This Hotpot is the Spot

A couple years ago, my best friend (I'll call him Eric) and I linked up with our other best friend (I'll call her Sarah) in Toronto. Sarah was raving about a new hotpot restaurant that opened across the street from her apartment. I had never had hotpot and honestly did understand the fascination but after hounding us to go we decided to give it a try during our visit. The result? Eric and I were completely addicted. Why hadn't we tried this back home in Philly? What were we missing all our lives ? And that question my friends began our quest to find a local hotpot spot in the city of brotherly love.

After extensive research aka google reviews, Eric and I found a place in Philly Chinatown called Nine-Ting. It is an all you can eat Korean barbecue and hotpot restaurant. Eric was ecstatic. The idea of eating barbecue and hotpot made him go on a water fast the day before we went so he could, and I quote, 'Engage in the copious.' We chose to go on my birthday because this joint offers free birthday meals (all you have to do is show your license and you got yourself free hotpot/barbecue). Was this place as good as the place in Toronto? Look at my face; it was and is fantastic. I will first start with the décor. It is much larger on the inside than it appears on the outside. All seating are booths and you and your party are seated at the booth that accommodates how you plan to eat. Since we wanted both the barbecue and hotpot, we were seated at the larger booth that offered both the grill and the hotpot cooking table. The booths are very comfortable, especially for those of us who are tall and fluffy. It is all you can eat so the seating cannot be too tight. However, let us talk about the food. The menu is extensive for both the barbecue and hotpot. They have something for everyone and dietary restrictions are a breeze here. You even have the option to have your own personal hotpot instead of sharing out of larger one. This accommodation is a plus for the vegans who prefer a vegetable base broth. Freshness-the meat and vegetables offered for both options are super fresh: lamb, chicken wings, Korean short ribs, beef, fish, tofu, yams, udon etc... Eric and I have a system when we eat here. He cooks the barbecue and I get the hotpot going. We believe in multitasking and don't believe in wasting time. Service at this place? Timely and considerate.

Lastly, to top off this wonderful restaurant...it is BYOB...BAM!

Since the first day we ate there, Eric and I made it a point to go there for each other's birthdays, some holidays, and moments where we just needed to unwind and talk. We even had some personal moments here as well. Eric took his now wife there for their first date so this place is extra sentimental for them. For me this was the last restaurant my mother took my brother and I for our birthdays in 2019 (he and I are born a day apart) before passing away in 2020. I hold this place close to my heart because she, my brother, and I had such a great time. I remember she said to me, "Now I see why you and Eric always come here-this place is damn good. Pass me some more lamb." I have not been back since then but I look forward to returning very soon. However, if you ever find yourself in Chinatown Philly and you are looking for a relaxing and delicious meal, Nine-Ting is the place to check out. Trust me you will not be disappointed.