Liuyishou Hotpot
#168, 9700 105 Avenue
780-425-8888

If there’s one thing Tony likes, its noodles. I’ve had noodles from the streets of Bangkok to Barcelona, and Bari to Brighton. So, this time when Tony heard of a new spot for Hot Pot at the Pacific Rim Mall I thought, “Hey, why not?”

So, the Missus and I and headed over to Liuyishou Hotpot. Now, while Tony knows most forms of noodles, Hot Pot has always been a bit of mystery. Tony’s not afraid of asking the staff for a little help and guidance. The concept is pretty simple when you think about it, rather like making your own soup. Pick a broth from Original (spicy to very spicy) or the recommended Tomato Based Broth which is a little reminiscent of a Tom Yum soup.

Missus Tony ordered the Mildly Spicy Original broth, and man, it was spicy! Whew! We had to swap out midway through. If you haven’t grown up eating this version of spicy, you might want to stick with the tomato.

Next, pick some protein to go in your soup. There are many selections from lamb, beef, and pork, to seafood and more traditional items like tripe, kidney, and ox throat. Then, you pick some veggies to toss in and you’re set.

Lastly, there is the most important part – the noodles. There are loads of other things you can add to round it out as well, like green onion cakes, skewers, spring rolls, or fried rice. The broth comes to your table, you fire up the little induction burner in front of you, and badda boom – you’re making soup table-side.

Once your broth gets boiling, you drop in a little meat, some veggies, and your noodles. There is a central buffet of tasty things to add to your soup, so go poke around and if in doubt, ask. In the end, you have a tasty meal you cooked yourself.

Now, with that said, things can also go terribly wrong – so think about it, ask questions. I personally have never used Chive Sauce in anything, so who knows if it goes with shrimp? Plan on taking your time and making a mess. You need to let the bits cook as you simmer that broth, and with each addition it takes on a new flavour. Lunch for two ran the Missus and me about $45 with a couple of pops and a decent tip. They are open 7 days a week from 11:30 a.m. To 2:30 p.m., then again from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

They are on the lower level of the Pacific Rim Mall at 9700 105 Avenue.

Tony lives in McCauley.