Addictive spice.
If you love flavourful and vibrant food, then Da Long Yi Hot Pot is the place for you. The soup and cooking bases here are what makes this international chain of restaurants so popular. One visit will likely have you a devotee of these often-spicy dishes.
I mention spice up front as it is that for which Da Long Yi Hot Pot is most celebrated. But they have alternative broths which are delicious, and one can order a combination of bases to suit every diner.
This is a beautiful restaurant with tables fitted with sizable hot pot heaters. It’s the style of meal that works perfectly for a couple or a larger group, each person being able to tailor their meal just as they want. There is a condiment station so everybody can make their own dipping sauce. The knowledgeable staff recommended the garlic dip and there are recipes on the wall to enable one to create authentic sauces oneself.
The cooking bases are perhaps the most important element of the meal. We were cautious and ordered the Less Spicy oil base – it had a chilli kick but was not overpowering. It is a well-crafted mix of heat and layers of flavour from other spices.
We had opted for a hot pot divided into three so we could try a variety of bases. Pork Bones Soup was creamy and delicious, and the Chicken Soup was outstanding. Don’t miss this one. The spicy oil, in my opinion, worked best with the well-presented meats, the vegetables and dumplings etc. benefiting from the more delicate soups.
We enjoyed plates of thinly cut beef and pork along with a platter of a selection of mushrooms, and some dumplings and long bamboo shoots. Things obviously have different cooking times, but you are provided with a list of ingredients and instructions, so everyone is a chef!
We added Fried Bean Curd Rolls and Spicy Chicken Claws to our selection. The rolls are crispy when they arrive, but dunk them in the broth for a few seconds and you have a sponge filled with flavour. The chicken claws are chicken feet, and these are perhaps some of the best I have found in London. OK, there is no delicate way of eating these, but I enjoy them and if you are an afficionado then Da Long Yi Hot Pot won’t disappoint. There are other ready-made braised dishes too, along with desserts and plenty of drinks both alcoholic and soft. Try the sparkling lychee water for something exotic and refreshing.
Da Long Yi Hot Pot is now one of my favourite restaurants to take guests. We are already planning our next visit. One can entertain both vegetarian and carnivore, spice-lovers and the more timid, knowing that every guest will be happy with their choices to match their taste and appetite perfectly.
Da Long Yi Hot Pot
Phone 020 3340 8140
5A Berners Street
London W1T 3LF
UK