An Unforgettable Experience at Panda Hot Pot

If you’ve ever tasted Chongqing hot pot, you know it’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience.chongqing hot pot From the bubbling broth to the explosive flavors, hot pot is a celebration of spice, culture, and community. After hearing buzz about Panda Hot Pot in Melbourne, I finally had the chance to visit their new Carnegie location, and I can confidently say: it did not disappoint.

Panda Hot Pot isn’t just another hot pot hot pot restaurant—it’s an immersive dining event. From the moment you step inside, the transformation panda hot pot of the venue strikes you. The site, once home to the iconic Dracula’s Theatre Restaurant, has been beautifully repurposed into a family-friendly, yet theatrical, hot pot hot pot melbourne paradise. Suspended from the ceiling is a 1.5-tonne floating dragon, and nightly stage performances provide live hot pot carnegie entertainment while you dine.

As someone who has had traditional Chongqing hot pot in China, I can tell you that Panda Hot Pot gets the details right—from the ingredients and broths to the cultural ambiance.

The Ordering Experience

One of the things that I appreciated about Panda Hot Pot Melbourne is how easy the ordering process is, even if you’re new to hot pot. You begin by selecting your hot pot soup base. Options range from mild to crazy spicy (and believe me, the crazy one lives up to its name). I decided to go for a half-and-half setup: one side spicy, the other mild. This is a great choice if you’re dining with people who have varying spice tolerances or just want to experience both ends of the flavor spectrum.

After choosing your soup base, you move on to ordering your ingredients. The menu is extensive and well-organized. You can choose from fresh meats, seafood, tofu varieties, mushrooms, handmade noodles, dumplings, and a whole range of traditional Sichuan hot pot items. We were a group of four, and the staff at Panda Hot Pot suggested getting 4–5 dishes per person. That turned out to be just right.

Some must-tries? The marbled beef slices were melt-in-your-mouth perfect. The prawn paste (which you squeeze into the pot yourself) was a fun interactive touch and surprisingly delicious. I also recommend the lotus root, handmade fish balls, and tofu skin rolls. Every item was fresh, high quality, and presented beautifully.

The Sauce Station: A Flavor Playground

One of my favorite parts of any hot pot experience is crafting your own dipping sauce. Panda Hot Pot doesn’t disappoint here either. The sauce station was massive, offering everything from soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, sesame paste, chopped chilies, to coriander and more. I mixed up a classic combo of garlic, soy, chili oil, and crushed peanuts with a dash of vinegar, which paired perfectly with the spicy broth.

The staff even provide guidance if you’re unsure what to mix. Their recommendations helped some first-timers in our group create perfect blends.

Flavors That Transport You

The star of the show is undoubtedly the broth. The Chongqing hot pot style is known for its mouth-numbing spice from Sichuan peppercorns and bold, layered flavors. The spicy side of our pot was intense, rich, and aromatic—just like the real deal in China. The mild broth was gentler but still flavorful, with a hint of herbs and a clear umami base.

Each item we cooked absorbed the broth's richness, creating bite after bite of bold, delicious flavor. This wasn’t just food—it was an adventure for the senses.

Panda Hot Pot in Carnegie: A Local Gem

The Carnegie location of Panda Hot Pot is incredibly convenient and already becoming a favorite among locals. Whether you live nearby or are coming from another part of Melbourne, it’s worth the trip. The restaurant is spacious, with large tables that cater perfectly to groups. The vibrant decor and nightly stage shows set the mood and make it feel like more than just dinner—it’s an event.

For families, friend groups, or even date nights, hot pot in Carnegie has never looked (or tasted) better. It’s family-friendly without compromising on authenticity or spice. And yes, if you love the heat, don’t be shy—go for the crazy spicy broth!

Verdict: Worth the Hype

It took two years for Panda Hot Pot Melbourne to open its doors, and now that it has, it’s clear the wait was worth it. With over 400 restaurants globally, Panda Hot Pot has perfected the formula: authentic ingredients, immersive ambiance, and top-notch service. And now, they’ve brought that magic to Melbourne.

Whether you're a seasoned hot pot enthusiast or a first-timer, Panda Hot Pot is a must-visit. The combination of authentic Chongqing hot pot, quality ingredients, theatrical ambiance, and friendly service creates a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

Final Thoughts

Melbourne’s food scene is world-class, and Panda Hot Pot adds something truly unique to it. I’ve had hot pot in Melbourne before, but this was on another level. The attention to detail, the flavors, the vibe—it all came together perfectly.

If you're in or around Carnegie, make sure you try this spot. Whether you’re going for the panda hot pot experience, the spicy Chongqing hot pot style, or just want a fun night out with friends, you won’t regret it.

I know one thing for sure: I’ll be back. Probably soon. And definitely hungry.