Diner’s choice rules the day at Haodilao Hot Pot, an upscale Sichuan chain in Century City and Arcadia whose signature built-in hot pot tables hold up to four kinds of broth. Ordering off an electronic tablet, patrons can choose from nine different base broths, including the always popular Sichuan mala soup and a mellower, milky pork bone flavor. From there, it’s a relatively pricey build-your-own meal of meat, seafood, vegetables and other delicious add-ins. Those in a celebratory mood may also enjoy ordering their Dancing Noodles add-on, which will bring a graceful noodle-pulling employee to your table, complete with musical score. Note: With walk-in waits stretching past the two-hour mark on peak nights, it’s best to make a reservation ahead of time.
In general, hot pot and its Japanese iteration, shabu shabu, don’t get as much love across Los Angeles as ramen and pho, but the broadly East Asian dining tradition is just as comforting on a cold, rainy day and far more conducive to hanging out in large groups. Typically served family-style, half the fun of hot pot restaurants is the ability to cook your own food and build a meal to your liking, though a few places offer individual-sized portions for those craving their own bubbling cauldron of delicious broth. Here are some of our favorite places across the city, from the Westside to the San Gabriel Valley, with plenty of centrally located options, as well.
