As winter approaches, people in Shanghai and many other cities around China start to experience their annual craving for hotpot. Nothing warms people up better in a cold winter night than a sizzling mutton hotpot. Although the winter hotpot is not a Shanghai tradition, eating hotpot has become widely popular among the Shanghainese. Today, one may find hotpots of various styles and tastes in Shanghai, ranging from the traditional Beijing hotpot that features the trademark copper pot, to alternative variants of Westernized hotpot such as chocolate hotpots, also known as fondue au chocolat. To help the NYUSH community get their yearly hotpot fix, here is the lowdown on a few hotpot restaurants near the Academic Building that might be worth checking out. Haidilao 浦东新区 张杨路588号百脑汇6楼(近南泉北路) 6F, 588 Zhangyang Road (near North Nanquan Rd) One of NYUSH community’s all time favorite. Haidilao is not only notable for their wide selection of hotpot ingredients, but also their superb service (they are also infamous for their long waiting lines). However, you can still enjoy fruits and snacks as you wait for a much-coveted table in the restaurant and watch the phenomenal noodle-stretching show brought privately to your table by well-trained waiters. The only major complaint we have about Haidilao is its price - compared to other hotpot restaurants, Haidilao is slightly more expensive. However, the small hike in price can be justified, considering its extremely excellent service. Jingweixuan - Old Beijing Mutton Hotpot 京味轩 － 老北京涮羊肉 潍坊路172号(东方路 世纪大道) 172 Weifang Road Located conveniently on Weifang Road, Jingweixuan Restaurant offers the traditional Beijing hotpot in classic copper pots at a still reasonable price (around 75 RMB per person). In addition to the hotpots, the restaurant also offers a selection of lamb skewers and other grilled delicacies. Best for a weekday evening gathering. Chongqing Gaolaojiu Hotpot 金陵东路500号亚龙国际广场5楼 5F, 500 East Jinling Road If you love spicy food, don’t forget to check out Chongqing (重庆) hotpot. Originating from the city of Chongqing in the southwestern region of China, Chongqing hotpots inherited the spicy flavors from Sichuan (四川) cuisine which serves an important influence and also a source of inspiration for the Chongqing hotpot. Characterized by its oily texture and spicy flavor resulting from its excessive use of pepper and chilli, Chongqing hotpot is not for the faint-hearted: only go if you can handle the heat. Gaolaojiu is a chain restaurant based in Chongqing that opened its Shanghai branch in 2013. Although the restaurant a little further away, those who are ready to try out something more exotic than Haidiao might want to check this restaurant out. This article was written by Richard Lewei Huang. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Grey World