Hot Pot Restaurants near Waterloo, ON

“When you visit your college town, a visit to the University Plaza is a must. Hoping to try a new spot in Waterloo’s university plaza, we came across Xiang Hotpot (160 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON). A hotpot joint warmly decorated with elegant panels, this place transfers you to a high dining experience while still retaining its affordability for the nearby student population.

When I went there, my friend and I ordered the mapo tofu with a side of rice. The tofu was perfectly tender, soaking up the rich, spicy sauce. The heat from the peppers gave it just the right kick, but the fluffy rice helped balance it out, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Each bite was a perfect blend of spice, savory depth, and comfort. We couldn’t stop talking about how satisfying the meal was!

What really stood out was the atmosphere - despite being a cozy spot for students, it felt like a place where you could enjoy a sophisticated meal. To hear more about this review, follow us @eatinontario on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, & LinkedIn✨🤩🙏“

“Came back after years and drove 1.5 hours from Toronto — and it was still worth it.

$35 per person for all-you-can-eat hot pot (1 hour 45 min limit), with up to 3 rounds of ordering per table.

The ingredients are fresh, especially the chicken and lamb. But the real highlight? The legendary house dipping sauce. The original owner reportedly brought the recipe from Thailand in the 90s — it’s rich, garlicky, and packed with flavor. For anyone with a Sichuan/Guizhou palate, it hits the soul.

After cooking everything, save some room for rice noodles — dip them in the sauce for the perfect finish. You can even buy the sauce now ($5 for 2 small jars).

Also recommend the coconut slush — still exactly the same as years ago.

The original owner has retired, and his son has taken over. The memories, remain. This was more than just a meal — it was a taste of my student years and all the emotions that came with it.“