While the hot pot ingredients are fresh and tasty, what really makes Hai Di Lao stand out is its focus on customer satisfaction. The staff at Hai Di Lao will go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need, from extra napkins to customized dipping sauces.
Xibei Hot Pot is a popular spot in Shanghai, offering a unique twist on the traditional hot pot experience. Known for its mutton hot pot, Xibei specializes in using fresh, tender lamb, which is known for its rich flavor and texture. The broth here is often milder compared to the spicy Szechuan-style, with a lighter, more aromatic base.
What makes Xibei stand out is its commitment to providing a comfortable and relaxing dining environment. The restaurant’s interior features elegant décor, and the staff offers excellent service. The menu includes not only mutton but also a variety of beef, pork, and fresh vegetables. The ingredients are all high-quality, and the flavors are bold but balanced, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience.
One unique feature of Xibei is its herbal broth, which is infused with a variety of medicinal herbs, giving it a distinctive flavor. The herbal broth is not only tasty but is also believed to offer various health benefits, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a hot pot meal that’s both delicious and nourishing.
For those who crave the fiery, bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine, Chongqing Liuyishou Hot Pot is the place to be. This hot pot chain is known for its super-spicy broth and its authenticity. Originating from Chongqing, a region famous for its fiery dishes, Liuyishou brings that heat to Shanghai with its rich, spicy mala broth that will challenge even the most seasoned spice lovers.
At Liuyishou, the hot pot base is packed with a combination of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and other spices, creating a numbing sensation on your tongue that Szechuan cuisine is known for. The restaurant also offers a variety of broths for those who prefer a milder option, but the signature mala broth is the real star.
The menu features a wide variety of ingredients, including thinly sliced beef, lamb, fish, tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables. For a more adventurous experience, try their selection of off-the-beaten-path ingredients like tripe or duck blood.
For seafood lovers, The Hot Pot is a must-try. This elegant hot pot restaurant specializes in seafood hot pot, offering a diverse selection of fresh fish, shrimp, crab, and shellfish. If you enjoy seafood, The Hot Pot is an ideal place to indulge in the freshest catches while enjoying the immersive experience of hot pot dining.
The broth options are equally impressive. The restaurant offers classic spicy broth and mild broths that complement the delicate flavors of seafood. The seafood is sourced daily, ensuring the freshest ingredients, and the hot pot base is crafted to enhance the natural taste of the ingredients without overwhelming them with too much spice.
The restaurant’s décor is sleek and modern, with a calming atmosphere that is perfect for both casual and formal dining. The attentive staff will guide you through the menu and offer recommendations based on your taste preferences.
If you’re looking for a lighter, healthier hot pot experience, Shabu Shabu is an excellent choice. This restaurant specializes in the Japanese version of hot pot, also known as shabu-shabu. Unlike traditional Chinese hot pot, shabu-shabu uses a light and clear broth, which allows the fresh ingredients to shine. The term “shabu-shabu” refers to the sound the ingredients make when they’re quickly swirled in the broth.
At Shabu Shabu, the menu includes an assortment of thinly sliced beef, lamb, and fresh vegetables. The ingredients are delicately cooked in the broth, and the result is a fresh and light dish that is perfect for those who want a healthy hot pot meal. The dipping sauces are also a highlight, with options ranging from tangy ponzu sauce to rich sesame sauce.
This restaurant’s serene atmosphere, clean design, and commitment to fresh ingredients make it a popular choice for anyone seeking a more refined hot pot dining experience.
If you’re looking for something both traditional and bold, Da Long Yi Hot Pot should be on your list. Known for its exceptional mala broth and top-notch service, Da Long Yi is a place where you can indulge in the full Szechuan experience. The restaurant offers a variety of broth options, from spicy to mild, allowing diners to customize their heat level.
Da Long Yi’s signature mala broth is packed with intense flavors and heat. It’s a blend of chili oil, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns that will leave you craving more. Along with the hot pot, Da Long Yi also offers a great selection of meats, seafood, tofu, and vegetables to dip into the bubbling broth.
For those who love spice, Da Long Yi is a perfect place to test your tolerance while enjoying the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the restaurant.
Another popular hot pot chain that can be found in Shanghai is Little Sheep Hot Pot. Famous for its unique broth and flavorful ingredients, Little Sheep is a go-to option for hot pot lovers who prefer a more traditional Chinese approach. Little Sheep’s broth is slightly milder compared to the extremely spicy Szechuan hot pot options but is still rich in flavor and highly aromatic.
The restaurant offers a variety of meats, seafood, and fresh vegetables to cook in the broth. Little Sheep also has a reputation for its house-made dipping sauces, which elevate the flavor of your meal. It’s a great spot for families or groups, as the dining experience is designed to be communal and interactive.
The atmosphere at Little Sheep is relaxed and welcoming, making it an excellent choice for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy an authentic hot pot meal.
For those who want a mix of spicy and sour flavors, Xiangchuan Hot Pot offers a unique combination of Szechuan and Hunan-style hot pot. The hot pot at Xiangchuan is known for its rich, sour, and spicy broth, which is packed with flavors that come from the Hunan region's use of fresh chilies and sour ingredients like pickled vegetables.
Xiangchuan Hot Pot also offers a wide selection of fresh meats, vegetables, and seafood. The combination of spicy heat and tangy sourness is perfect for diners who enjoy bold, complex flavors. The restaurant's relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great place to enjoy hot pot with friends and family.
For those seeking an authentic, local experience, Old Shanghai Hot Pot offers a traditional Shanghai-style hot pot. This restaurant focuses on serving a milder, more delicate broth, often featuring seafood-based broths that reflect the coastal flavors of Shanghai’s cuisine. Old Shanghai Hot Pot is known for its simple yet satisfying flavors, with a focus on fresh ingredients such as fish, prawns, and various vegetables.
The dining experience at Old Shanghai Hot Pot is designed to evoke the traditional flavors of old Shanghai, and it offers a unique alternative for those who want to experience something different from the spicy and numbing Szechuan-style hot pot.
Located on Fuxing Road, this restaurant is a local gem that offers excellent hot pot with a variety of broths and ingredients. Fuxing Road Hot Pot is a favorite among Shanghai locals, offering both spicy and non-spicy broth options. The key to this restaurant’s success is its high-quality ingredients and friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both quick meals and casual dinners.
The menu includes a great selection of meats, tofu, and vegetables, and the broths are flavorful and satisfying without overwhelming the taste buds.
With so many incredible hot pot options in Shanghai, there’s no shortage of places to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a fan of the fiery Szechuan-style hot pot or prefer the delicate flavors of seafood hot pot, Shanghai has something for every hot pot lover to enjoy.