Hotpot Season is upon us, Nan Hua Hotpot (南华火锅)

At 7:00pm on a Sunday night all three floors of this sleek looking restaurant were packed. The modern industrial steel and granite motif works nicely in the space, and the bright lights and high ceilings mean smoke isn't a problem. The place was alive with conversation and wait staff hurriedly shuffled between tables bringing out food and drinks. If loud dining isn't your thing try to book a private room.

The soup pot arrived in good time and the rest of the food arrived promptly after. I recommend the split bowl with spicy soup on one side and regular on the other, the spicy side can be a bit much at times. The actual food was extremely fresh, in fact some of it was still taking their last breaths on the table (one of the perils of eating with a local I guess). Iced tofu (冻豆腐) is one of my favorites dishes, the lamb was likewise tasty, the winter melon and potatoes served as nice vegetables for the night. I really could have done without the pig brains though, at least portions were large and varied.

Out of all the hot pot places in Shanghai, this one stands out. It's clean, has a nice modern atmosphere, it's crowded so the food is always fresh, and the waiters and waitresses are plentiful and responsive. If you are in the ZhongShan Park area it is a must try, plan on spending about 50rmb per person.

addr: 858 LouShanGuan Rd (娄山关路858号)
tel: 5206-2777