Hot pot is one of those things that anyone on a plant-based diet just has to forget about enjoying, because they're all traditionally built off animal stocks. But, for one night only, Jerry Mai and Smith and Daughters' Shannon Martinez are getting together to bring the Vietnamese hot pot experience to a vegan audience.
Mai will be using her expertise of Vietnamese cookery to brew together the true flavours of hot pot without losing depth and texture, while Martinez will be doing her usual witchcraft of tricking your brain into another I-Can't-Believe-It's-Not-Beef moment.
The dinner will take place at Annam on August 27 from 5pm, and $40 will buy you the hot pot of your choosing- Mai will be making a mild, pickled mustard broth with sate, whereas Martinez will be conjuring a fiery, mala broth base-(enough to feed 2-4 people, so bring your mates) with plant-based proteins, noodles and veggies to be purchased on the night. If you're a fan of dipping sauces, be sure to hit the central condiment table, it will be stocked full of sauces to pimp up your hot pot party.
As always, it will be a party. Bookings are essential as there are only so many pots to go around.