Jenny Lao-Phillips
It may be a bit hard to say exactly if winter is here, with the weather these days. However, one thing we can be sure of is that it is the season for 火煱 (Huo Wo = Hot Pot).
It is true that hot pot restaurants are open everywhere, and with restaurants serving hot pot even when it is 35 degrees outside with the air conditioning turned to the maximum, eating hot pot in winter may have lost its significance. Still, when the temperature goes down and sweaters are brought out, we cannot help but think of a steamy pot of savory soup with a variety of meat and fish and vegetables.
Hot pot is not only delicious and easy to prepare, it is said to represent the Chinese culture. According to my research, the tradition of eating hot pot could date back to six thousand years ago. Ancient pots found by archeologists showed that when our ancestors were living in caves, they were already using pots that were believed to be put over fire, filled with water in which to boil food. Whether or not these theories were true, the consumption of hot pot dates back to at least one thousand and seven hundred years ago, judging from the references to hot pot in the literature of the time.
Hot pot is not just a kind of dish in Chinese cuisine. It represents both solidarity and individualism, and is not to be eaten alone; it is a type of food that needs to be shared among family and friends. In ancient China, neighbors would join together on cold days to enjoy hot pot for warmth and for social gatherings. At the same time, everyone can bring their favorite foods to be boiled together in a large pot of soup, allowing individuals to have their own choice of food while still sharing the meal.
Nowadays, hot pots are still eaten on casual social occasions. They are not served at important events even if lobster and oysters are served in the pot. It is not intended as an extravagant meal, but represents a form of sharing and harmony for occasions of warmth and friendship. For hot pot gatherings, the group chooses the soup base together, but the taste of the food can be different as each one mixes their own sauce for their food. While there is togetherness, everyone at the table still gets to choose how they like their food, not unlike the neighborhood hot pot of ancient times.
Although there are dedicated hot pot restaurants, hot pot is also a good opportunity to invite family and friends over for dinner. When there are multiple diners, the host need not worry about what each of the guests would like to eat, and no one needs to run around to cook and serve. With hot pot, the hosts only need to buy a variety of meat, fish, and veggies, and everyone can do their own cooking while chatting and sharing stories. Moreover, on cold winter days, the hot pot may serve as central heating as well.
Therefore, I believe that hot pot is one of the best Chinese inventions for social gatherings. We don’t have to worry about moments of silence when no one is talking, since everyone can be kept busy by cooking their food. One need not be a good chef to invite people over for dinner; just owning a pot will do.
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