Hot Pot is a large, divided metal bowl with spicy oil on one side and mild broth on the other that sits on a burner inset or on top of a table. Plates stacked with raw meats and veggies arrive at the table for a do-it-yourself, fondue-like meal. Tacoma Szechuan corners the hot pot market in the South Sound, allowing lovers of "true" Chinese food to enjoy the experience of dipping shavings of succulent beef and lamb, firm cabbage and thick soy noodles, all the while continually raising small glasses of Tsingtao beer and shooting them down to extinguish the hot chili oil stinging their eyes, lips and tongues. Pure hedonism.

[9601 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.581.0102]