Who doesn’t love a good hotpot meal?
The boiling pot of fragrant broth and the wide array of delicious ingredients on the table waiting to be eaten.
Best of all, I have my family or my friends enjoying the nice hearty meal with me!
I’m always looking forward to a nice hotpot meal with my family and friends, and there are just so many ways to go about having one.
So that got me wondering, which is the best way to have a hotpot meal?
Let’s explore the pros and cons of every method in this article!
TL;DR: Hotpot Singapore Meals: Pros and Cons of Each Hot Pot Method
Method 1: DIY Hotpot at Home
Ah yes, the classic method of having a hotpot at home.
I grew up with multiple reunion dinners where my family and I would gather around boiling up our favourite ingredients, and the tradition hasn’t stopped!
Honestly, it’s not too hard to have one in your own home, you just need the steamboat pot, soup stock, all your favourite ingredients, and you’re set for a scrumptious meal.
Having it at home also makes it easier to do a lot of things, there are no time constraints, and it’s convenient since you don’t have to travel!
If I had to be really honest, this is by far my favourite way of having a hotpot meal.
Pros:
- Arguably the most budget-friendly method
- Convenient, no need for travelling
- Better control of the types and amounts of ingredients
- No time constraints, no need to rush while eating
Cons:
- Need to prepare everything by yourself
- Hotpot might not be used regularly
- Hassle of cleaning up
- Certain ingredients are explicitly sold in restaurants
Method 2: Hotpot Delivery Kit
Next up, we have hotpot delivery options!
These have been rising in popularity along with other forms of food delivery while everyone is cooped up at home due to COVID-19.
It’s quick and straightforward, just call the restaurant or click on their website and you’ll have a delicious hotpot meal delivered to your doorstep!
Sometimes when I have my friends over or when I’m just too lazy to cook, I find myself turning to this method to curb my hotpot cravings.
Best of all, I don’t have to worry about preparing my ingredients since everything is done for me! (except the cooking, of course)
Also, there are so many restaurants out there, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
In fact, here are some of the best hotpot deliveries you can go for when you order a hotpot delivery
Pros:
- Signature soup bases and ingredients from restaurants
- No need to worry about preparation
- Convenient, no need for travelling
- No time constraints, no need to rush while eating
Cons:
- Can get expensive if ordering a lot
- Premium ingredients tend to be unreasonably pricey
- Hassle of cleaning up
- No refills for soup bases or ingredients
Method 3: Hotpot Restaurants
Lastly, let’s not forget about having a delicious hotpot meal at a restaurant!
Everyone knows about the famous Haidilao and how they have such incredible service, snacks while you wait, and cheat codes to get free stuff. 😉
Of course, there are other options besides Haidilao out there, each with their own unique experiences for their customers.
Going to a hotpot restaurant with my friends is always an enjoyable experience!
You get welcomed in by the friendly service crew, served in various exciting ways, like meat on dolls or conveyor belt ingredients, to name a few.
In fact, on one of my recent trips to a hotpot place, my friends and I were arguing if the bottles on the table were soup or refillable drinks.
What do y’all think? Are these bottles of soup or drinks?
Pros:
- Signature soup bases and ingredients from restaurants
- Fantastic service from different restaurants
- Unlimited amounts of soup bases
- No need to prepare or clean up
Cons:
- Travelling can be a hassle
- Priciest option among the three due to service charge
- Premium ingredients tend to be unreasonably pricey
- Time limit when eating, especially during rush hours
Other Restaurants and Deliveries To Consider for Your Next Meal
Well, that’s about all the pros and cons of all the different ways you can have a hotpot meal!
Not a huge fan of hotpot? Here are some of the best Korean Barbeque (KBBQ) and Lok Lok spots for you to consider.
Perhaps you fancy something a little classier. Here are some fine dining restaurants providing home delivery!
If you prefer cooking your own food, here’s a guide to meal prepping at home to help you save money.
Whew, writing this article has certainly worked up and appetite, time to start boiling a pot of soup for my own hotpot meal, see y’all around!
