Three to taste FANGBIAN HUOGUO

Haidilao’s Spicy Beef Tender

The most expensive pot, at 40 RMB. Created by the best-loved chain in China, the meal certainly looks good, but is nothing like a trip to the real thing

Mala Duo Na’s Chongqing Natural Hot Pot

Boasting a set of spicy chicken wings, Mala Duo Na’s 29 RMB effort is more of a meal than most, with a zingy chudian flavor that’s faithful to its namesake city

Wei Shu Wu’s Rock Hot Pot

An entry-level classic at 25 RMB, with all the right ingredients— literally: the container can barely hold all the vegetables once they’ve re-hydrated—including a whole sausage (albeit made of “chicken”)