Chinese hotpot restaurants in Jakarta
Food always tastes better in great company but nowhere is that expression more true than when we’re talking about hotpot. On days when Jakarta’s unpredictable weather kicks in and the downpour seems never ending, that’s when you should round up some friends and families and mingle over a bowl of hot mala soup.
From the renowned Hai Di Lao to High Style Hotpot where the chili comes in the shape of an adorable bear, these Chinese hotpot restaurants in Jakarta are bound to perk yourself up when the weather’s bringing you down. If you’re still wary of leaving your house during COVID-19, all of the restaurants listed below also do home deliveries.
1. HaiDiLao Hotpot – China’s renowned hotpot chain with first-rate service
You can mix and match up to 4 soup bases in HaiDiLao
Image credit: @mouthgasm.jkt
After years of our longing glances at our Singaporean neighbors, China’s famed HaiDiLao Hotpot finally made its long-awaited debut on our shores in late 2019. For veterans of the hotpot dining scene, HaiDiLao has long been the gold standard for everything hotpot and we’re overjoyed to see their trademark level of service hasn’t dipped one bit in translation.
Aprons are always provided free of charge
Image credit: @tifanyfaustine
While waiting to be seated, you’re welcome to nibble on complimentary snacks and drinks in the waiting area with a couple of board games thrown in for good measure. Once inside, HaiDiLao provides aprons and ziploc bags to protect your outfit and phones from the boiling mala, which will have you reaching for seconds in no time.
Once boiled in the pot, the crowd favorite Prawn Paste has a lovely crunchy texture
Image credit: @pikavenue
The soup base selection ranges from the Szechuan Mala to the Three Delicacy, a heavenly mix of chicken broth, mushroom, and goji berries. For the proteins, we like the Premium Beef Short Plate (Rp. 68,000, ~USD4.73) as it has the most bang for your buck but their signature Prawn Paste (Rp. 83,000, ~USD5.78) is also not to be missed.
Even after repeated visits, the La Mian dance show never gets old
Image credit: @velasss
If you’re looking for a show to go with your meal, make sure to order the La Mian (Rp. 35,000, ~USD2.44). The noodles are made directly in front of your table by one of HaiDiLao’s cooks and the accompanying dance performance is always a highlight.
While HaiDiLao Indonesia is only a little over a year old, they’ve already opened up five Chinese hotpot restaurants in Jakarta at the time of writing, the details of which you can check here.
2. High Style Hotpot – mala in the shape of an adorable teddy bear
The mala oil and animal fat comes in the shape of adorable teddy bears
Image credit: @highstylehotpot
Most foodies would agree that while flavor is king, an exceptional dining experience at Chinese hotpot restaurants in Jakarta wouldn’t be complete without proper food presentation. For the latter, we can safely say that all-you-can-eat High Style Hotpot knocks it out of the park with their adorable animal-shaped mala seasoning.
To start eating, you’re going to have to strip the meat off Barbie
Image credit: @vincensius1996
The mala teddy bear, which can also come in the shape of a pig, looks as if it’s taking a nice hot bath when placed into the soup and is the main draw here. If that’s not enough, High Style also takes inspiration from Lady Gaga’s iconic meat dress, with the beef being served wrapped around a Barbie doll as if she’s going to a butchery-themed ball.
Pair the Mala with the milder Chicken Collagen soup for a more balanced meal
Image credit: @highstylehotpot
Aside from their signature Mala, they also have other soup bases such as Laksa and Mushroom, and we recommend ordering one in addition to the mala in case you find it’s a little bit too spicy for your liking.
Three packages are available for diners, Regular (Rp. 180,000, ~USD11.13), Premium (Rp. 250,000, ~USD17.39), and Special (Rp. 320,000, ~USD22.27) with more premium cuts available as you go higher up the chain. Do note that the Pantai Indah Kapuk serves additional non-halal dishes but only has ala carte options for these.
High Style Hotpot Senopati
Address: Jl. Wolter Monginsidi No.42-44, RT.1/RW.6, Petogogan, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12180
Opening hours: 11AM-8.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 877 22888668
High Style Hotpot Pantai Indah Kapuk
Address: Jl. Mandara Permai VII, RT.2/RW.7, Kapuk Muara, Kec. Penjaringan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14460
Opening hours: 11AM-12PM, Daily
Telephone: 812 93877891
3. Dragon Hot Pot – pay-by-the-weight hotpot suitable for solo eaters
In Dragon Hot Pot, the restaurant will cook your food and you’ll be notified once it’s done
Image credit: @dragonhotpot.indonesia
While hot pot is best enjoyed over a conversation with friends and families, we’re not going to overlook anyone with a sudden craving for mala. When that happens and you’ve got no one for company, you’d be happy to know that Australia’s Dragon Hot Pot is always ready to welcome you.
Once cooked, your food will be served on Dragon’s signature yellow bowl
Image credit: @dragonhotpot.indonesia
Their hot pot comes in a personal-sized bowl with a choice between their signature Ma La Tang, the less spicy Collagen Bone Broth, or the less soupy Ma La Ban. Once you’ve picked the base, you’re free to pick whatever meat and veggies you like and pay by the weight (Rp. 30,000, ~USD2.09 per 100 grams) with a minimum of 250 grams.
When picking up ingredients from Dragon’s pantry, we feel very much like a MasterChef contestant
Image credit: @ciciadedoyanmakan
The Ma La Tang is pretty mild by default, ensuring that not only you can maintain a manageable portion of food, but that you won’t have to bawl your eyes out from the sheer spiciness as well. Of course, you can also up the spiciness level if you’re looking for a challenge.
They’ve only had their grand opening in Jakarta in August of 2020, but they’ve been so warmly received that they’ve now expanded to a total of four locations in the city. To find one that’s closest to where you live, check out the list here.
4. Lao Lao Huo Guo – green mala soup and gorgeous plating
When ordering the Three Soup Combo, make sure to include their unique Truffle Collagen soup
Image credit: @laolaohuoguo
Red hot mala and Sichuan-style hotpots go hand in hand but for something a bit more left field, we recommend trying out Lao Lao Huo Guo’s new Green Mala soup. This unique soup base is milder than the red mala but just as flavorful with a mix of local herbs and you can even sip the soup by itself without the risk of burning your throat.
Lao Lao’s hexagonal plates are one of the ingenious little details we love about the place
Image credit: @laolaohuoguo
Visitors also have only good things to say about the Truffle Collagen soup with its umami flavor and signature aroma that immediately fills up the room. The standard Mala is also available if you’d like to stick to tradition and we highly recommend ordering the Three Soup Combo (Rp. 129,000, ~USD8.98) for a taste of all three.
The Pork & Shrimp Wonton tastes just as great as it looks
Image credit: @laolaohuoguo
The food selection is also pretty varied, ranging from dim sums to red meat to fresh seafood. If you don’t have any dietary restriction, the Pork & Shrimp Wonton (Rp. 39,000, ~USD2.71) is a must-try and we’re also a big fan of the hexagonal wooden plate they’re served on.
While seafood pastes have a tendency to look unappetizing, Lao Lao’s plating looks straight out of a fine dining establishment
Image credit: @laolaohuoguo
Muslim eaters need not worry as there are enough halal offerings in Lao Lao Huo Guo to keep you satisfied. Their plating game, in particular, shines through in the Mixed Paste Combo (Rp. 79,000, ~USD5.50) with ball-shaped fish, squid, and shrimp pastes served in three individual glasses that practically scream fine dining.
Lao Lao Huo Guo Pesanggrahan
Address: Jl. Pesanggrahan No.168, RT.2/RW.6, Kembangan Sel., Kec. Kembangan, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11610
Opening hours: 11AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 225 86678
Lao Lao Huo Guo Alam Sutera
Address: Jl. Jalur Sutera No.KAV 27 A, Pakualam, Kec. Serpong Utara, Kota Tangerang Selatan, Banten 15320
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11AM-9PM | Sat–Sun 8AM-9PM
Telephone: 501 02918
5. Shu Guo Yin Xiang – upscale ambiance with face-changing dance performances
Hot pot might be centuries-old but Shu Guo’s decor in their Sunter location is anything but dated
Image credit: @shuguoyinxiang
Marrying centuries-old hot pot traditions with contemporary upscale ambiance, Shu Guo Yin Xiang occupies a special spot among Jakartans. Their main location in Mangga Besar, West Jakarta regularly draws quite a crowd, with waiting times reaching up to two hours on the weekends.
We find the Szechuan Mala and Pork Bone soup to be the ideal combo in Shu Guo
Image credit: @shuguoyinxiang
Once you’ve stepped in, it’s not hard to see why as the ambiance and the decor is matched only by the quality of the food. The Pork Bone soup manages to be rich without being nauseating and pairs particularly well with the Szechuan Mala if you order the Two Soup Combination (Rp. 128,000, ~USD8.91).
Food spread at Shu Guo with veggies, noodles, beancurd skin, and beef
Image credit: @shuguoyinxiang
For the food, we recommend their Fuzhou Fish Balls (Rp. 58,000, ~USD4.04) with minced pork filling wrapped inside a fluffy fish ball. We also like their Deep Fried Beancurd Skin Roll (Rp. 32,000, ~USD2.23) as this sinful pleasure comes with a pretty generous portion here.
Bian Lian, or face-changing dance performances, are held every day in Shu Guo
Image credit: @shuguoyinxiang
As a feast for the eyes, Shu Guo also holds daily bian lian, or face-changing performances, inside the restaurant. There’s no fixed scheduling as it’s meant to be a surprise, but it’s performed in all outlets, details of which you can check here, so always keep an eye out whenever you decide to visit.
6. Eight Treasures – nourishing cartilage soup and rose-shaped pork belly
The Nourishing Cartilage soup alone is more than enough reason to drop by Eight Treasures
Image credit: @8treasuresjkt
The number eight symbolizes good fortune in China and it’s no coincidence that Eight Treasures offers a healthier alternative to your garden variety mala hot pot. Their specialty is the Nourishing Cartilage (Rp. 68,000, ~USD4.73) soup, made by boiling cartilage for twelve hours, resulting in a collagen-rich white soup that supposedly will do wonders for your life expectancy.
The dramatic dry ice effect coming from below the Angus Short Ribs is always a joy to see
Image credit: @8treasuresjkt
We can’t exactly vouch for the health-boosting aspects but taste-wise, the creamy and savory soup base is a definite hit in our book. The Szechuan Mala (Rp. 68,000, ~USD4.73) is also refreshingly infused with spices, resulting in a considerably bolder flavor than what we’re used to.
The Iberico Pork Collar, with smoke from the dry ice, is always a visual marvel
Image credit: @geonibbles
The soup base isn’t the only highlight of Eight Treasures though as the rose-shaped Iberico Pork Collar (Rp. 158,000, ~USD10.99) is sure to make a fine addition to your social media profile.
Also of note is the USDA Prime Angus Short Ribs (Rp. 208,000, ~USD14.47), served ‘hanging’ on a wooden pole as if they’re wet laundry, with smoke from the dry ice billowing from underneath resulting in a visually arresting dish.
Eight Treasures Plaza Indonesia
Address: Plaza Indonesia South Gate Level 4, RT.9/RW.5, Gondangdia, Kec. Menteng, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11AM-3PM, 6AM-10PM | Sat–Sun 11AM-10PM
Telephone: 811 9698688
Eight Treasures Pacific Place
Address: Pacific Place Level G Unit 77, RT.5/RW.3, Senayan, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11AM-3PM, 6AM-10PM | Sat–Sun 11AM-10PM
Telephone: 811 8589699
Eight Treasures Pantai Indah Kapuk
Address: Arcade Business Center Ground Floor, Jl. Pantai Indah Utara 1 No.2, RT.2/RW.7, Kapuk Muara, Kec. Penjaringan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14460
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11AM-3PM, 6AM-10PM | Sat–Sun 11AM-10PM
Telephone: 811 8986886
7. Khubilai Khan Mongolian Hot Pot – handmade ceramic hot pot for lamb aficionados
The restaurant’s staff are always dressed in traditional Mongolian attire
Image credit: @pappa_rt
Yes, we’re stretching the definition of Chinese hot pot a bit but aside from several differences, Khubilai Khan is actually pretty similar to the others in this list. You won’t find any red mala soup here though as there’s only one choice of soup base, the herb-infused Chicken Soup (Rp. 100,000, ~USD6.96 for the large bowl) served in handmade ceramic hot pots.
Khubilai Khan’s ceramic pot stands out among the competition
Image credit: @ng_tamie
Unlike typical steel or copper hot pots, Khubilai Khan’s ceramic hot pots are lovingly adorned with patterns and constitute a major part of the restaurant’s appeal. And if you find yourself looking for that missing mala kick, there’s plenty at the condiment bar if you want to add some spice to your dishes.
For those struggling with lamb’s gamey nature, the Lamb Skewer with Cumin provides a more palatable spin
Image credit: @food_loper
While pork and beef are available here, we recommend ordering the Australian Lamb (Rp. 98,000, ~USD6.82), a Mongolian staple, instead. It is a bit of an acquired taste though, so if you’re struggling with the smell, try the Lamb Skewer with Cumin (Rp. 150,000, ~USD10.44) as the spices help balance out the gamey nature of the meat.
Address: Jl. Panjang No.22, RT.6/RW.11, Kb. Jeruk, Kec. Kb. Jeruk, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11530
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11.30AM-2.30PM, 5.30AM-10.30PM | Sat–Sun 11.30AM-11PM
Telephone: 811 8986886
8. Liuyishou Chongqing Hot Pot – meter-long meat platter and extra spicy mala
To prevent you from accidentally eating the mala, the filtered pot has them isolated in the middle
Image credit: @liuyishou_chongqing_neosoho
The name is a bit of a mouthful but like HaiDiLao, Liuyishou is a huge hot pot chain with a presence that stretches from China to the United States. As the name suggests, they specialize in the mouth-burningly spicy Chongqing-style hotpot with their mala soup base available in an Extra Spicy variant if you’re up to the challenge.
Their location in Neo Soho has seats by the window offering you a view of the surrounding Podomoro City superblock
Image credit: @_shinchaaa
What we especially like though is the filtered pot option where the mala seasoning is isolated in the middle so you won’t eat it by mistake. It’s still one of the spiciest among Chinese hotpot restaurants in Jakarta though, so we recommend pairing it up with the milder Corn Pork Rib or Chicken Soup for the Two Soup Filtered Combination (Rp. 216,000, ~USD14.97).
You can order up to three different types of meat with the 1 Meter Rack Mixed Meat
Image credit: @liuyishou_chongqing_neosoho
If you’re dining with a large group, make sure to order the 1 Meter Rack Mixed Meat (Rp. 368,000, ~USD25.51) available with any three combinations of chicken, beef, lamb, and/or pork. The Dark Beef Tripe (Rp. 138,000, ~USD9.56), locally known as babat, is also a good choice as this delicacy is known to absorb the flavor of the soup rather well.
Liuyishou Chongqing Hot Pot Neo Soho
Address: Mall Neo Soho Level 2, Jl. Jelambar Barat No.28, RT.3/RW.5, Tj. Duren Sel., Kec. Grogol petamburan, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11470
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 877 80103767
Liuyishou Chongqing Hot Pot Puri Indah Mall
Address: Puri Indah Mall Expansion Level 2, Jl. Puri Agung, RT.1/RW.2, Kembangan Sel., Kec. Kembangan, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11610
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 817 6980870
Chinese hotpot restaurants in Jakarta
As our masochistic love for everything that burns our tongue has been well-documented, we’re not surprised at how quickly mala hotpots have made their home in the city.
When the usual BBQ all-you-can-eat options are starting to get old, these Chinese hotpot restaurants in Jakarta are worth a look when the city’s unending rain starts to get you down.
For more dining recommendations in Jakarta, check out these stories:
- Kopitagram launches banana milk spray for quick relief from spice
- 8 outdoor dining restaurants in Jakarta for socially distanced brunches
- Petak Enam in Glodok offers plenty of great food in a Peranakan-inspired open space
Cover image adapted from @highstylehotpot, @andyxiao88, and @geonibbles
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