London has acquired quite the taste for hotpot in recent years, and foodies are spoilt for choice when it comes to the city’s best spots. From rich, spicy broths to delicate, nuanced flavours, each restaurant puts its own spin on this traditional dish. The result is the perfect dining experience—lively, cosy, and social, perfect for sharing the feast with friends, enjoying a date night, or diving chopsticks-first into deep and delicious flavours the cuisine has to offer.
With no shortage of hotpot hotspots, here is a shortlist of standouts that you simply can’t afford to miss:
Da Long Yi Hot Pot | 5a Berners St, London W1T 3LA
Arguably one of the most memorable hotpot experiences in central London, Da Long Yi brings authentic Sichuan flavours to the table, rooted in traditional recipes with a modern twist. Founded in 2013 in Chengdu, the brand now has over 300 locations across China and nearly 20 international branches, earning accolades such as China’s Top 10 Hotpot Brands and the Golden Hotpot Award.
Start by choosing from signature broths, from the fiery Da Long Yi spicy oil to milder mushroom or tomato bases (we recommend one of each), then dive into fresh ingredients like thinly sliced ribeye, fatty pork belly, seafood, mushrooms, and vegetables – and don’t forget to customise your dipping sauce at the station to make every bite your own. There are a lot of theatrics at Da Long Yi, from the yard-long meat platters to the upright skewers, but don’t miss the Volcano Beef for that Instagrammable moment you don’t want to miss.
Haidilao | The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX; Piccadilly Circus, London W1D 7DH
A Goliath in the world of hotpot, Haidalao’s reputation for exceptional service and interactive flair precedes it. Founded in 1994 in Jianyang, Sichuan Province, the chain now operates over 1,400 locations globally, earning praise for quality ingredients and consistently engaging dining experiences.
The menu of meats, seafood, and vegetables is top quality and extensive, and guests can indulge in their in bubbling broths while enjoying theatrics like the famous hand-pulled noodle “dance.” Broth options range from rich, spicy butter to lighter tomato or mushroom bases, with standout ingredients including the signature prawn paste, tender marinated beef, and the forever-popular fried pork belly. Try the Tender Pork Aorta for something truly unique. The combination of high-quality produce, ultra-customizable broths, and playful interactive touches makes Haidilao an unmissable hotpot destination for groups or solo diners seeking something beyond a standard meal.
Nan Hotpot | 1 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BP
If you’re looking to satiate a midnight hotpot craving, Nan Hotpot is just the place for you. This high-energy Chongqing-style spot in the heart of Chinatown stays open until 3am, offering bold, authentic broths and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. The vintage Ming-inspired interior is a far cry from its neon-filled postcode, creating a lively but authentic backdrop for friends, family, or theatre-goers looking for a late-night feast.
Nan Hotpot serves a range of broths, from fragrant, spicy Sichuan butter to rich tomato, with the half-and-half option allowing diners to enjoy the best of both worlds. Standout ingredients include thinly sliced ribeye, marinated tender beef, king prawn skewers, and sweet potato noodles, all perfect for cooking at your table, while the sauce station lets you customise your dipping blends. And for the special touch, end the meal with their viral shaved ice desserts, like the Strawberry Panda or Taro Snow Mountain, which offer a sweet, cooling finish to the fiery flavours of the hotpot.
Happy Lamb Hot Pot | Holborn, Bayswater, and More
For something truly unique, Happy Lamb delivers authentic Mongolian-style hotpot with rich, milky broths simmered for over six hours from carefully selected hens and beef bones. The restaurant prides itself on premium meats sourced from Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, hand-sliced for tender, buttery results. Guests can choose up to three broths, including the nourishing Original Bone Broth and the bold Spicy Broth, each packed with a depth and flavour that stands out from the rest of the London hotpot restaurants.
Our top recommendations include Natural Supreme Lamb and garlic-marinated beef, paired with wood ear mushrooms, tofu, and hand-cut noodles. The fish balls and lamb skewers are a must, but don’t leave without trying the deep-fried sesame balls – a real Happy Lamb highlight.
Honourable mention: Tian Fu | 37-39 Bulwer St, London W12 8AR
Stepping outside the confines of the multi-branch, West End-based eateries that headline the hotpot scene in the city, Tian Fu’s approach centres on traditional Sichuan cooking and serious culinary pedigree. The kitchen is led by award-winning Chef Zhang XiaoZhong, a third-generation Sichuan chef from Chengdu who trained from childhood under his uncle and grandfather, the latter having served as personal chef to former Chinese Premier Deng Xiaoping. Chef Zhang later honed his craft in Beijing and Shanghai before moving to London, where he led the kitchens at BarShu and HuTong and earned international recognition, including a Gold award at the 5th International Competition of Eat East Food in Beijing.
And the output is just as impressive as you’d imagine. Tian Fu’s “Best Traditional Si Chuan Hot Pot” is the obvious place to start, with diners choosing from broths such as spicy, vegetable, or chicken soup before adding fresh seafood, quality meats, traditional vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Don’t miss an order of the spicy Ma Po Tofu, or the signature pork and vegetable dumplings which are some of the best we’ve tried. Alongside the hotpot offering, the restaurant features an extensive wine list with almost 20 varieties, plus a range of oriental liqueurs, teas, and soft drinks. It may not yet top TikTok’s most viral hotpot lists, but it’s the one we can’t wait to return to – once the spice finally wears off.
