BEIJING, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Touring Beijing in the colder winter months is still enjoyable, as long as travelers know the best way to warm up -- a delicious Beijing Hot Pot. This famous style of eating is a traditional favorite in winter because of its warming effects and delicious, unique taste. Diners cook their selected ingredients in a boiling broth set on their table. Beijing is home to hundreds of delicious hot pot restaurants, varying in style and taste. The China Guide ( http://www.TheChinaGuide.com ) often takes visitors for a warm hot pot after a chilly afternoon walk through the Forbidden City.
Beijing's hot pot restaurants vary based on the ingredients, types of meats offered, the soup base, sauces and cooking pots. Diners can choose from a selection of meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu, noodles, as well as selecting the type of soup broth. Meat is served frozen and thinly sliced for quick cooking, lamb being the most popular choice. Items are put into the pot at a leisurely pace and once cooked, dipped in a unique sesame paste or other sauces if desired. Soup broths can be mild or spicy depending on the preference. Beijing-style hot pot is generally milder in flavor whereas Sichuan style is very spicy using a special numbing pepper. Whatever visitors choose to dine on, they will be warmed up by a classic taste of northern Chinese cuisine, as have billions before them.
Traditional hot pot is done using a large brass pot, lit and kept warm with charcoal in the central chimney. There is usually one pot per table, letting everyone share in the cooking process. Eating hot pot in the traditional style is a great cultural experience for travelers. However, it is still delicious when using the more modern way, lit by gas or a small fire. For those who are looking to try a variety of flavors, The China Guide recommends dining at a restaurant that offers a two-sided pot. One side will have a mild-flavored broth while the other will have a spicy version. And for those who are particular about their cooking style and ingredients, modern restaurants offer personal hot pots with individual hot plates to keep the broth simmering.
Eileen Mooney, restaurant critic and author of Beijing Eats, says, "Hot pot is the best thing to have in winter in Beijing. It can be enjoyed with friends and family. I think the best place for hot pot is in the Muslim Quarter, Niu Jie. There is a restaurant called Ju BaoYuan. They have the best meat cuts and the dipping sauce is done in the traditional way. They have loads of vegetables and delicious sesame bread to go with it." Ju Bao Yuan restaurant offers traditional hot pot cooking in brass pots.
Hot pot restaurants can be found throughout Beijing. Many can be found in the Tiananmen area or Qianmen Historical shopping street, making for a convenient lunch stop after a morning of sightseeing.
The China Guide's English speaking staff will customize tour itineraries for Beijing visitors, including famous historical sights, cultural activities and a warming meal at a local hot pot restaurant.
For an introduction to Hot Pot with photos, visit:
http://www.thechinaguide.com/food/hotpot.html
Ju BaoYuan Hotpot Restaurant:
Bldg. 1, Niujie Xili, Xuanwu District
Tel. +86 8354 5602
The China Guide
The China Guide, http://www.TheChinaGuide.com , is a Beijing based travel agency, American owned and operated. Specializing in western-style service and quality with hassle free web bookings, they work with clients to customize tours that match their travel style. Operating only in China, they have up to date knowledge and offer exciting experiences for travelers including their famous Sleep on the Great Wall tour. The China Guide avoids the common factory shopping stops that are not reflective of the true China.
