If you’re not familiar with Asian food, I’m here to help! Not that I’m an expert, but spending the past 7 years with Jimmy has taught me my fair share of Asian culinary knowledge. When our friend, Jean, called us up a few weeks ago to hang out at Mini Hot Pot on Buford Highway, how could we say no? Even if you don’t live in Atlanta, keep reading as hopefully your hometown has a similar establishment.
I’m pretty sure hot pot is a traditional Chinese dish – or rather, bowl. It’s a super fun concept and something out-of-town guests will likely enjoy tremendously, even if they have no clue what they are doing. Basically, you sit at a table that has what amounts to a fondue pot for each individual built in. You select your choice of broth – beef, chicken, and so on – and then order the various menu offerings you want to throw into the broth and cook. Asian fondue.
Generally speaking, most order a large veggie dish with selections of cabbage, spinach, tomatoes – lots of other stuff, even a hot dog! Then you order your meats or tofu along with eggs and other offerings. Really, the choices are plentiful. You also get to concoct your own special sauce either for dipping or flavoring your broth. The sauce making station can be scary, but so much fun to mix and match flavors. The servers will help you out if you need a little extra guidance!
Mini Hot Pot was so much fun and I can’t wait to go back. This particular restaurant in Chamblee is quite tiny so a group larger than six will need to split up. The servers were friendly and helpful – turning the heat of our pots up and down as needed. I had Jimmy mix me a sauce which he kept pretty tame, but I can’t wait to spice it up next time! After letting lots of meats and veggies simmer and flavor my broth, I had the perfect soup mixture left. You can even take it home to make your own soup! I decided to thrown in my corn cob and let is soak up the loveliness and I’m telling you it was the best corn cob EVER. Then I added some noodles and finished my meal off with a delicious noodle soup.
I highly suggest going with a small group and splitting the cost. You will order more food than you can eat – guaranteed – which can make Mini Hot Pot expensive for one or two people – but way less expensive than other fondue joints like The Melting Pot. Be prepared to spend more than the usual time dining as well – you’ll be cooking your own food as you go along after all! Mini Hot Pot also adds a small dish of red bean ice cream at the end of each meal! Enjoy!!
(Photos are not my own. Click the photos for links to the owner.)
The Blog of Litwits 
Brooke,
I still enjoy reading your blogs :o)
If I may recommend a place, try Iron Age off pleasant hill. It’s a Korean grill or whatever you call it. They open late until 1am I think. It’s a great hang out spot and you never have to rush to eat like most asian places lol.
Take Care.
Noi
I’ve heard of Iron Age but never been. Will add it to our list of places to try soon. Thanks for the recommendation and for continuing to read!!