LaoJie Hotpot

Go-To Hotpot Spot in Manhattan: LaoJie Hotpot

In a city teeming with diverse culinary options, finding a restaurant that consistently draws you back is a rarity. For me, LaoJie Hotpot has become that cherished spot. Originally recommended by a Chinese friend with impeccable taste in hotpot, I’ve found myself returning over five times - and each visit reaffirms its place at the top of my list. Whether it’s for a comforting winter meal or a hearty summer feast, LaoJie has never disappointed.

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Location & First Impressions

Address: 105 Bowery, New York, NY 10002

Nestled at the intersection of Chinatown, Little Italy, and SoHo, LaoJie Hotpot occupies a unique spot that’s slightly off the beaten path. The clientele predominantly comprises Chinese locals, with occasional tourists venturing in. Interestingly, I rarely encounter fellow Koreans here, leading the staff to greet me in Mandarin - a gesture that always brings a smile as I respond with, “Two people!”

Upon entering, you’re immediately enveloped by the rich aroma characteristic of authentic hotpot establishments. The decor is cozy but lively, with warm lighting and traditional Chinese accents that set the tone for a hearty meal. The staff promptly provides menus and a refreshing glass of lemon water as you settle in.

The main offerings include:

• All-You-Can-Eat Hotpot
• All-You-Can-Eat Skewers
• Hotpot + Skewers Combo

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What We Ordered

My go-to choice is the classic hotpot-only option. While I’ve yet to try the skewers - which are pre-grilled rather than DIY - the hotpot experience alone is more than satisfying. After all, the name LaoJie Hotpot says it all.

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Broth & Ingredients: Crafting the Perfect Pot

At LaoJie, you can opt for individual or shared pots. While many non-Asian diners prefer individual pots, most Asian patrons, myself included, enjoy sharing a communal pot. I always choose the half spicy red broth (hongtang) and half milky bone broth (baitang) combo.

The broths are flavorful and robust. The spicy side delivers a rich Sichuan-style numbing heat, while the milky bone broth is soothing, almost creamy in its texture. It’s the perfect yin-yang balance of spice and comfort.

Some of my must-have items include:

• Tofu Fish Cakes
• Wood Ear Mushrooms
• Dried Bean Curd Sticks (Fu Zhu)
• Wide Sweet Potato Noodles
• Beef slices (shabu-style)
• Lotus root slices
• Daikon radish
• Enoki mushrooms
• Chinese cabbage

The beauty of hotpot lies in the customizability. Whether you’re in the mood for meaty indulgence or light vegetarian fare, there’s something for everyone. Everything arrives fresh and neatly arranged, ready for you to dunk, cook, and enjoy.

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DIY Sauce Bar – My Favorite Combinations

A highlight of the LaoJie experience is the self-serve sauce station. While waiting for your food, you can craft your own dipping sauces. It’s an art form that lets you add a personal twist to every bite.

Here are my go-to combinations:

For the Milky Bone Broth: Soy-Based Dipping Sauce

• Soy Sauce (2 parts)
• Sugar (1 part)
• Chinese Black Vinegar
• Generous Amount of Scallions
• 1 Spoon of Minced Garlic

For the Spicy Broth: Peanut-Based Dipping Sauce

• Peanut Sauce (2 parts)
• Sesame Paste (1 part)
• Scallions
• A Touch of Oyster Sauce
• Optional Chili Oil for Extra Heat

These combinations enhance the flavors of the respective broths. If you’re feeling bold, you can even mix both sauces together for an adventurous blend. And for those who love fresh herbs, don’t skip the cilantro.

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Time to Feast

Once your selections arrive, it’s time to indulge. You can always order additional ingredients if needed, which is great if you’re dining with a group. The restaurant also offers complimentary side dishes and fried items, like fried buns or sweet taro balls, but I often find myself too engrossed in the hotpot to explore these extras.

I typically skip drinks and alcohol to fully savor the hotpot experience. And if the broth levels dip, the attentive staff is quick to offer refills or replace burnt broth, which ensures your dining experience stays top-notch from start to finish.

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The Random Dessert Surprise

After your meal, LaoJie often surprises diners with a complimentary dessert. While it can be as simple as a grape-flavored hard candy, on fortunate occasions, you’ll receive a chilled mango milk tea pudding—a delightful treat with a subtle black tea flavor.

This sweet finish is unexpected but appreciated. It balances the strong, savory flavors of the meal and sends you off with a pleasant aftertaste.

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Final Thoughts

LaoJie Hotpot stands out as my favorite hotpot destination in Manhattan. The quality of ingredients, the depth of flavors, and the overall dining experience are consistently exceptional.

For two all-you-can-eat hotpot meals, our total came to $80.52 before tip. Given the quality and quantity of food, it’s a reasonable price point for Manhattan. Just a heads-up: be prepared to leave with the unmistakable aroma of hotpot clinging to your clothes—but trust me, it’s entirely worth it! 😄

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LaoJie Hotpot offers an authentic and satisfying hotpot experience in the heart of Manhattan. Whether you’re a seasoned hotpot enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this spot is sure to impress. Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe even a little addicted.