YeS Hotpot is an absolute hidden gem for anyone craving an authentic Chengdu-style hotpot experience at unbeatable prices. While I personally prefer all-you-can-eat (AYCE) hotpot, this spot hits the mark when I want a cheap, fast meal or a fun, social gathering that won’t break the bank.
From the moment you walk in, the rich aroma of simmering broths and the sight of big cast-iron pots instantly transport you to Sichuan’s bustling hotpot scene. The experience feels incredibly authentic, and the food quality is top-notch despite the shockingly low prices.
I got the tomato broth and herbal mushroom broth, and both were absolutely amazing. The tomato broth was rich, slightly tangy, and full of umami, while the herbal mushroom broth was deeply aromatic, featuring goji berries and cordyceps mushrooms, giving it an earthy, slightly sweet depth of flavor. It was the perfect light yet flavorful base to complement the fresh ingredients.
For my selection, I went with cilantro beef balls, radish, konjac, fish tofu, tofu, cabbage, fatty beef, fatty lamb, shrimp paste, and bamboo shoots and everything was incredibly fresh. The fatty beef and lamb were melt-in-your-mouth tender, the cilantro beef balls were packed with flavor, and the fish tofu had that perfect soft, bouncy texture. The shrimp paste was a game-changer, incredibly fresh and flavorful, adding a delicious seafood sweetness to the meal. The bamboo shoots were crisp and soaked up the broth beautifully, while the radish, konjac, and cabbage made for the perfect hotpot additions.
Another highlight was their amazing sauce bar, which allowed me to create the perfect dipping sauce with fresh garlic, cilantro, scallion,lao gan ma, and vinegar —an absolute must-try!
And I can’t forget to mention the fantastic service. The employees here go above and beyond to make sure every guest has an amazing experience. They are friendly, attentive, and incredibly efficient, always refilling broths, checking in to make sure everything is perfect, and making the whole experience seamless. Their warm hospitality adds to the already inviting atmosphere, making YeS Hotpot a place I’ll definitely return to.
Beyond the food, YeS Hotpot is simply the perfect place to gather with friends. The welcoming ambiance, quick service, and budget-friendly menu make it an ideal spot to relax, chat, and enjoy great food without spending a fortune. If you’re looking for a hotpot experience that’s fresh, affordable, and super convenient, this is the...
Read moreFinding a high-quality Sichuan hotpot in New York isn’t easy, but YeS HotPot stands out as one of the better options. The spicy beef tallow broth isn’t the most intensely rich or numbing type, but it’s well-balanced, making for a comfortable, satisfying meal without feeling overly greasy. Another pleasant surprise was the mushroom broth - a deep brown, flavorful soup with finely chopped mushrooms and cordyceps flowers, delivering a strong umami taste. I also noticed that when refilling the spicy broth, the staff used Lao Ying tea, which is a very authentic touch.
The ingredient selection is impressive, and some items are must-orders, especially the bubble tofu skin and black tripe. The tripe was exceptionally fresh—when cooked for the recommended 8 seconds, it turned out perfectly crisp and flavorful. Rocket squid, gongcai (a crunchy stem vegetable), and duck intestines were also great additions, bringing a touch of authenticity rarely seen in American hotpot spots.
The biggest letdown was the meat selection. I tried various beef and pork dishes, but the quality was mediocre—most cuts lacked strong flavor, clearly frozen, and not particularly tender. Additionally, due to the restaurant’s “small-portion dish” concept, the meat slices were cut very small, making the experience feel somewhat underwhelming.
Price-wise, vegetables range from $3–6 per bowl, and meats are $7–12 per plate. While it seems affordable at first, the small portion sizes add up, making the total bill not as cost-effective as it initially appears.
Overall, despite some flaws, YeS HotPot is still a solid option for authentic Sichuan hotpot in New York. The positives outweigh the negatives, and I would definitely...
Read moreAwesome hotpot especially with the spicy broth. Got medium spice but not as spicy and numbing as I anticipated when I was in Chongqing. Service is really nice. Clean and bright. First time I feel so relaxed eating hotpot and not being rushed or stuffing myself to the fullest. Soup base is $11.99 and most dishes are very affordable. My mum says the servings are small, but I think they are just right. I’m so used to eating ayce style and over ordering at Haidilao. This place feels slow paced and I get to really enjoy every single little dishes. Appreciate their blend of oil cans and they really make the spicy food more mild. I also love their tea which they use for the spicy soup base. I drank almost two of those pitchers of their tea which has a Smokey aroma. Mum didn’t enjoy as much so she opted for water. There are variety of drinks from soft drinks to beers to soju. I’m writing this review not just for the free dessert, but truly enjoying this...
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