🔥 Denver Hot Pot Mini-Review 🍲

Hot pot in Colorado has a down-to-earth, locally-adapted vibe — and interestingly, many spots here offer individual hot pots + AYCE style, often with extras like BBQ or dumplings 🥟. Compared to Texas (think Xiao Long Kan or Hai Di Lao), which stick closer to traditional Chinese family-style hot pot, it’s a fun difference to note! Here’s my take on two Denver spots I tried recently: 🏮 1. The Bronze Empire – 4.5/5 📍 Great location in downtown with free parking! 🍲 Individual hot pots — I tried the spicy beef tallow and Sichuan aromatic spicy. The spice levels are legit — Sichuan broth is no joke 🌶️ 📝 Bilingual menu — check off what you want on paper. As a Sichuan native, I recommend: ✅ Grilled beef & lamb ✅ Clams ✅ Beef tripe ✅ Ribeye & beef tongue ✅ Crown daisy & tofu skin 🥣 No dry chili powder for dipping, but they make a tasty house chili oil. 🥩 More meat options than average, plus tabletop BBQ — a major plus! 💵 ~$35 per person (before tip, dinner) 🏔️ 2. Yummy Hot Pot & Dumpling – 4/5 📍 A bit farther from downtown, cozy and casual. 🍲 Broth is milder — even the beef tallow felt lighter. Still tasty though! 🥟 Dumplings are a highlight — fresh and handmade. 🥬 Veggies are self-serve — loved the soft tofu! 🦑 Their clams and squid rings were better than Bronze Empire’s. 🥟 Tried the hong you chao shou (wontons in chili oil) — sauce was sweetened for local taste, but they gave me a sauce-free version upon request. The wrapper was freshly made — so good! 🍴 Servers recommended fried dumplings for a more “authentic” experience — maybe next time! 💵 ~$30 per person (before tip, dinner) Both are solid picks depending on your mood — whether you’re craving more variety and BBQ, or fresh dumplings and a homier vibe! #DenverEats #DenverHotPot #BronzeEmpire #YummyHotPot #ColoradoFoodie #HotPotLovers