Beijing Hot Pot: Mongolian & Sichuan Styles

Introduction

Hot pot is a beloved winter tradition in Beijing. Whether you prefer the mild flavors of traditional Mongolian hot pot or the spicy kick of Sichuan hot pot, Beijing has something for everyone.

Eating well in Beijing is mostly a matter of ordering the right things in the right places. The dishes below are the ones locals order without thinking about it.

Types of Hot Pot

• Mongolian Hot Pot: Traditional copper pot with clear broth, mutton slices, and dipping sauces.
• Sichuan Hot Pot: Spicy red broth with numbing Sichuan peppercorns.
• Tomato Hot Pot: Sweet and sour tomato-based broth.
• Mushroom Hot Pot: Fresh mushroom broth, great for vegetarians.
• Four Flavor Pot: Combination of different broths in one pot.

Peking duck is the dish to start with. It appears everywhere from street stalls to formal restaurants, and the version you get at a busy, plainly fitted-out shop is usually the better one.

Best Hot Pot Restaurants

• Haidilao: Famous chain with excellent service.
• Little Sheep: Traditional Mongolian hot pot.
• Sichuan Baiwei: Authentic Sichuan hot pot.
• Hongya Cave: Spicy hot pot near Houhai.
• Old Beijing Hot Pot: Traditional copper pot experience.

Beyond the headline dish, look for Peking duck, zhajiangmian noodles and donkey burgers. Regional cooking here leans on seasoning rather than subtlety, and the heat level is negotiable if you say so clearly.

Hot Pot Essentials

• Meat: Mutton, beef, lamb slices.
• Vegetables: Bok choy, mushrooms, tofu, potatoes.
• Seafood: Shrimp, fish balls, squid.
• Dipping Sauce: Sesame paste, soy sauce, chili oil.

Busy is the best quality signal. A full room at an odd hour means fast turnover and fresh ingredients; an empty dining room at peak time is a reason to keep walking.

Eating Tips

• Cook in Order: Meat first, then vegetables.
• Dip Carefully: Don’t over-dip in spicy sauce.
• Stay Hydrated: Hot pot can be spicy and dehydrating.
• Go with Friends: Hot pot is a social experience.

Practical Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the food very spicy?

Some of it. Kitchens will usually adjust the heat if you ask clearly before ordering.

Is street food safe?

Choose stalls with high turnover and food cooked to order in front of you, and you will be fine.

Do I need to book restaurants?

For most casual places, no. Well-known restaurants at weekends are the exception.

Quick Checklist

• Order Peking duck at least once
• Ask about spice level before ordering
• Eat where the room is busy
• Carry tissues – not every place supplies them

Last Updated: July 2026