The first time I tried hot pot, I was living abroad in Chongqing, China – the hot pot capital of the world. My friends and I gathered around a large metal pot of boiling broth, filled with various oils, spices and peppercorns. The waiter brought out raw meat and vegetables that we had cooked ourselves, and we talked for hours while drinking Tsingtao and stuffing our faces.
Here in Denver you can find a few hot spots, like Yummy Hot Pot, 2500 W. Alameda Ave., and The Bronze Empire, at 1591 S. Colorado Blvd., but you’ll be hard-pressed to find one in a restaurant-heavy dining options such as Downtown, RiNo, LoHi, Uptown and Berkeley. Most are located along suburban stretches, such as Havana Street in Aurora.
Taste Pot has plans to change that. The national hotpot chain recently announced this it takes over Dana Rodriguez’s former Cantina Loca space at 2890 Zuni St., in Denver’s Lower Highland neighborhood, within the next four months.
Franchisee Alex Lung, who opened a Taste Pot in Aurora three years ago, has high hopes for the new eatery.
“We started in the suburbs and have seen a great response, and we’re excited to bring this unique dining experience to a trendy neighborhood like LoHi,” said Lung, a Colorado native. “Denver has a growing appetite for international cuisine, and the city has embraced various culinary trends from different cultures, with people eager to discover new and authentic dining experiences.”
He makes a valid point. Over the past month we’ve seen the grand openings of international concepts like Xiquita in Uptown, Chef Erasmo Casiano’s love letter to Masa and traditional Mexican ingredients; and Kakigori Ken, a kakigori (traditional Japanese shaved ice dessert) pop-up at The Source Hotel by Chef Kenta Kamo of Temaki Den.
“I chose this location in LoHi because it is a lively neighborhood with a great atmosphere. The area has a fantastic mix of dining options, and Delicious Pot fits right in,” said Lung. “As far as I know, there are no other hot pot restaurants in the LoHi/downtown Denver area that offer the same style we do.”
The style Lung is referring to is Taste Pot’s individual servings. “Unlike the traditional all-you-can-eat hot pot (presented in one large pot that everyone shares), we serve individual hot pots, each made with a choice of 16 different broths and packed with different ingredients, delivering different flavors in every bowl. It is a unique experience in this area.”
Customers start by choosing their broth base, which includes flavors such as Sacha (a popular umami-rich Taiwanese broth); Sichuan (a bold and spicy Chinese-style broth packed with flavor and peppercorns); Tom Yum (a spicy Thai broth with a hint of lemongrass and lime); and Kimchi (made from Taste Pot’s own fermented kimchi).
They then choose a spice level – ranging from none to flamingly spicy – and add-ons, including vegetables like enoki mushrooms and lotus root; meat options such as beef slices to the more adventurous pork aorta and baby octopus; plus dumplings, eggs, noodles and more. Finally, the guests cook it all in their own personal hotpot.
“Each of our broths has been carefully formulated to represent the authentic taste of its origins, offering a diverse and flavorful hotpot experience you won’t find anywhere else,” said Lung.
In addition to its signature hotpots, Simply Pot also offers other items such as sizzling skillets (with options like BBQ beef ribs and seafood pasta prepared right at the table), ramen, chef’s kitchen specials, dumplings, Cajun fries, boba tea, Vietnamese iced coffee and more. .
“We will soon be offering a full bar of mixed cocktails exclusive to Taste Pot Colorado and Soju in a variety of different flavors,” Lung said. Customers can also enjoy a free house jasmine green tea on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Besides the food, Lung thinks hot pot will be a hit in downtown Denver because of its communal nature.
“Hot pot is not just about the food, but also about the interactive and communal experience it provides, which fits well with Denver’s vibrant and social culture,” said Lung.
Looking ahead, Lung has ambitious plans to expand Lekker Pot into new markets, including near Denver International Airport and Colorado Springs.
“Bringing Tasty Pot to Denver is about sharing a piece of this food tradition and creating a space where people can enjoy delicious food and connect over a shared meal,” said Lung.