Charlotte CampbellThere’s nothing like a hearty bowl of soup to comfort me on a stressful day. Whenever life feels overwhelming, I always make time to visit my favorite hot pot restaurants.
The warm broth, fresh ingredients, and the ritual of cooking at the table are a soothing escape from the rush of daily life.
In Halifax, we’re lucky to have a variety of hot pot options. Whether you’re craving fiery, spicy flavors or something more mild and comforting, the city’s hot pot spots cater to every taste and mood.
Here’s a guide to some of the best places to enjoy hot pot in Halifax, where you can find comfort in a bowl.
1. In Spring Fine Asian Fusion Cuisine
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Website: http://inspring.ca/
Location: 5171 Salter St
Operating hours: Daily 12 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +19024295888
Must-have: Spicy Broth
In Spring is a local favorite because of the incredible value they offer. For only $29.99, you have an all-you-can-eat hot pot buffet with a wide selection of thinly sliced meats, seafood, veggies, and sauces.
Their Spicy Broth is quintessential to the hot pot experience, but if you have a low spice tolerance, go for their Tom Yum. It’s mildly spiced, slightly tangy, and packed with flavor.
What I like the most about dining here is that you’re free to pick any soup combo you want. If you can’t handle spice at all, you can fill both sides of the pot with non-spicy broth—whether it be pork, chicken, or mushroom.
| Pro Tip: If you want soft drinks, you have to pay an extra $1.99—but you get free refills! |
2. Happy Veal Hot Pot
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Website: https://happyvealhotpot.com/
Location: 1333 South Park S
Operating hours: Tue-Sat 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +19024232777
Must-have: Lamb Shoulder Slices
Happy Veal is a small Chinese restaurant with built-in cooktops on every table and comfy chairs, perfect for leisurely meals. Here, they don’t have a buffet, so it costs a bit more to have a wider spread.
The broth alone is priced at $11.88. Although you can pick just one, I recommend getting half and half (non-spicy and spicy) since it costs the same.
For the food, the prices range anywhere from $3 to $11.99 per serving, which is a little pricey. But on the bright side, they are generous with their portions, and they always have fresh ingredients.
| Pro Tip: Drop by during their lunch hours, 11:30 AM to 3 PM, to get affordable lunch combos. This way, you can enjoy hot pot and a hefty meal for a budget-friendly price. |
3. Bai Wei Grill Bar
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Location: 1075 Queen St
Operating hours: Daily 3 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +19024057088
Must-have: Mixed Soup
Bai Wei Grill Bar is a cozy, no-frills spot with just a few tables and a single private dining room. Since they have limited seating, you can swing by early for dinner or at a later hour to avoid the crowds.
Here, they offer three types of soup bases: original, spicy, and mixed soup. While the ingredient selection isn’t massive, it covers all the essentials—pork belly, shrimp, tofu skin, and vermicelli noodles, ensuring a satisfying hot pot experience.
They don’t hold back on their spices, so it’s the best place to satisfy your spicy food cravings.
| Pro Tip: Get their bubble teas or other refreshing drinks to help with the spice. |
4. YiLan Halal Chinese Restaurant
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Location: 1335 Barrington St
Operating hours: Tue-Sun 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +19024311234
Must-have: Spicy Hot Pot
YiLan is a mom-and-pop shop serving traditional Chinese Islamic dishes, including hot pot. They don’t have pork, but they have Halal-certified meats and plenty of fresh veggies.
I recommend coming here if you’re trying hot pot for the first time. Unlike other spots on our list, they take care of all the cooking for you, making the experience less intimidating.
They’ll serve a big bowl of soup packed with all the classic hot pot ingredients—minus the pork. Since you won’t have to do any cooking, you can dive right in and savor every bite.
| Pro Tip: They can tailor the spiciness level of the soup to your preference. |
5. Gangnam Korean BBQ
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Website: http://gangnamkoreanbbq.ca/
Location: 1261 Barrington St
Operating hours:
Mon-Sat, 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Sun, 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +19024920860
Must-have: Budae Jeongol (Army Stew)
Gangnam Korean BBQ in Halifax is known not only for its excellent barbecue but also for its flavorful Korean hot pot options. From army stews to hearty beef soups, their hot pots come with bold, fiery broths that pack a punch.
If you can’t handle too much spice, they offer non-spicy alternatives such as the bulgogi and fish cake hot pot. They deliver rich, savory flavors without the burn.
This spot is ideal for those who want to dive into the world of Korean hot pot without feeling overwhelmed. The set ingredients take away the guesswork, perfect for those who usually can’t decide on what to order.
| Pro Tip: Since their hot pot comes with a specific set of ingredients, let the staff know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions beforehand. |
6. Busan Korean BBQ
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Website: https://www.busankoreanbbq.com/
Location: 6311 Quinpool Rd
Operating hours: Daily 12 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +19024074288
Must-have: Bulgogi Hot Pot
Aside from their grilled meats, Busan Korean BBQ has incredible hot pot options, ranging from traditional to trendy flavors. Whether you’re a hot pot connoisseur or a newbie, I’m sure you’ll find a stew you’ll like.
The budae jeongol (army stew) is always a great introduction to Korean hot pot. That’s because it’s packed with familiar ingredients like ramen, ham, and sausages—and you can even add cheese to it!
For a more traditional experience, try the bulgogi jeongol. Made with tender marinated beef, chewy glass noodles, and a generous portion of vegetables, it’s a rich, hearty stew that feels as comforting as a warm hug.
| Pro Tip: Although their hot pots come with a set of ingredients, you can add extra items like rice cakes, cheese, ramen, fishcakes, and tofu. |
7. Young Pocha
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Website: https://www.youngpocha.com/
Location: 5650 Spring Garden Rd
Operating hours:
Sun-Thu, 12 PM to 10 PM
Fri-Sat, 12 PM to 12 AM
Phone: +19029322309
Must-have: Blue Crab Hot Pot
Another must-visit for Korean cuisine is Young Pocha, a cozy mom-and-pop shop that offers everything from stir-fries and noodles to barbecue and hot pot.
While many Korean spots stick to the classics like fish cake and budae jeongol, Young Pocha goes above and beyond with unique choices. They offer stews with blue crabs, mussels, stir-fried squids, and mixed seafood options.
What really stands out about this restaurant is their generous portions and warm, attentive service. Each dish is served with care which should keep you coming back for more.
| Pro Tip: Come here for late-night dinner and drinks to enjoy their extensive range of draft beers and soju. |
8. Arirang Korean and Japanese Restaurant
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Website: https://arirang-restaurant.com/
Location: Rockingham Plaza, 30 Farnham Gate Rd
Operating hours: Mon-Sat, 11:30 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +19024054650
Must-have: Gamja Tang Hot Pot
Arirang serves sushi, Korean BBQ, and hot pot all under one roof. With such a wide variety on the menu, it’s an ideal spot for group dining where everyone can find something they love.
One of their popular hot pot options is the Gamja Tang, a spicy pork bone stew with potatoes, noodles, and loads of vegetables. The meat just falls off the bone and pairs perfectly with a bowl of rice.
Since their hot pots come in hearty portions, which can serve up to three people, you should come here on an empty stomach. Or, bring a friend or two who can share the feast with you.
| Pro Tip: Ask for a bowl of rice to pair with your stew of choice. It will help with the spice and complete your Korean hot pot meal. |
