While I was in China last summer, I was introduced to a new food that quickly has become my favorite. It is called the "Hot Pot." In America, we would say it resembles fondue. First, we went to a "hot pot" restaurant. In the center of every table was a heating element. We ordered the food items we wanted and then a large pot was placed on the heating element. Our pot had 2 sides, one with hot, spicy broth and the other with regular broth. While it was boiling, we dipped our food items (beef, pork balls, vegetables, etc) into the broth and held them there until they were cooked.
Our entire meal, took about 2 hours, which we filled with wonderful conversations and fun. It was such a relaxing meal. No one hurried us to finish and we just enjoyed the food and the atmosphere at our own leisure.
When I returned to the states, I purchased a hot pot. I still don't have the broth quite right, but I am enjoying trying!

The hot pot is quite a place for family and friends. You cannot hurry with that meal as you said. There are many in Thailand as well. huiching · 2010-11-07: 06:50

Very nice set, well done! Michka43 · 2010-11-07: 08:06

FABULOUS FOOD! ????? · 2010-11-07: 08:36

Oh, yes, and yummy it is! I'll never forget our "hot pot" evening last time you guys came to visit....simply awesome!! Great food and great friends is a winning combination. Wonderful post, Betty!!!! lookagain · 2010-11-07: 08:46

I love the "fondue" idea - it's so personal and fun to share. I've not tried this, but your wonderful photos make me want to try it! djnana · 2010-11-07: 09:02

Very nice! Looks like a good time! darfoster · 2010-11-07: 10:17

Sounds yummy.. We have a place here in Colorado called the Melting Pot. Sounds kind of the same I loved it!! SheriJ · 2010-11-07: 21:41

Wonderful shots! :) Kozuka · 2010-11-08: 04:09

Very nice ! bandg8 · 2010-11-08: 05:37

I remember first visit to a Dim Sum and waiting for the cart to come around again!! Hot Pot sounds delicious too, enjoyable and wonderful post:)) nssco50 · 2010-11-08: 23:46

Betty, I will never forget our "Hot Pot" meals in China either. They were such fun and the food was amazing! It was one of the highlights of the whole trip to China! carolmartin51 · 2010-11-27: 14:03

Tagged: china hot pot food