Where to Eat this Jan: Last Chance to Try This Crazy-Good Hot Pot

As predicted, the freezing cold finally hit Shanghai. It's the kind of weather that makes you crave one thing and one thing only: hot pot - nothing more comforting than throwing your favorite ingredients into a bubbling pot of soup. 

Shanghai, of course, never lacks hot pot options. This January we are recommending a decade-long hot pot place that is super delicious and almost disappeared forever.

Hidden in the Gubei area, where you can find some of Shanghai's most authentic Japanese and Taiwanese restaurants, Dingwang Wulaoguo (鼎王无老锅) has been serving Taiwanese-style hot pot for around ten years. Last week, it almost closed its last remaining store. At the very last moment, they managed to extend their lease for one more year.

Which means: this year might be your last real chance to experience it.

The soul of this restaurant is its soup base. The pot is divided into two halves: one side is mildly spicy, aromatic, and layered with aromatics rather than heat. The other side is non-spicy broth is creamy white, and packed with herbs and nourishing ingredients. It is slowly brewed with pork bones and chicken stock. 

And then there is the tofu.

If there is one reason people keep coming back to Dingwang Wulaoguo, it's their tofu. Soft, spongy, and absorbent, it acts like a flavor sponge, soaking up everything from the broth to the spices and meat juices. After a few minutes in the pot, it becomes rich, juicy, and deeply savory. The best part? It's unlimited. Yes, unlimited tofu.

If there is one reason people keep coming back to Dingwang Wulaoguo, it's their tofu. Soft, spongy, and absorbent, it acts like a flavor sponge, soaking up everything from the broth to the spices and meat juices. After a few minutes in the pot, it becomes rich, juicy, and deeply savory. The best part? It's unlimited. Yes, unlimited tofu.

The beef is another highlight. They offer several cuts with beautiful marbling, sliced ultra-thin so that each piece cooks in seconds. Each portion is reasonably priced, roughly between RMB 60-80, and the quality impresses.

The shrimp here are also fresh - so fresh that when they arrive at the table, you can still see their tiny legs moving. It’s slightly cruel to be honest. Let's just say: freshness doesn't get more visual than this.

Their complimentary refresher, yogurt–flavored shaved ice, is served for free.