Ethan H.
Yelp
Kung Fu Hotpot is a new gem in uptown, and a very welcome addition to the currently stark hotpot landscape in the Twin Cities. It's in the same space that Szechuan Spice was, and the menu still includes dishes beyond hotpot. It's not totally clear if this is a concept refresh or an entirely new restaurant, though all the decor and seating is very clearly brand new and nice. it's softly-lit by paper lanterns and lights and is an all-around cozy atmosphere.
The hotpot is priced all you can eat at $36.99 per adult for dinner (there are child and weekday lunch specials), and for that price you can choose up to two broths and get full reign over the self-serve ingredient fridges and sauce station. There's a wide range of different meats including the classic beef slices hotpot is known for, plenty of veggies like bok choi and mushrooms, noodles and tofu, plus a surprisingly strong seafood selection including blue crabs, crawfish, and baby octopus. For the price, the ingredients definitely deliver in breadth and quality. if it's your first hotpot experience the sauce station can be a bit intimidating, but this is a key part of getting the most out of the experience. I'd start with either a vinegar and oyster sauce or a peanut sauce base and add garlic and other seasonings from there, but the staff is also friendly and I'm sure would guide you to make a good sauce if asked.
I've gone twice and gotten both classic and spicy broths each time. Both have had rich and complex flavors both times, and you'll want both--if only to cool off from the spice from time to time. They also have a solid boba menu if you want to cool off even more.
Overall, I'm super happy to have Kung Fu Hotpot in the city, and think it's a great option for a first hotpot experience or if you're a seasoned veteran. It's definitely pricier than the average dinner, but for me the range of flavors and experience of cooking communally is worth it. I can't wait to come back in the winter and look out at the lake street holiday lights while staying warm in a cloud of hotpot steam.