Hidden upstairs in the centre of Chinatown

Looking to enjoy the fiery taste of Chongqing cuisine? This city in China’s south-west is famous for its spicy dishes and there is a restaurant in Sydney’s Chinatown that authentically prepares them.

A stone’s throw away from the Paifang gate at the southern end of Dixon St in Haymarket is Jiu Long Ding Chongqing Hot Pot. The dining area is upstairs, where an ornate interior awaits.

Each table has an embedded pot station and electronic controls for you to adjust the temperature once your broth starts cooking. This is when a stomach-rumbling aroma starts to fill the restaurant! If you’re here with a group of friends, there is a bar where you can get a cheerful dinner started.

Wooden furnishings give the interior a traditional village vibe

Rich and flavourful hot pot broth

There are plenty of a la carte dishes to order, but Jiu Long Ding is best-known for its bubbling style of Chinese cuisine. Soup is available in spicy and non-spicy flavours including Signature Ox, tomato & pork meatball, and mushroom. From a paper menu, tick the ingredients / toppings (the Barbie doll Wagyu beef is popular) you’d like.

The ingredients for hot pot come elegantly presented. If you ordered a course, the meat and vegetables look mouthwatering. Once you start to put them in the pot, remember that your beef rolls don’t need to be cooked for too long! 20 to 30 seconds should be enough and then you can use the metal scoops provided to fish them out.

Ask the staff if you’re not familiar with the sauce mixing station (you won’t be alone especially given the variety of flavours available). It’s an important step to fully complete the hot pot appreciation process 😉 

For directions on Google Maps, visit here. See them on TikTok here.

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