We probably shouldn’t even be writing about this insanely popular Japanese hot pot restaurant as we already have trouble getting reservations there, but we’re generous and can’t keep such a delicious secret to ourselves. For RMB99 per person, you can order as much off the menu as you can consume in two hours, and it’ll hit the spot like nothing else can as the mercury drops.

They have all the usual hot pot options, but we always select the traditional sweet and hearty sukiyaki broth flavored with soy sauce and mirin and toss in ribbons of milky beef, gamey sliced duck breast, chewy fish balls and some of their wide selection of vegetables, including leafy crown daisy, broccoli florets, white radish and paper-thin sliced pumpkin and lotus root. We love the way the radish, cellophane noodles and creamy egg custard tofu soak up the simple and delicious flavors of the broth while we dip hot slices of beef into the single raw egg provided, coating the meat in a velvety, rich sauce. We also can’t resist the juicy chew of the shrimp balls or the duck—it’s not normally on hot pot menus, but it should be. Its richness is a perfect match for the sweetness of the broth. Comfort yourself with sukiyaki as often as you can get into AQ as fall turns to winter.

DETAILS

What: AQ

Where: Bldg. D1, 351 Wuyi Lu 武夷路351号D1楼

Tel: 6233-3000

See more great dishes around town:
The Dining Room’s Baked Cod
Bella Napoli's Salmon E Vodka Pasta
Zen’s Stuffed Chicken Wing
Anna Maya’s Avocado and Beetroot Donburi
City Deli’s Turkey Avocado Sandwich