Hot pot is loved by many people around the world. But in different countries, customers have different tastes. Some like spicy, some prefer mild flavors, and others need halal options. So, how can overseas hot pot restaurants satisfy different customers and attract more people? One great way is by using custom hot pot soup base.

Using Regional Food Culture to Create Unique Hot Pot Bases

Hot pot restaurants overseas can take inspiration from China’s diverse regional food culture to create customized broths that appeal to different tastes.

For example, Sichuan-style hot pot is famous for its spicy and numbing flavor, thanks to the use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili. Yunnan mushroom hot pot is made with various wild mushrooms, offering a rich and umami taste, perfect for those who prefer a lighter and healthier option. Beijing lamb hot pot focuses on the natural taste of lamb, with a simple broth made from water, scallions, and ginger, while the flavor mainly comes from high-quality lamb and sesame sauce. Guangdong seafood hot pot highlights fresh seafood, with a light and natural broth. Chongqing hot pot is known for its strong beef tallow base and intense spicy, numbing flavor, ideal for those who love bold tastes. Guilin tomato hot pot offers a sweet and tangy tomato broth, making it a great option for customers who don’t like spicy food.

Besides Chinese-style hot pot, restaurants can also introduce other popular Asian hot pot styles. Japanese shabu-shabu features a light kombu broth and high-quality meats, served with special dipping sauces. Korean army stew (Budae Jjigae) has a spicy broth made with Korean chili paste and includes ingredients like spam, sausages, and instant noodles. Thai sukiyaki (Thai Suki) offers a sweet and spicy chicken broth with unique dipping sauces. Vietnamese hot pot often features a lemongrass-flavored sour broth.

By offering a variety of broth options, restaurants can attract more customers with different taste preferences.

Why Custom Hot Pot Soup Broth Matters

Every market is different. A soup base that is popular in China may not suit customers in the U.S., Europe, or the Middle East. Custom soup bases help restaurants:

• Match local tastes – Adjust spice levels, saltiness, and ingredients.

• Offer unique flavors – Stand out from competitors by having special recipes.

• Meet dietary needs – Provide vegetarian, halal, or allergen-free options.