Hot Pot City, Milpitas

Hot Pot City is a popular Milpitas restaurant that I sampled for the first time last week. It’s located in one corner of an Asian (primarily Chinese) themed mall anchored by a 99 Ranch outlet.

We piled our plates with raw vegetables, seafood, and meats. In the center of each table was a gas-fired hot pot ringed by a foil-wrapped doughnut-shaped metal plate. I learned that some foods, like the thinly sliced seasoned meats and the fish, were best heated on the plate, while the vegetables, calamari and shrimp should be blanched in the boiling water.

The cooking apparatus seemed a little small for our party of five adults. Each individual quickly recognized the futility of trying to cordon off his food from the person sitting next to him. Thank goodness we were all family.

The $14 per person tab was very reasonable. The ingredients were fresh and all-you-can-eat. Selections included Asian desserts such as grass jelly and sweet bean soup, soft drinks, and rice and noodles for filler. Hot Pot City is an extremely casual family dining experience. I didn’t spot any solo diners, and there was no waiting that weeknight. © 2007 Stephen Yuen

Not ready for the pot: live frogs at 99 Ranch