Simmer down: Where to get your hotpot fix in Manila this rainy season
A couple of years back, it was unlimited KBBQ that ruled the comfort food scene. But in the early 2000s, shabu-shabu was a common Sunday lunch ritual, with cousins clashing chopsticks to pinch up pieces of meat to dip in the boiling soup bowl built into the table.
These days, it’s become a popular catch-up barkada dinner choice, or a date night go-to, especially on rainy nights, and often with discounted all-you-can-eat packages.
While I’m not an expert on hotpot, I’ve had a few meals with friends who carry themselves like hotpot connoisseurs. Observing their orders, I noticed that they often go for the shiitake, enoki, and shimeji mushrooms, and never leave without ordering the starchy, colorful striped balls—stuffed with seafood or meat that enrich the flavor of the soup and make for an explosive bite. Go for the good quality meats, as they say, and don’t skip the leafy greens, too.
Communal hotpots, or “steamboats” as they’re sometimes called, have many variations and regional forms: Sichuan, Mongolian, Yunnan, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and of course, the Japanese shabu-shabu.
Here are just some hotpot restaurants available in the metro worth going out for in this recent onslaught of rainy days.
Desgo
One of my friends’ go-to spots, Desgo is a bustling 24-hour hole-in-the-wall hotpot restaurant. You can choose your soup base from a range of original, tomato, or spicy Sichuan flavors. What’s most striking—aside from its affordability—is the freshness of the ingredients and the speedy service.
Popular with Mainland Chinese patrons, the space has kitschy caged table booths or corner round tables. A serving of Angus beef goes for less than P500, and there’s a self-service sauce bar that you can mix to your liking, from sesame oil to barbecue sauce, a bit of sugar, or spring onions.
Victoria de Makati, Washington St. corner Dela Rosa St., Makati City
Haidilao
A world-renowned favorite and China’s largest hotpot chain, Haidilao has been expanding across the country—and it always has a long line of people waiting. My brother-in-law has been dying to go but hasn’t managed to find someone patient enough to wait with him. And while walking through Osaka once, I overheard a group of older ladies shouting “Haidilao!” excitedly as they shoved through the crowd to get to the restaurant.
Haidilao serves up traditional Sichuan hotpot with an extensive condiment bar and next-level service. There are even free snacks, phone covers, and, at some branches, kids’ play areas, free manicures, and hand massages. It has also started something of an internet myth that the restaurant has secret codes that unlock certain services or ingredients.
While it’s on the higher end price-wise, its consistency, experience, and quality ingredients are worth the hype.
Level 1, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City; Floor 2, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Ave. corner ADB Ave., Quezon City
Gloria Maris
A classic. With its grand, spotless interiors, Gloria Maris has kept a high standard of hotpot for decades. This Greenhills staple is a popular venue for celebrations like graduations and birthdays, and offers seasonal credit card discounts.
Among its delicacies, Gloria Maris offers rare fare like shark’s fin, sea cucumber, abalone, and chicken feet in superior soup.
Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Ave. Missouri St. corner Connecticut, San Juan City
Good Luck Hotpot
With elaborate red and gold architecture that’s giving “House of Flying Daggers,” Good Luck Hot Pot claims to be “the largest Chinese-style hot pot banquet in the Philippines.” A set meal for four can range from P6,000 to P10,000—though it includes not just generous portions, but also vibrant, curated food presentation, and the occasional cultural performance.
The atmosphere is lively but still feels cozy. Produce and meat are fresh, and sauces are mixed to your liking, with attentive staff always ready to help. This one’s for those who want hotpot with a little bit of drama and flair.
Shop 1-6 Nexgen Tower, EDSA Extension, Pasay City; MBB1, Missouri St., San Juan City
Xiao Long Kan
A good option if you want your hot pot without fanfare, Xiao Long Kan serves good ol’ Chinese hotpot in a more casual setting. The Makati branch even has a KTV for birthdays or post-work get-togethers.
Go for the unlimited buffet with soup options like chicken, mushroom-ribs combo, or tomato. The meat selection includes beef, chicken, fish, and even duck gizzard—along with radish, water spinach, lotus root, and other fresh vegetables.
G/F East Field Center, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City; 3rd floor, Centrepoint building, Chino Roces Ave., Makati City
Jiang Nan
If you’re a real hotpot addict, you’ll already know Jiang Nan. It’s one of the most affordable and consistent places to get your hotpot fix with excellent sauces and generous service. Hot hotpot tip: go for the unlimited menu and focus on the U.S. beef—easily the best cut on the list.
As a bonus, the unlimited option comes with soft-serve ice cream to end the meal. Just note that if you’re spice sensitive, be forewarned, as some of their broths can be truly fiery.
G/F Paseo Center, Paseo de Roxas cor. Sedeño St., Makati City; G/F, 87 Aguirre Ave, Parañaque; G/F National University Bldg., MOA complex, Coral Way, Pasay City; The Rock Lifestyle Hub, Holy Spirit Drive, corner Marcelino, Quezon City; 708 Aurora Blvd. cor Doña Hemady St, Quezon City; 238 Banawe St, Quezon City
