Hotpot has its origins in China, dating back over 1,000 years to the Mongolian Empire. It began as a way for Mongolian horsemen to cook meat in boiling water while on the move. Over time, the concept evolved and spread to different regions of China, each adding its own unique flavors and ingredients. From spicy Sichuan broths to milder northern versions, hotpot became a beloved dish across East Asia. The communal aspect of a hotpot, where diners gather around a shared pot to cook and eat together, has made it popular in family and social settings. This tradition has since expanded globally, with different cultures adding their touches to the hotpot experience.
Hotpot made its way to the Philippines primarily through Chinese-Filipino communities and the influence of Chinese cuisine. It has long been a staple in the country’s food culture. The dish gained traction in the 1990s, particularly in urban areas like Manila, where Chinese restaurants began offering hotpot as part of their menus. As Filipinos embraced international cuisines, the interactive and social nature of hotpot made it a hit for gatherings and celebrations. In recent years, the popularity of unlimited dining concepts in the Philippines has further boosted Hotpot’s fame. With restaurants like Lan Hotpot offering an all-you-can-eat experience that appeals to the Filipino love for shared meals and variety. If you’re looking for a place to try this, here are the three underrated and must-try hotpots in Metro Manila:
Lan Hotpot
Lan Hotpot, with multiple branches across Metro Manila, offers a top-tier dining experience in locations such as Ayala Mall Circuit, Okada Manila, San Juan, Lucky Chinatown Mall, BGC, and Gateway Mall 2. Each branch maintains the same high-quality service, bringing the delightful flavors of hotpot to various parts of the city. The restaurant’s futuristic design, which mimics the interior of a spaceship, is what makes it unique and attractive. With seating for approximately 70 guests, the unique atmosphere makes dining here an unforgettable experience. This modern, space-age aesthetic adds an exciting dimension to the meal, enhancing the overall dining ambiance and making it more than just a place to eat but a visually engaging experience. They also on an unlimited hotpot concept.
Diners can enjoy endless servings of fresh ingredients and a variety of flavorful broths. Only at Php 699 per head on weekdays and Php 799 on weekends and holidays. The restaurant also provides a value-for-money option for those who want to enjoy as much as they like. The extensive self-selection display features over 100 fresh ingredients. Offering everything from meats to seafood and vegetables, ensuring that every guest can personalize their hotpot experience. Adding to the meal, Lan Hotpot’s live fry station offers a selection of freshly fried items. It is perfect for those craving something crispy alongside their hotpot. Opened in late 2022, Lan Hotpot has rapidly expanded, with six branches now in operation. The most recent addition is their Ayala Malls Circuit branch, which opened on July 4th, further expanding their reach and making their popular hotpot experience accessible to even more diners.
Shabway
Shabway is located on the 3rd floor of Ayala Mall Manila Bay. Its prime spot makes it convenient for those near the City of Dreams. The restaurant is open from 11 AM – 9 PM on Monday through Wednesday and extends its hours until 10 PM from Thursday to Sunday. Shabway offers a combination of Chinese hotpot with traditional Japanese shabu-shabu. Diners cook their meals in a simmering pot of customizable broth, adjusting the spiciness to suit their taste. The hands-on cooking adds a fun, social element, making it ideal for family gatherings or meals with friends. This interactive approach also guarantees a satisfying and memorable dining experience for all. The menu boasts a wide variety of options, including eight premium meats, ten different side dishes, and four types of hotpot broths to choose from. Additionally, customers can enjoy free Melona ice cream in strawberry and melon flavors.
For just PHP 699 per head, guests can indulge in unlimited servings of pork, chicken, beef, and shrimp, perfect for satisfying big appetites.Special rates include PHP 399 for kids under 4 feet and free dining for those under 3 feet. Discounts are also available for Senior Citizens, PWDs, and Birthday celebrants. Shabway’s menu boasts premium cuts such as beef, smoked duck, pork belly, chicken barbecue, and spicy pork, paired with side dishes like kimchi, atsara, cucumber salad, and egg rolls. Diners can choose from rich, flavorful soups like organic shabu-shabu, jampong, bulgogi, and fish cake to complete their meal. The Ayala Mall branch can seat up to 60 people, and with additional locations in Parqal Mall, Pasig City, and Santa Rosa, Laguna, Shabway is easily accessible to hotpot lovers across Metro Manila and beyond.
Super Spy
Super Spy Mini Hotpot delivers an authentic Chinese soup experience to Filipinos. The restaurant focuses on high-quality broth in a stylish, comfortable setting, ensuring a memorable meal. Super Spy combines authenticity and affordability, offering exceptional food and a pleasant atmosphere for a genuine hotpot experience. Rather than a traditional menu, they let diners choose between set meals and 53 different ingredients, including shrimp, meats, vegetables, and various balls. Guests can select their own ingredients or choose pre-set combinations, making the dining experience highly customizable. This approach allows diners to tailor their meal to their tastes, enhancing their overall enjoyment. Ingredients are weighed PHP 1.1 per gram, with no extra charges. Set meals start at PHP 275 and are meant for two people, offering an affordable option for smaller groups. For a bigger appetite, customers can also add unlimited rice for PHP 50.
Furthermore, they take pride in their high-quality broth, claiming to offer the “Best broth soup in town!” They will soon introduce a new tomato soup base, made by simmering 100 tomatoes with herbal bone broth and 28 spices. This new option aims to enhance the dining experience with even more variety and flavor. Guests can also select their own seasonings and ingredients at Super Spy, allowing them to customize their meals to their liking. If needed, staff can assist with special sauce combinations. Super Spy accommodates special occasions and private events, with the main branch at 887 Samat Road, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM. Another branch at SM Bacoor is under renovation, expanding its reach to more diners.
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