Xiangbala Hotpot — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

It is my fifth year visiting this hotpot restaurant, and I have lost count of how many times I have dined here or recommended it to friends — certainly more than fifty times. Despite many new hotpot places opening in Edinburgh over the years, I have remained loyal to this one. Aware of the restaurant’s limited space and particular payment rules, I have always made sure to book in advance and bring cash, out of respect for their policies.

Today, I called ahead and asked for a table for two at 6 :30 pm. I was told that would be fine, but was asked to arrive “a bit later.” Understanding they might be busy, I deliberately slowed my pace and arrived at 7:00 pm — more than “a bit” later, exactly as they had requested. It was raining very heavily outside at the same time. Yet on arrival, I was informed that no table had been kept for us and that the only available seating was in the basement.

Fine, I thought — but upon entering the basement, I was shocked. The space was so cramped you had to bend down to walk, and the tables were either touching or barely separated. We were asked if we minded sharing the small room with another group, and since we had no other option, we reluctantly agreed. What we encountered was unacceptable: the other table was occupied by people singing karaoke loudly, and the space was filthy, with food scraps scattered across the table.

I have always respected the restaurant’s rules and supported this business faithfully for years, but this is not how a loyal customer should be treated. To be disregarded and placed in such an undignified, chaotic setting is deeply disappointing and frankly disrespectful.

This was not just poor service — it was a complete failure to show even basic courtesy to long-term patrons. After five years of loyalty, this will be my final visit. Goodbye —...

We booked a table for 5.30pm when we arrived our table was waiting for us. We got given the laminated menu to tick what broth and food we wanted and our drinks order. They checked what broth we where having and went to get that sorted whilst we finished picking the food. The hot pot broth got set up and switched on. The service is outstanding and there very friendly. Our food arrived within minutes. The lovely lady and young man where so good the lady explained cooking times and the young man helped with the dipping sauce which was amazing. Juice is £3.50 and it's refilled as well as many times. Tomato broth and curry broth was really nice. Selection of Chinese vagtables,meats and seafood. Our pot kept being refilled with water every so often and was asked if we wanted more meat. I advice to book as there was never a table empty for more than 5 mins. People where getting turned away as there was no tables. It's a small restaurant but very busy. It does get hot but that's to be expected. It was a lovely experience as we are Scottish and never had anything like it before but certainly won't be the last time can't wait to go back. Thank you for such a...

Amazing authentic Chinese hotpot.

I'm Chinese but born here and normally have these at family occasions but since I'm away from home this is the closest I can get. My advice is to go there H U N G R Y, get your moneys worth, set up camp and eat for hours. I just love their thinly sliced lamb dunked into broth for 45secs it's delicious. You get everything you want; seafood, beef, lamb, veg and a variety of noodles. Just cook to your preference in the broth of your choice (loads to choose and try).

Go up to the sauce bar and mix your own sauce with fresh herbs and garnishes get plenty of bowls and plates the staff are amazing. You can order in English or just ask if you're unsure and get recommendations (6 plates of lamb slices). They also have random braised lamb or other main authentic "what-we-eat-at-home" kinda stuff laying about and these cute little steamed hedgehog desert buns, it's just a frickin delicious dining experience I'm also writing this review because we're nearly through covid and I've been looking forward to coming back for a long time.

See you guys tomorrow (or tonight...