Hot pot mini workshop — Restaurant in Ontario

We've really been missing hot pot, especially with our go-to place still closed during the pandemic. Came across this small hot pot joint and decided to give it a try. And we've been coming back ever since. They're located in the Sam's Club plaza by Baja Fresh and across from Holiday Cafe - no issues with parking as the lot is huge.

With the new restrictions, currently they're offering to-go only. But I visited back when outdoor dining was allowed. No tables are set outside, but if you pop your head in, the workers will get a table situated outside for you right away. Normally they would offer AYCE drinks with their happy hour hot pot pricing (2-5 PM on weekdays). But they're currently offering a 24 oz drink where you can fill with as many toppings as you'd like (with assistance from the worker). Everything is pretty COVID-safe - masks inside at all times. The workers will help you fill up drinks with toppings/tea and bring it out to you, etc.

The first time that we visited, they served the hot pots in the to-go containers. Wasn't a great hot pot experience, but we both were craving Taiwanese hot pot. And the bowls came with AYCE rice. But they now give the hot pots in the classic woks with the fire underneath. Since the weather has been cooler lately, eating the hot pot with the soup bubbling has definitely made us super happy.

I've tried the beef, picked mustard greens pot with lamb (substituted lamb for another meat), and the sukiyaki (each $12.99). Flavors are all on point with a ton of various ingredients. My favorite for now is the sukiyaki - soup is on the sweeter side, comes with a soft boiled egg, has udon - super tasty to eat with their soft white rice.

If you're wanting a bolder, stronger flavor, I'd recommend the beef. You can't go wrong with the classic beef and there's fish balls, meat ball, corn, etc. I also really liked the pickled mustard greens - not a fan of lamb, so I usually substitute for beef or pork. But the flavor of the soup is more mild than beef while the pickled mustard gives some acidity to the overall meal.

There have been some times where the meat was already quite dry when coming out of the kitchen, but everything else is so great that we weren't even bothered. They do usually throw in a piece of pork blood, but we usually ask that to be substituted with something else.

And what makes the meal more awesome is that every pot comes with a 24 oz drink. Prior to COVID, you were probably able to mix and match teas, etc. But now, they let you try samples before you decide on which tea you'd want. Selections include osmanthus oolong, jasmine green milk, wintermelon, mango green tea, oolong milk, passion fruit green tea, honey green tea, almond milk, and milk tea. There's also some pineapple and strawberry mango juice if you want a dairy free option. And as for toppings - go crazy! Aloe, jellies (coffee, lychee, passion fruit, etc.), grass jelly, egg pudding, almond tofu, rainbow jelly, popping boba, regular boba - possibilities are endless. I've seen some people request a ton of toppings and have barely enough room for tea in the to-go orders.

Teas are a little on the sweeter side, so I'd recommend some ice. Usually we're so stuffed from the hot pot that we save the tea for later - a nice treat to have when you're craving something sweet to drink. Jasmine green milk tea is my go-to, but the almond milk and mango green tea aren't too bad either.

Not sure if this is a family establishment, but the workers are all super friendly and helpful. They definitely go out of their way to make sure the customers have a good experience eating the food. Really hoping that this business makes it through these times. They offer take-out and delivery as well if you're in the surrounding area.

tl;dr - A new hot pot favorite for us in the Ontario area. Prices are decent and you get AYCE rice, a free drink, etc. What's...

Not sure why it took us so long to try this place! The owners are Taiwanese and they said they’ve been open for two years. I was so happy to see they had a curry pot! It was the perfect amount and you can add a build your own boba for a couple more dollars.

The part that was the best was build your own pot. My kids typically only like noodles and meat with some tofu and it’s never worth it to get them their own pot. We were able to build our own with udon noodles and a bunch of meat which was just a little over a pound. We asked for a miso soup base and the kids loved it!

We decided to add boba after we were done with our meal so we could take it home. They had so many different toppings. The boba was perfect! I loved the grass jelly, it seemed like it was homemade along with the almond pudding! I think half of my cup was toppings! Next you pick your drink and amount of ice and they seal it for you. They had fruit teas, milk teas along with drinks without tea. I like how thoughtful they were with having non caffeinated options also.

They also automatically brought out plastic spoons, forks and extra bowls for the kids! We will...

I don't know we're to start. It all started because we went to a restaurant dwn the street and they had a long waiting list. Knowing that we didn't have much time we ended up at Hot Pot Mini Workshop. I am so glad there was that long waiting list because I don't think I would have came to this place.

Now let's get into this. 10 out of 10! No questions asked. Plain and simple, dry and cut. Get your bowl, add you noodles, meats and veggies. At the counter select your broth and the spice levels. Let me tell you the flavors of these broths available you cannot go wrong with any. I have tried miso spicy and Taiwanese spicy both delicious!! Comes with a side of steam rice. And drinks, tea and boba available!

Give this place a try. You will not regret it! Clean place, not so busy, and...