Yet Another Chinese Hot Pot Chain Heads to Asiatown | Eater Houston

"I'm intrigued by Spice World, a Chinese hot pot chain (with locations in China, Sydney, Singapore, and New York) that will take over the second floor of the former Metro Bank space at 9600 Bellaire Boulevard and is slated to debut in spring 2019 after renovations. It's known for cutesy-yet-weird presentations—Hello Kitty-shaped soup bases that diners can watch slowly melt and a doll draped in thin cuts of meat fashioned into a dress—and, if the Singapore location is any indication, will likely bring dimly lit black-and-red interiors split between an ultra-sleek contemporary side and a traditional wood-clad pavilion with geometric latticework. The chain prides itself on hand-cut meats, fresh (not frozen) seafood, and no artificial flavoring or MSG; diners can choose from seven soup bases including a signature Sichuan mala (brewed in China for four to six hours and molded into Hello Kitty or teddy bear shapes), wild mushroom, tomato, tom-yam, and curry. Standout meat cuts mentioned include wagyu beef, pork belly, and tripe that reportedly contains the grass the cow consumed—though whether all of that will make it to the Houston market is up for debate." - Alaena Hostetter