Fodor's Expert Review Hai Di Lao Hot Pot

Hot pot is an ultra-popular meal in East and Southeast Asia (where it's generally known as steamboat). Although locals in China eat it year round, it's best in winter, not the sweltering summers that much of the country sees. A metal pot of broth–either mild or spicy–sits at the center of the table and, while it simmers, you add whatever ingredients you've ordered. Hai Di Lao is a well-known country-side chain with fairly good service and a picture menu, but hot pot ingredients don't vary much– there's thinly sliced meats (usually beef and mutton), meat dumplings, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, wide, flat noodles, and sometimes seafood. There are a handful of dipping sauces available, including a spicy chili sauce and the more mild, sweet peanut sauce.

Hot pot is really not a good option for vegetarians unless there is specifically vegetarian broth; otherwise, assume it has meat it in.