Hot pot is a popular communal style of cooking and eating that originated in China. It involves simmering broth in a pot at the dining table and cooking thinly sliced ingredients in the broth. Diners can pick and choose ingredients to cook in the broth and create their own customized meal. Hot pot restaurants are abundant, especially in areas with large Asian populations. But is it cheaper to have hot pot at home versus going to a restaurant? Let’s take a look at the costs involved with both to find out.
Cost of Hot Pot at Restaurants
Hot pot restaurants can range from budget friendly to high end. A basic hot pot meal at an inexpensive restaurant may cost around $15-20 per person. This usually includes access to common broths like chicken or tomato, basic sauces and condiments, and inexpensive ingredients like vegetables, tofu, noodles and thin slices of meat. At mid-range restaurants, expect to pay $25-35 per person for more broth options, higher quality meats like wagyu beef or seafood, and additions like dumplings. High end restaurants can charge $50 or more per person for premium ingredients like lobster, crab, imported meats, seafood, etc.
Most hot pot restaurants also have minimum charges per person even if you don’t eat that much. Two people dining together may have a $15 per person minimum charge. Prices also go up on weekends and peak times.
So the per person cost can add up quickly, especially if you go with a large group. A table of 4 people at a mid-range hot pot restaurant could easily spend $125 or more for a meal.
Cost of Ingredients for Hot Pot at Home
To estimate the cost of hot pot at home, you need to factor in these main ingredients:
- Broth – chicken, beef or vegetable broth
- Meat – thin sliced beef, pork, lamb, chicken, seafood
- Vegetables – mushrooms, greens, tomato, potato, tofu, etc
- Noodles or rice
- Sauces and condiments like sesame paste, chili oil, soy sauce, etc
A homemade hot pot meal for 4 people could look like this:
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 cartons beef broth ($3 each) | $6 |
| 1 lb thin sliced beef | $15 |
| 1 lb mixed vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, cabbage | $6 |
| 8 oz rice noodles | $3 |
| Sauces like soy, sesame, chili oil | $5 |
The total cost comes out to around $35 to feed 4 people. That’s around $9 per person—much less than a restaurant!
Cost Savings of Hot Pot at Home
Cooking hot pot at home can save money in several ways:
- Cheaper ingredients – Retail meat and produce is less expensive than restaurant prices
- Buy only what you need – No wasting leftovers or paying minimums per person
- Cook it yourself – Save on labor costs of having it prepared and served
- BYOB – Provide your own beer, wine and other drinks rather than marked up drinks at a restaurant
- Entertain more people – Host 6-8 friends at home for the same price as 4-5 at a restaurant
You also have more control over the ingredients when cooking at home. Use high quality broths and meats or economical cuts to manage your budget. Prepare healthier versions by using organic vegetables, lean meats, and limiting salt, oil and high sodium sauces.
Downsides of Hot Pot at Home
There are also some downsides to consider with homemade hot pot:
- Time and effort – You have to shop, prep, cook and clean up
- Limited ingredients – Grocery stores won’t have the exotic proteins and seafood like restaurants
- No ambiance – The fun, lively atmosphere of a hot pot restaurant is lost at home
- Equipment – You may need to buy a portable burner, pots and other supplies
- Leftovers – Ingredients may go to waste if you cook too much
Tips for Affordable Hot Pot at Home
Here are some tips to save money when enjoying hot pot at home:
- Check sales and clip coupons for meats when shopping
- Choose economical proteins like chicken, pork shoulder, or beef chuck
- Buy frozen seafood like shrimp, squid and fish balls
- Purchase broth in bulk or make your own
- Prep lots of vegetables and stretch them throughout the meals
- Use dry noodles and rice which are cheaper than fresh
- Shop at Asian grocery stores for the best prices on many ingredients
- Only cook what you will eat or repurpose leftovers creatively
Conclusion
Hot pot at home can be an affordable alternative to going out as long as you plan and budget accordingly. While it may require more effort, you can customize the ingredients to your taste and save significantly compared to restaurant prices. With some planning, hot pot at home can be a delicious and cost-effective meal option for you and your family or friends.