"La Ma Tou is one of several hot pot restaurants located within just a few blocks of each other in Bellevue. Though the bustling spot doesn’t stand out for exceptional quality, there’s one attention-grabbing gimmick. That would be their “Barbie Combo,” which is exactly what it sounds like—a Barbie doll with thin slices of raw beef molded around her like a quinceañera dress. The thing is sort of cute and nightmarish all at once, but if you’re horrified, know that it’s a one-off. The restaurant otherwise sticks to the hot pot basics, with solid broths and decent, if limited, add-ons. Come here if you absolutely must experience a doll-based meat dish. Go elsewhere for better hot pot options. Food Rundown photo credit: Makena Yee Barbie Beef Combo Her hair is disheveled like it's her 10th show of the day—and after the initial novelty wears off, you realize you’re just eating food off a plastic children's toy. Do you need this? No. That raw meat is the same featured on other platters. Only way more surreal. photo credit: Makena Yee Sauce Bar There’s a nice variety of sauces, including green peppercorn oil and aged vinegar, along with sides like fresh orange slices and edamame. Just watch out for some stuff that may have sat for a little too long (we’re looking at you, stale shrimp chips). photo credit: Kayla Sager-Riley Tomato Broth For a great broth option that’s more on the sweet and tangy side, get this one. You can always kick it up with extras from the sauce bar. photo credit: Makena Yee Vanilla Soft Serve They’ll ask if you want a soft-serve scoop at the end of the meal—and your answer should be yes. It’s creamy, sweet, and a nice respite for your mouth after slurping all that soup." - Kayla Sager-Riley
