Hou Yi Hot Pot New York City

This was an excellent experience. The staff is friendly and the hot pot broth and menu selections are great. If you're looking for a traditional Chinese food restaurant, then this is not it. But, if you're looking for a life-changing dining experience, come with an open mind and an empty stomach! This is a hot pot restaurant like none else I have seen in the U.S., It's more like the hot pot restaurants in China. We got the 2 broth pot, with a non-spicy beef and herbs broth on one side, and the most spicy broth in the house, Thai beef (hot level). The meat, seafood, vegetables, and meatball selections are perfectly cut and prepared, just ready to be dropped in the broth and eat seconds later. There are a variety of sauce ingredients available at the self-serve sauce bar, where you can create your own dipping sauce with the available flavors, such as sesame sauce, minced garlic, chili oil, sesame oil, peanut butter, chopped green onions, soy sauce, and white vinegar. Drinks are also included and self-serve. There are a variety of coke products, and some Chinese tea and juice cans/boxes. For dessert, there is a self-serve ice cream freezer with about 12 flavors, and mini cheesecakes and pies. The service is great and the restaurant is clean. Very nice atmosphere with a good mix of music playing, to include some Chinese and American popular music.

I enjoyed the selection of food. They have everything from mild to spicy. And the desert and drink selection makes for a great after experience.