Best Hotpot in and near North York | Top 10 Restaurants 2025
Looking for the best hotpot in North York and Scarborough? You're in the right place. This comprehensive guide covers the top 10 hotpot spots, from the world-famous service at Haidilao to hidden gems for authentic Sichuan spice. Whether you're craving a premium dining experience with noodle dances and free manicures, or a budget-friendly all-you-can-eat feast, we've mapped out the neighborhood's best broth-simmering destinations. Get ready to discover secret menu hacks, must-order ingredients, and the perfect spot for your next group dinner.
Top 10 Hotpot Restaurants
- Haidilao Hot Pot - The gold standard for service. Famous for the "noodle dance," free snacks while waiting, and even free manicures. Perfect for birthdays.
- Hotpot 9 - A modern AYCE favorite in North York. Individual pots mean you don't have to share broth flavors, and the sauce bar is massive.
- Happy Lamb Hot Pot - Known for their incredibly rich herbal broth that's so flavorful you don't even need dipping sauce. Great for families.
- Big Way Hot Pot - The best spot for a quick, solo meal. It's pay-by-weight, so you pick exactly what you want.
- Liuyishou Hotpot - Authentic Chongqing style. Go here if you love traditional beef tallow broth and serious spice.
- Hotopia - A trendy spot for late-night cravings, specializing in extreme mala spice and premium ingredients.
- Beijing Hot Pot - Traditional copper pot dining with charcoal heating. The lamb slices here are top-tier.
- Chengdu Spicy Hotpot - Offers aromatic Sichuan flavors with a focus on the depth of the broth rather than just pure heat.
- Daimaru Shabu Shabu - A Japanese twist on hotpot (shabu shabu) with AYCE premium meats and sushi options included.
- One Pot / Good Meal Hotpot - The budget king. Individual hotpot sets that are perfect for a quick, affordable lunch.
🤫 Haidilao Secret Codes Guide (2025)
Want to level up your Haidilao experience? Try these secret phrases with your server. While not guaranteed at every location, they often unlock freebies!
- "Your soup base is very good" (汤底很好喝) – Can get you a free soup base packet to take home.
- "I love soup" (我爱喝汤) – Another phrase that often rewards you with a soup base pack.
- "Do you have a fairy wand?" (你们有仙女棒吗?) – Ask this to receive a fairy wand toy (popular with kids and fun-loving adults!).
- "Your snacks are delicious" (你们的零食很好吃) – Often results in a bag of their signature snacks to go.
- "It's my birthday" – Unlocks the famous birthday song, a fruit platter, and sometimes a small gift.
- "Little fairy" (小仙女) – Can sometimes get you a small toy or accessory.
Note: Availability depends on stock and specific location policies (Scarborough vs. Markham vs. Downtown).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Haidilao the best hotpot in Toronto?
- For service, consistency, and overall experience — yes. Haidilao is the #1 most recommended hotpot restaurant in the GTA, known worldwide for exceptional service, premium broth quality, and consistently fresh ingredients. The Scarborough location delivers an unforgettable dining experience perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
- What is the best AYCE hotpot in North York?
- Hotpot 9 is the top choice for all-you-can-eat hotpot in North York. With premium meats, dozens of sauce combinations, and a sleek interior, it's perfect for group nights and offers huge selection at a fair price.
- What is the spiciest hotpot in the area?
- Hotopia in North York and Liuyishou in Scarborough are known for the spiciest hotpot. Hotopia specializes in extreme mala spice with bold flavors, while Liuyishou offers authentic Chongqing-style hotpot with deep, numbing mala flavor.
- What does '火锅' mean?
- '火锅' (huǒguō) is the Chinese word for 'hotpot'. It literally translates to 'fire pot' and refers to the traditional Chinese cooking method where diners cook raw ingredients in a simmering pot of broth at the table.
- What should I order at hotpot if I'm a beginner?
- Start with a split pot (half spicy mala, half mild broth like tomato or herbal). Order beef brisket, lamb shoulder, enoki mushrooms, napa cabbage, and noodles. For sauce, try sesame sauce mixed with a bit of chili oil. This gives you a balanced introduction to hotpot flavors.
- How much does hotpot cost in North York and Scarborough?
- Budget AYCE hotpot costs $15-25 per person (Big Way, One Pot). Mid-range AYCE is $25-35 per person (Hotpot 9, Happy Lamb). Premium hotpot like Haidilao costs $40-60+ per person. Prices vary based on quality, service level, and whether it's AYCE or à la carte.
- Do I need a reservation for Haidilao?
- Reservations are highly recommended for Haidilao, especially on weekends and evenings. You can book through their app or website. Walk-ins are accepted but expect wait times of 1-2 hours during peak hours. The app also offers rewards and priority seating.
- What are the secret phrases to use at Haidilao?
- Try saying 'Your soup base is very good' (汤底很好喝) for free sides, or 'I love soup' (我爱喝汤) for a soup base packet. 'It's my birthday today' gets you longevity noodles. You can also ask 'Do you have a fairy wand?' (你们有仙女棒吗?) for a toy, or say 'Your snacks are delicious' (你们的零食很好吃) for a snack bag. These aren't guaranteed but often work!
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