With the weather getting chillier and the temperature dropping to a single digit, it signifies the time of the year we call hot pot season! Chinese hot pot is a social communal dining experience that’s especially popular during winter because there’s nothing more warming & cosier than sitting around a big bubbling pot enjoying a steaming hot feast. There used to be hardly any halal hot pot restaurants in London, but things have now changed and we’re so fortunate to have multiple options, with different styles, around town! In this article, we have rounded up the best halal Chinese hot pot restaurants in London.
How to Eat Chinese Hot Pot
The way Chinese hot pot works is having a pot of flavoured broth (could be a pot with multiple different broths as well) simmering at the centre of the table. You will then order a variety of raw ingredients on the table which you will add to the broth once it’s boiling to cook. Meat is normally the highlight and they are sliced paper thin for easier cooking. There will be a variety of sauces for you to pick and mix to dip the cooked food.
Watch my Instagram reel here to see how it’s done!
Where to Find Halal Chinese Hot Pot in London
Hotto Potto
If you are looking for premium quality Chinese hot pot, Hotto Potto should be at the top of your list. Halal items are clearly marked on the menu. Hot pot aside, they also do BBQ dishes and have karaoke rooms.
Halal status: Halal options marked on the menu
Location: Aldgate East
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Real Beijing
Whenever we fancy hot pot, Real Beijing is our go-to due to its convenient central location in Chinatown. A separate halal menu is available and it is all-you-can-eat at £32.99 per person.
Halal status: Separate halal menu available
Location: Chinatown
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Niu Hot Pot
The word ‘niu’ means cow in Chinese, so it’s all about that beef at Niu Hot Pot. They specialise in Chaoshan hot pot, which is a slightly different hot pot style that originated in the Guandong region. The broth flavours are generally lighter with Chaoshan hot pot, meaning it’s all about the meat quality which Niu Hot Pot absolutely delivers.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Aldgate East
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Simmer Huang
The hot pot from Simmer Huang is a little different to the other hot pots mentioned above. This is more of a simmer pot, where the pot already comes loaded with food (traditionally chicken) that you first eat and then cook other ingredients in the remaining sauces & broth in the pot.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Canary Wharf
(click to open location on Google Maps)
