This Chinese restaurant has been around for a few years, yet it has changed its name and style over time. It is now Liu’s and hotter than ever. Due to its popularity, Mama Liu & Sons is no (longer a) place for dinner decisions on a whim, but rather for a planned visit – they take reservations (seriously).

Hot pot, 火锅 (huoguo, a composition of “fire” + “pot”) in Chinese, is a popular way of boiling raw ingredients at your table. There are also vegetarian versions, but the original is slices of meat with vegetables. One pot feeds about two people, especially if you order an additional dish with it. You can choose two different soups to boil your choice in since their hot pots can hold separate broths.

In China, 海底捞 (Haidilao) is probably the most praised hot pot chain. However, the Liu family can keep up with their delicious soups. My favorite is the spicy one, while my company usually fancies the tasty beef stock, but great dumplings or tofu dishes are waiting for you at Mama Liu’s.

You can bring your cards, yet they won’t get you far with them: it is a cash-only place!