Hotpot Etiquette & Traditions

Hotpot isn’t just food—it’s a ritual. Across China, families and friends gather around bubbling pots to cook, share, and celebrate. But beneath the steam and spice lies a rich tapestry of etiquette and tradition that turns hotpot into a cultural experience.

Core Traditions

1. Communal Cooking

Hotpot is all about togetherness. Everyone cooks their own food in the shared pot, creating a lively, interactive meal. It’s common during festivals, winter gatherings, and family reunions.

2. DIY Dipping Sauces

Each diner customizes their own sauce from a buffet of ingredients—sesame paste, soy sauce, garlic, chili oil, vinegar, scallions, and more. Your sauce is your signature.

3. Seasonal Significance

Hotpot is especially popular in colder months. The warmth of the broth and the spice of the ingredients are believed to invigorate the body and spirit.

Etiquette Essentials

Separate Utensils

Use one set of chopsticks for raw food and another for eating. Cross-contamination is a big no-no.

Respect the Pot

Don’t dump everything in at once. Cook ingredients gradually and mindfully. It’s not a stew—it’s a shared experience.

Search & Rescue

If you lose a piece of food in the pot, don’t leave it floating. Retrieve it promptly so others can enjoy a clean broth.

Wait Your Turn

Avoid fishing for food that others have just placed in the pot. Patience and respect go a long way.

 Conversation Matters

Hotpot is as much about talking as it is about eating. It’s a time to slow down, share stories, and bond.

Cultural Notes

  • Copper Pots in Beijing: Traditional Mongolian-style hotpot uses ornate copper pots and lamb broth, often served with sesame paste.
  • Nine-Grid Pots in Sichuan: These allow diners to cook different ingredients in separate sections of the spicy broth.
  • Solo Hotpot Trend: In modern cities, individual hotpot dining has emerged, reflecting changing lifestyles while preserving tradition.

Hotpot etiquette isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about respect, rhythm, and ritual. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned hotpot lover, embracing these traditions deepens the experience and honors the culture behind the meal.