Xiaolongkan Hot Pot

"Xiao Long Kan serves “Chinese fondue,” but this imported chain restaurant is miles more interesting than The Melting Pot. For a casual dinner spot, this Sichuan restaurant in Alhambra is lavishly decorated with ornate wood carvings and tasseled lanterns, making it a great option for a seemingly upscale group dinner that costs less than $100 per person. Divide your cauldron with up to three soups, including a beef bone broth that infuses salt into every slice of angus beef or tofu skin you dunk into it, and the signature tallow-heavy chili oil that will stain your tongue with tingly heat." - Sylvio Martins

"This Sichuan hot pot chain made its U.S. debut courtesy of the restaurateurs affiliated with Chengdu Taste and Mian. Diners can opt for one, two, or three kinds of broth, while the sauce-making station is stocked with snacks, desserts, and fruits. Xiaolongkan caters to those who relish mala numbing spice. In addition to the standard meat selections like beef, chicken, and lamb, the menu encompasses various offal options, beef with raw egg, rose petal meatballs, and spicy crawfish. As a bonus, the buffet features all-you-can-eat offerings such as chicken feet, chips, sweet porridge, sweet jelly, glutinous rice balls, and snow fungus." - Kristie Hang

"Xiao Long Kan is one of the most famous hot pot chains in China. The brand hails from Chengdu, the unofficial hot pot capital of China, and boasts more than 1,000 outlets across the globe. Its hot pot broth is said to be made of 90 ingredients, including dozens of herbs, chile peppers, and peppercorns that have been steeped in a fatty beef-tallow base. Diners can choose between mild, medium, or extreme spice levels, but even the restaurant’s mild broth is considered too spicy by those unaccustomed to searing heat. Xiao Long Kan is known for its “butter,” which is made of slabs of solidified beef tallow marinated with spicy and numbing spices. The slab of butter dissolves, giving the stock its full flavor.  Xiao Long Kan excels at creating an iconic high-end classical Chinese ambience, combining unique menu items like crystal beef (brisket and egg) and varying spice levels with live guzheng musical performances. However, due to COVID-19, the expensive and over-the-top atmosphere and live performances are no longer offered." - Kristie Hang

"Xiao Long Kan is one of the most famous hot pot chains in China. The brand hails from Chengdu, the unofficial hot pot capital of China, and boasts more than 1,000 outlets across the globe. Its spicy hot pot broth is said to be made of 90 ingredients including dozens of herbs, chili peppers, and peppercorns that have been steeped in a fatty beef tallow base. Diners can choose between mild, medium, or extreme spice levels, but even its mild broth is considered too spicy to those unaccustomed to searing heat. XLK is known for its “butter,” which is made of slabs of solidified beef tallow marinated with spicy and numbing spices. The slab of “butter” fat dissolves, giving the stock its full flavor.  Xiao Long Kan exceeds at capturing its iconic high-end classical Chinese ambiance, which combines its unique menu items like crystal beef (brisket and egg) and spice levels with live traditional guzheng musical performances. But due to COVID, its expensive and over-the-top ambiance and live performances are no longer possible.  Currently, you can buy XLK’s hot pot to go. The menu is accessible via QR code, or you can call and place your order. It is also available on Fetail for online ordering." - Kristie Hang

"Xiaolongkan Chinese Hot Pot, founded in Chengdu in 2014, is opening its first U.S. outlet in Alhambra. Known for its authentic hot pot soup base, the restaurant will feature ornate Chinese decor inspired by ancient western Sichuan style, with imported materials from Sichuan. The menu includes unique offerings like beef tripe and rustic meatballs, as well as toothpick beef, a variation of Chengdu Taste's famous toothpick lamb cooked in the soup base." - Cathy Chaplin