Hello Steem Blockchain!

When you ask foreigners that have come to China what their favourite food is, chances are they will say Hot-Pot!

It is definitely a favourite amongst non-Chinese tourists because of how convenient it is to pick your own ingredients to put in a large pot of flavourful soup broth.
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Lillian and I went to this Muslim restaurant in my city of Qinhuangdao. Muslims have had a profound influence in China; especially in the North-west part of the country. This restaurant does not serve pork which is great for me because I don't eat it. Muslim-style hot pot joints are quite rare in China. Most hot pot restaurants serve all kinds of meat so if you like pork then you are in luck! I was surprised that the colour of our broth was green. Usually it is a murky white colour or red for the spicy type.

How do you eat hot pot?

Choose a broth. Many restaurants allow you to get a pot that is divided into 2 parts: Spicy and Clear broth.
Select your ingredients. Thin slices of meat are the most desired food to put in the hot pot. I recommend putting these ingredients in first because they are the fastest to cook and taste awesome! You can also choose a variety of fresh vegetables and other ingredients like tofu, kelp and noodles.
Make your dipping sauce. In many restaurants, you can get a small bowl and make your own dipping sauce for your food for after it is cooked in the soup. This adds more flavour to whatever you just cooked! Usually, the dipping sauce has a sesame seed paste base and on top you can add vinegar, onions, garlic, sesame oil among other things.
Place your ingredients into the soup and let the boiling broth cook them until tender.
Take the food out with chopsticks and put it in the dipping sauce.
Eat!

Hot pot is the perfect food for social outings. It is something most people choose to do when out with friends or colleagues because everyone can eat from the same pot and it allows people to converse with each other instead of just focusing on your own plate.

Find your nearest Chinese restaurant and see if they have hot pot available!