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 are yin-yang shaped.

In China, 海底捞 (Haidilao) is probably the most praised hot pot chain. However, I think the Liu family can keep up with their delicious soups. My favorites: the spicy one and the tasty beef stock one, but also great dumplings or tofu dishes are waiting for you at Mama Liu’s.