The Dutch Flame

My husband has often enjoyed traditional hotpot during his business trips to China—an experience he always shares with great enthusiasm. In the Netherlands, this tradition is also known as Chinese Fondue or Chinese Hotpot. Recently, we received an electric hotpot as a gift and decided to share this wonderful tradition with our family. Not just the food itself, but especially sharing our experiences with the people we love is very important to us.

What is traditional hotpot?

Traditional Chinese hotpot, also known as huǒguō (火锅), is a culinary experience where a pot of broth is placed on the table, and everyone cooks their own ingredients. It’s a social meal centered around eating and enjoying together.

A bit of history

The origins of Chinese hotpot date back hundreds of years. It is believed that the first form of hotpot appeared during the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC). Over the centuries, hotpot has evolved and spread throughout China, with different regions creating their own unique variations. From the spicy Sichuan style to the mild and aromatic Jiangsu-Zhejiang style, hotpot reflects the rich culinary diversity of China

The importance of good broth

The broth is the heart of the hotpot. A good broth develops over the course of the meal, absorbing the flavors of the ingredients and becoming richer. We chose a mild broth so that everyone could enjoy the subtle flavors without it being too spicy. In the Netherlands, you can buy a good base for broths in Asian stores, where you often find a wide selection of different types. There are various kinds of broths, ranging from mild to spicy, and it’s important to choose a base that matches the taste preferences of your guests.

The role of dipping sauces

Dipping sauces are essential for hotpot. They add extra flavor to the cooked ingredients. Traditional dipping sauces can include sesame paste, soy sauce, garlic, chili oil, and fresh herbs. It’s fun to offer a variety of sauces so everyone can create their own perfect combination.

Which meats go well with hotpot?

Thinly sliced meats are ideal for hotpot because they cook quickly and remain tender. Beef, lamb, and pork are popular choices. The meat is often cut into thin slices to ensure quick and even cooking.

Which vegetables work best?

Vegetables also play an important role in hotpot. Some popular choices include Chinese cabbage, spinach, mushrooms, tofu, and lotus root. These vegetables not only add flavor but also texture and color to the meal.

Where can you find these ingredients?

You can usually find an Asian store in every city, and often even in smaller towns. Traditional Asian grocery stores are typically run by people who have expert knowledge of the products. We opted for mild sauces and a mild broth because part of our family doesn’t like spicy food. They do enjoy mildly spiced flavors, though. The electric hotpot itself can be conveniently ordered online; I have this one myself.