Kitchen

Enjoying Hotpot: The Difference Between Chinese and Japanese Hotpot

by Kevyn Gohu
September 2, 2025

Nothing comforts a family more than a hot pot filled with soup and different kinds of meat

Warm. Cozy. Wholesome. Three words that sum up the Chinese or Japanese hotpot experience, or just any bowl of soup in general.

Especially in the Philippines, soup and stews play a big role on our tables. While they fill tummies, they also ensure the family gets all the nutrients they need. And if cooking at home isn’t an option, Metro Manila has many hotpot restaurants to offer—mostly originating from China and Japan.

The best part is— both are delicious, fun, and kid-friendly. However, they bring different flavors and traditions to the table.

So, what’s the difference? Let’s break it down for parents looking to add a cozy food adventure to family mealtimes.

Nothing comforts a family more than a hot pot filled with soup and different kinds of meat

1. The Broth: Bold vs. Subtle

Almost every Chinese hotpot restaurant offers at least two kinds of broth: Mala (麻辣), which is a “numbing spicy,” and herbal chicken broth. Regardless, both boast bold flavors. They also often use Chicken or Beef broth as their base.

However, Japanese hotpot restaurants (or nabe-style restaurants) prefer to keep it simple. They usually offer either beef broth or konbu-based (seaweed) broth. Sometimes, they only offer one pot. Others like Shaburi and Kintan in Ayala Malls by the Bay do a split pot, similar to Chinese restaurants.

2. The Ingredients: Wide Variety vs. Seasonal Focus

Chinese hotpot restaurants have a pantry of ingredients. Sliced meats from different animals, tofu, mushrooms, an assorted colorful set of fish balls, vegetables, noodles in all shapes and sizes—a Chinese hotpot is basically a kitchen-style restaurant for those who love culinary. Some even joke, “The more exotic ingredients, the more authentic the hotpot experience will be!”

Japanese hotpot restaurants, on the other hand, are perfect for those who are easily overwhelmed. They focus more on familiar beef cuts like the thin beef, or what we often call the sukiyaki beef. If we’re looking for a way to introduce the kids to hotpot, try the Japanese hotpot first.

3. The Dipping Sauces: Personalization vs. Minimalism

Chinese hotpot is all about freedom. Every one of the hotpot restaurants has a bar where we can make our own sauces. They have usuals though like spring onion, chopped chili, garlic, hotpot sauce, and peanut sauce. Some restaurants even have their own special mixes! However, more experienced families even use some of the sauces to enhance the broth. (e.g., adding garlic to the soup, etc.)

Japanese hotpots keep it minimal. They offer ponzu (a citrusy soy sauce) or the goma-dare (sesame sauce). If they have a grill accompanying it, they’ll also offer sesame oil with salt and pepper. But for Japanese hotpots, their goal is to highlight the ingredient’s natural flavor. Not overwhelm it.

4. The Experience: Spicy Adventure vs. Gentle Harmony

Considering how much “freedom” there is in switching things up, it’s no surprise that Chinese hotpot restaurants are always bustling! Loud, festive, and sometimes chaotic—loud laughter is very common as everyone’s fishing around the pot screaming, “Who got this!?”

Japanese hotpots feel calmer, and the restaurants themselves have a more zen-like feel. Ingredients are cooked in batches and are often plated thoughtfully. They’re also served with rice or noodles for balance. It’s perfect for families who enjoy quiet meals.

5. Family Friendliness

Chinese hotpot, because of its various broths, is perfect for families who love variety and adventure. Just watch out for the spice levels if the kids aren’t too fond of spicy food.

Japanese hotpot is milder in flavor and simpler in dining experience. Same amount of fun but a little more controlled. Plus, kids usually love Japanese food because the food’s fresh and vibrant. Nabe-style restaurants are wonderful entry points for the kids to introduce them to hotpot culture.

The Heart of Hotpot: Family Togetherness

Whether it’s the fiery kick of Chinese hotpot or the gentle comfort of Japanese nabemono, both traditions remind us of one important thing: food tastes best when shared. Sitting around a bubbling pot encourages kids to try new flavors, teaches patience as everyone waits for food to cook, and creates memories that go far beyond the table.

So, the next time you’re planning a cozy family dinner, why not try bringing the family out for hotpot? It helps keep the picky eating to a minimum, plus it exposes kids to food that we don’t normally have at home.