In winter, enjoying hot pot is not only a great way to keep warm but also an incredibly satisfying experience. When the weather turns cold, people especially love indulging in spicy hot pot dishes, as the heat helps promote sweating and makes the meal all the more enjoyable. Speaking of hot pot, Chongqing and Chengdu are renowned for their exceptional versions. When visiting these cities, travelers often make it a point to savor the local hot pot, as everyone agrees that the authentic flavors here are second to none.

　　In fact, whether in the South or the North, people have the habit of enjoying hot pot. However, due to differences in regional tastes, the hot pots served in the South and those in the North still vary significantly. For instance, Southerners tend to prefer lighter-flavored broths, such as those made with fresh seafood, mushrooms, or other delicate ingredients—these are particularly popular among Southern diners. On the other hand, Northerners generally favor richer, spicier, and heavier red-oil hot pots, like the modern-style beef tallow-based spicy broth, which has become a favorite choice for many.

　　When enjoying hot pot, the broth is undoubtedly crucial—but beyond the broth, many ingredients also play a vital role. In fact, there are several must-order items that consistently make an appearance on every hot pot table. Though everyone orders these favorites time and again, they never seem to get old or tiresome, largely because these ingredients possess an irresistible charm that keeps diners coming back for more. So, do you know which ingredients are particularly popular when it comes to hot pot? Today, our editor is here to dive into this very topic with you.

　　Although enjoying hot pot requires attention to the broth and dipping sauces, the choice of side dishes is equally crucial. If the side dishes aren’t well-selected, your hot pot experience simply won’t be satisfying. Therefore, when indulging in hot pot, it’s essential to carefully pick your accompaniments. Everyone must be familiar with ingredients like tripe, beef trachea, and goose intestines—these are staples found in many authentic hot pot restaurants and have become the three signature items that define such establishments! While many friends from southern regions may not have tried these delicacies yet, they are indispensable and highly popular components in Sichuan-style hot pot.

　　If you enjoy rich, spicy, and bold red oil-based hot pot flavors, then dishes like tripe, sliced fatty beef, and goose intestines are must-tries. These ingredients become incredibly fragrant when cooked in the fiery red oil broth, delivering an exceptionally satisfying and indulgent dining experience. Many spice-loving diners often order these items when savoring a red oil hot pot, making them some of the most popular side dishes in the Northern Chinese hot pot scene.

　　In the South, many friends prefer to enjoy the light and clear broth-based Sanxian hot pot or nourishing herbal hot pot. When ordering this type of hot pot, it’s essential to add ingredients like blood curds, bean products, various meatballs, and enoki mushrooms. Additionally, items such as shrimp paste, crab sticks, and salmon are also must-order choices. Many enthusiasts of the Sanxian hot pot particularly love dishes like potato noodles, wide rice noodles, and glutinous rice cakes, as the clear broth ensures that the original flavors of the ingredients remain intact.