
5

"An expansion of a massive Chinese hot pot chain with over 1,000 locations worldwide (including more than a dozen in Canada and three existing U.S. outposts), this Boston branch will take over the former Joy Luck Hot Pot space at 702 Washington St. in Chinatown and could open by the end of the year. It serves Chongqing-style hot pot—noted for its spicy, numbing heat from Sichuan peppercorns—with broth options such as beef oil and vegetable oil. Diners can choose pre-set ingredient combos (vegetables, seafood, or beef and lamb) or order a la carte items; meats are theatrically presented on a wooden wheel that wraps around the central broth pot. The brand’s name references its founder (who lost a hand in a car accident) and the word for a thumbs-up, and the company is continuing U.S. expansion with plans for additional locations including Seattle." - Dana Hatic