In northern British Columbia, one of the most noticeable culinary gaps is the limited availability of diverse restaurants. This absence is particularly felt in Prince George, where authentic Asian dining experiences like hot pot can be hard to come by. But fear not – creating this interactive, communal dining experience at home is entirely possible with some local knowledge and preparation.
Getting Your Hot Pot Equipment
The foundation of any hot pot meal is the pot itself. For the best experience, look for a divided hot pot with two compartments, allowing you to offer different broths simultaneously – perhaps one spicy and one mild. These specialized pots aren’t typically found in local stores, so your best bet is to order online through Amazon, Temu, or AliExpress. Many models come with built-in heating elements, making the process much simpler.
Important note: Unless your hot pot comes with a built-in heating element, you’ll need a portable electric cooktop. This essential piece of equipment allows you to keep your broth simmering throughout the meal right at the table. Look for induction cooktops for better temperature control and safety, available online or occasionally at Canadian Tire or Walmart in Prince George.
Finding Hot Pot Bases in Prince George
The flavorful broth base is what makes hot pot special. In Prince George, you have a couple of good options:
- Save-On-Foods in Spruceland Mall carries some basic hot pot soup bases
- Marquee International Food Store downtown offers a wider selection, including authentic Chinese and other Asian soup base varieties
Look for packaged hot pot bases in either liquid or solid form – they’re designed to create rich, aromatic broths perfect for cooking your ingredients.
Sourcing Hot Pot Ingredients
Meat and Fish Balls
Bouncy, flavorful balls are a hot pot staple. Marquee International Food Store is the premier destination for these in Prince George, offering varieties like:
- Beef balls
- Fish balls
- Lobster balls
- Cuttlefish balls
Thinly Sliced Meats
Proper hot pot requires paper-thin slices of meat that cook quickly in the simmering broth:
- Superstore carries excellent thinly sliced lamb, perfect for hot pot
- Save-On-Foods and Marquee also offer some sliced meat options, including beef and pork
Seafood Options
Crab sticks (imitation crab meat) and other seafood add wonderful texture and flavor:
- Available at most grocery stores in Prince George
- Consider adding shrimp or white fish slices for variety
Vegetables and Mushrooms
Fresh produce makes hot pot both nutritious and colorful:
- Superstore and Save-On-Foods are reliable sources for hot pot vegetables
- Must-try items include delicate enoki mushrooms, tender bok choy, and sliced potatoes
- Don’t forget leafy greens, tofu, and Chinese cabbage
Setting Up Your Hot Pot Feast
With all ingredients collected from around Prince George, arrange them on plates around your hot pot, bring the broth to a simmer, and let everyone cook their own selections. The interactive nature of hot pot makes it perfect for gatherings during northern BC’s cold months.
Creating authentic hot pot at home in Prince George may require a bit more effort than in larger cities, but the reward of experiencing this delicious, communal meal makes it well worth the preparation.
