Da Hong Pao Hotpot (Xiguan)

Da Hong Pao Hotpot in the Xiguan area of Lanzhou's Chengguan District is a Sichuan-style hotpot restaurant in Gansu province, offering a change of pace for groups who want a break from the city's noodle and lamb traditions. In Sichuan-style hotpot, a pot of simmering, chilli-and-peppercorn-laden broth sits at the centre of the table, and diners cook thin slices of meat, vegetables, tofu and noodles in it before dipping the food in sauces. The signature offerings here are the spicy broth hotpot and plates of sliced lamb, a nod to local tastes in a region where lamb is the dominant meat. The dining room is communal and lively, with groups of friends and families sharing a table and a pot, and the atmosphere is noisy, hot and convivial, particularly on weekend evenings. Beverages typically include tea, soft drinks and beer, and the restaurant is not described as halal, so Muslim visitors should ask staff before ordering. Prices are moderate, with a meal generally costing about 70 to 130 yuan per person, roughly 10 to 18 US dollars. The rating is about 4.3. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 to 23:00, giving flexibility for late dinners. Reservations are recommended on weekends, when the restaurant can fill quickly, and booking a day ahead is a sensible precaution for larger parties. Hotpot is best shared among at least two to four diners, since the pot and the range of ingredients are scaled to groups. Visitors should expect the spicy broth to be hot by Western standards, and a split pot with a milder side is usually available for those who prefer less heat. The Xiguan location also puts the restaurant within reach of the western part of the central district.