Montreal is home to a wealth of must-visit spots for lovers of Asian cuisine, and hot pot is one of the most immersive dining experiences. There's nothing quite like a steaming broth, where fresh ingredients simmer slowly, allowing each bite to be adjusted to personal taste. Tender meats, flavorful seafood, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles come together to create the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Originally from China, this culinary tradition has spread across Asia, adapting to local tastes and ingredients.
- In Mongolia, lamb is often the star ingredient, while in Japan, shabu-shabu highlights thinly sliced beef and delicately flavored broths.
- In Korea, the local version incorporates kimchi and bold spices, while in Vietnam, lẩu stands out with its tangy notes and abundance of fresh herbs.
- In Thailand, Jim Jum is distinguished by its cooking method in an earthenware pot over charcoal, infusing its broth with aromas of lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, and Thai basil, creating a balance between freshness and depth of flavor.
- Chinese hot pot, with its many variations, is often spicy and infused with flavors like star anise and cinnamon.
Each country brings its own distinctive touch to this culinary tradition while maintaining the same principle of gradual cooking and interactive dining.
Montreal offers a wide selection of restaurants that celebrate this diversity. Some stay true to tradition, preserving time-honored recipes, while others take a modern approach with innovative twists. Whether you're looking for an authentic or reimagined experience, the city offers an incredible range of choices. This selection highlights the best spots where the warmth of the broth enhances Asian flavors, turning each meal into a moment of comfort and indulgence.
Malatang Fondue Épicée ZhangLiang
30 Rue de la Gauchetière O, Montréal, H2Z 1B9
With its 5,800 locations worldwide, ZhangLiang has established malatang as a staple. The Montreal branch stays true to this tradition, allowing diners to customize their bowls with an impressive selection of ingredients. Stuffed meatballs, delicate meat slices, seafood, or noodles-each selection is handed to the kitchen, where it is transformed into a steaming, flavorful dish. One of ZhangLiang's greatest strengths is its outstanding price-to-quality-to-quantity ratio. For an affordable price, diners enjoy a generous and personalized meal. The spice level is adjustable, making it an accessible experience for both those who prefer mild flavors and those who crave fiery heat. The process is straightforward: select your ingredients, pay at the counter, and let the kitchen do the rest. Whether opting for the slightly tangy tomato broth or the intensely spicy mala version, the result is always comforting. The unpretentious atmosphere and efficient service make this a spot worth returning to. Available for takeout and delivery.
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1194 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montréal, H3B 1K1
The Haidilao experience goes beyond a simple Chinese hot pot; it is a culinary spectacle where you become the star of your meal. Start by crafting your sauce at the condiment bar, then explore a variety of textures with fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables. The interactive service adds a playful touch, turning waiting time into an engaging moment: small games, personalized touches, and mesmerizing noodle dances make the experience truly unique. The team ensures a seamless dining experience with hot water refills for tea, cooking recommendations, and delightful surprises throughout your meal. Upon arrival, choose your broth from several options-perhaps the tangy tomato base or the fiery, spicy version? Select your favorite ingredients and watch the magic unfold. The restaurant's lively atmosphere is further enhanced by thoughtful details designed for comfort: warm towels, appetizers before your meal, and expert pairing suggestions. With participatory service, interactive elements, and personal touches, every moment at Haidilao is memorable. Before leaving, take your favorite broth home to extend the enjoyment. Each visit is an opportunity to rediscover flavors, experiment with new combinations, and create festive, flavorful memories that last long after the meal ends.
Photo Credits: duccnguyen
1224 Rue Crescent, Montréal, H3G 2A9
Liuyishou Hotpot is a must-visit destination for lovers of all-you-can-eat Chinese hot pot. From the moment you step inside, the tantalizing aromas of fragrant broths awaken your appetite, while steaming pots create an inviting atmosphere. The restaurant offers a diverse selection of broths, including the signature Liuyishou blend, rich in spices, and a milder duck and pickled radish version, ideal for those who prefer a more balanced flavor profile. The experience is entirely customizable: diners tailor their meals by selecting thinly sliced meats, seasonal vegetables, and homemade noodles. The attentive team provides helpful recommendations on the best ingredient pairings and optimal cooking times. Thoughtful touches like protective aprons and a wide selection of accompaniments, such as silky tofu and enoki mushrooms that soak up the broth's deep flavors, enhance the dining experience. With over 1,300 locations worldwide, Liuyishou Hotpot has established itself as a global hot pot sensation. As soon as the colder months arrive, the restaurant becomes the perfect retreat to warm up with a steaming pot. Each meal begins with a carefully chosen broth-whether the fiery Sichuan-style option or the comforting Japanese sukiyaki, offering a subtly sweet and umami-packed taste. As the broth reaches a rolling boil, ingredients added to the simmering liquid absorb its rich flavors, creating a harmony of textures and aromas-tender meat slices, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles come together beautifully.
Photo Credits: mtlcharles
75 Rue de La Gauchetière, Montréal, H2Z 1C2
A true tribute to shabu shabu, Kagayaki is dedicated to preserving the authenticity of this Japanese specialty. Every detail is carefully curated, from finely sliced meats to meticulously infused broths. Each table is equipped with an individual pot, allowing diners to control the cooking process and tailor flavors to their liking. The selection of meats ranges from ultra-tender wagyu beef to delicately flavored lamb, while seafood lovers can indulge in fresh scallops and squid. For those who enjoy bolder flavors, the spicy broth, infused with chili and shichimi togarashi, is a must-try and a favorite among regulars. The restaurant also offers a diverse selection of Japanese beverages, from warm sake to sparkling yuzu sodas, enhancing each bite with well-balanced pairings. A beloved Japanese tradition is to enrich the broth at the end of the meal by adding rice and a beaten egg, creating a flavorful risotto-like dish. Tea enthusiasts can also complement their meal with sencha or roasted hojicha for a smooth and comforting finish. With its inviting ambiance and attentive service, Kagayaki is the perfect place to linger over a steaming pot, evoking the essence of long, cozy Japanese winter evenings.
Photo Credits: starvingsabrina
240 Avenue Laurier O., Montréal, H2T 2N8
Issan Wineroom highlights the Jim Jum, a traditional hot pot from northeastern Thailand. Served in an earthenware pot heated over charcoal, its fragrant broth-lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and Thai basil-develops deep aromas with a subtle smoky touch. A variety of fresh ingredients are cooked directly in the broth: tender beef, marinated pork, shrimp, squid, crisp vegetables, and rice vermicelli. The classic version offers an assortment of meats, while the larger portion includes even more seafood. For an enhanced experience, additional options such as beef tongue or a mix of mushrooms are also available. The meal is enjoyed in an intimate and welcoming setting, where every detail encourages exploration. A carefully curated selection of wines and Thai-inspired cocktails perfectly complement the dish, adding a refined touch to extend the pleasure of the dining experience.
50 Rue de la Gauchetiere O, Montréal, H2Z 1C1
In Chinatown, Happy Lamb Hot Pot honors Mongolian tradition, with broths simmered for eight hours and a selection of carefully chosen meats. Lamb takes center stage, offered in flavorful cuts, such as freshly sliced shoulder and aged brisket. The experience is available as an all-you-can-eat option or à la carte, with affordable prices and weekday lunch specials that make it even more accessible. The triple pot allows diners to explore multiple flavors in a single meal, a unique feature that sets this spot apart. Fresh vegetables, seafood, and noodles enhance the experience, all enjoyed in a lively atmosphere. To finish, the dessert bar provides a sweet ending to the meal. With multiple locations across Canada, Happy Lamb Hot Pot has established itself as a leader in Mongolian hot pot, showcasing authentic ingredients and a commitment to tradition.
1195 Rue Bishop, Montréal, H3G 0A7
QingShu Fondue offers a fully customizable experience inspired by the Chinese Malatang concept. Here, diners create their own bowl by selecting fresh ingredients-crispy vegetables, thinly sliced meats, or a variety of skewers. Next, they choose between a rich, flavorful broth or a dry version infused with spices. A sauce bar allows for additional seasoning to match individual tastes. The restaurant features a wide selection of broths, ranging from traditional Chinese recipes to Korean and Japanese influences. Options include slow-simmered pork, chilli-infused broths, a kimchi-based soup, and a cabbage broth inspired by Japanese flavors. With a pay-by-weight pricing system, each meal can be adjusted according to appetite and budget. The emphasis on fresh ingredients and deeply infused broths sets QingShu Fondue apart, providing a fast, flavorful, and highly customizable dining experience, whether for lunch or dinner.
2121 Boulevard le Carrefour, Laval, H7S 1Z4
Bold and flavorful, 123 DZO is the only restaurant on this list to offer a Vietnamese-inspired hot pot. Here, dining is an experience meant to be shared, with dishes crafted to bring people together in an energetic setting. During the winter, hot pot takes center stage. The tangy, spicy broth perfectly enhances a delicious mix of plump shrimp, crisp vegetables, and thinly sliced beef. This seasonal specialty turns every meal into a warm and engaging moment, ideal for enjoying comforting food when the weather turns cold. Year-round, 123 DZO showcases a menu inspired by Vietnam's bustling street food scene. From crispy fish sauce chicken wings and fresh shrimp spring rolls to green papaya salad with dried beef, each dish delivers a dynamic balance of textures and flavors. The cocktail menu adds to the experience with creative drinks infused with Southeast Asian influences. Whether indulging in hot pot during the winter or exploring an array of Vietnamese dishes throughout the year, 123 DZO provides a vibrant and satisfying dining experience.
8050 Boulevard Taschereau, Brossard, J4X 1C2
Located in Brossard, Fondue de Pékin stands out with its all-you-can-eat buffet, allowing diners to customize their hot pot experience. This Rive-Sud establishment appeals to both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers eager to explore this Chinese tradition. What makes it special? An impressive variety of ingredients: marinated meats, ultra-fresh seafood, fragrant mushrooms, and handcrafted noodles, all paired with broths ranging from mild to intensely flavorful. Spice lovers will be drawn to the Sichuan broth, while others may opt for a more delicate, subtly aromatic base. The lively atmosphere and well-arranged tables make it ideal for group dining, where every bite is an opportunity for discovery and shared enjoyment.
Photo Credits: hantuehanh
Fans of traditional hot pot or those eager to explore new flavors, Montreal offers plenty of options to satisfy every craving.
For even more choices, check out our dedicated section on fondue restaurants in Montreal.
