Few dining rituals fully capture the spirit of togetherness quite like a hot pot. stretching back more than a thousand years in China, hot pot began as a meal cooked over open flames and evolved into a deeply regionalised culinary tradition. The essence of a hot pot is universal: friends and family gather around a steaming pot — cooking, dipping, sharing and eating together. That same essence is what’s fuelling the hot pot wave across Johannesburg today. Interactive, social and slow-paced in a way that encourages conversation, it’s no surprise that hot pot is finding a home in the city that loves dining out and is constantly exploring new ways to connect over food. From authentic neighbourhood joints to stylish new openings, these hot pot hotspots are some of the standout destinations to try.
Bull Hot Pot
Located in Rivonia Village, Bull Hot Pot is the newest Chaoshan-style Chinese hot pot restaurant in the city. From the moment you step inside, the space sets a different tone. Moody reds paired with sleek black accents create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and contemporary. Lighting is carefully considered with soft, warm overhead lights that highlight the tables without overwhelming the room.
At the table, the experience is as authentic as it gets, with a choice of broths, platters of thinly sliced beef, vegetables, mushrooms and tofu, ready to be dipped and swirled. ‘Chaoshan hot pots have a slightly more refined style compared to other regional hotpots,’ says Angela Rossen, marketing and communications lead at Bull Hot Pot. ‘These hot pots are focused on lighter broths, the quality of the meat, and using the freshest ingredients possible. The whole idea of a hot pot is to savour the taste, mix and match sauces, and just to have fun with it.’
Bull Hot Pot captures the conviviality of the dish’s tradition while wrapping it in a contemporary setting that makes it perfect for both casual dinners with friends and polished nights out.
Chong Qing, Cyrildene
All about the roots of the tradition, this restaurant in Cyrildene (Johannesburg’s unofficial Chinatown) has become a destination for anyone craving the unmistakable, authentic hot pot experience. ‘It started as a family restaurant in 2002,’ says Michael Wang, owner and head chef of Chong Qing. ‘In the first 15 years, we were mainly doing Chinese food, but my dad always had a dream of bringing the hot pot to South Africa.’
As one of the oldest hot pot restaurants in Johannesburg, Chong Qing has built a reputation for its specialities — mainly the cumin beef, coriander balls and shrimp mince balls — that keep diners coming back for more. What Chong Qing delivers is less of an ‘Instagram moment’ and more of a cultural immersion into authentic cuisine. Ultimately, it’s the sense of community that set it apart. ‘Hot pots are totally interactive, so it’s good for couples, families and groups of friends. It’s a very social meal, and that’s what makes the whole experience so special,’ Michael adds. The restaurant’s popularity among Johannesburg’s Chinese community says everything about its fidelity to tradition, the same with locals willing to take the plunge into something fiery and utterly addictive.
More Hotpot Hotspots
- In Parkhurst and Sunninghill, Surasang Korean BBQ offers an authentic barbecue experience, plus their classic ‘Shabu Shabu’ — a traditional Korean hot pot. Surasang’s menu includes the very best of Korean street food, including spicy kimchi, bulgogi, savoury soups and rice dishes. Their hot pot experience promises a fun and communal element to each meal.
- My Pot, located inside Yamakado in Fourways, is another hot pot spot on the rise. On offer is a range of different meats, seafood and veggies in flavourful broths. The inclusion of hot pot on the menu adds to Yamakada’s daily all-you-can-eat sushi buffets and endless selection of Asian favourites.
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This article was originally published in the House & Garden December/January 2026 Issue
