Feng Hotpot 冯校长老火锅 — Restaurant in Philadelphia

By far the best hotpot broth I’ve ever had! I’d say even better than Shoo Loong Kan.

We had a reservation for 2 around 5:30 PM and were seated right away when we arrived. I think you must reserve to be seated. We chose a good time because it got super busy right after we ordered our first round. You can order from the iPad/kiosk at each table. There is a bin beneath/beside the table for coats, which did an excellent job keeping away the hotpot smell from our coats. There is also a side table with extra bowls, utensils, napkins, and water.

They have single, double, and four-flavor broths. We did the double pot and chose the pork bone broth & the spicy beef tallow (sichuan level spicy). The pork bone broth was DELICIOUS! It’s undoubtedly the best pork bone broth I’ve had on the east coast, on par with (if not better than) Shoo Loong Kan’s pork bone broth. It was very rich in flavor even after refilling 2-3 times. I ate a whole basket of bok choy soaked in the pork bone broth because it was just that good! The spicy beef tallow is also good! The sichuan spicy level is indeed very spicy, so if you’re looking for something hot, this is it! You’ll be sure to feel it for days to come.

The menu is NOT AYCE, it’s pay per dish. I thought the vegetables were a good deal for their price, since you get a whole basket full (of the cabbage and bok choy, at least). I thought the meat was good and well priced. For $10, you get about 8 rolls of sliced meat. We ordered sliced beef belly and I think 1-2 orders of the sliced beef belly is sufficient per person. We also tried the sliced beef short ribs for around $20 but I think the beef belly tasted better and it’s not as thick when cooked like the short ribs were. I wish they had the wagyu meat option available when we went. Not sure if it’s a seasonal option or they just run out of it as the day goes on. We will have to return to try the amazing broth with the wagyu in the future!

There is a small sauce bar in the back of the restaurant. It’s about $2 per person. I thought the sauce bar was a little underwhelming/small, though it does have most of the main sauce options as other hotpot places. The highlight of the sauce bar would be the pig ear appetizer. Otherwise, I honestly thought the broth was so good that we wasted money getting the sauce bar option.

We also ordered the Thai Iced Tea. It comes in a little mason jar cup. It was good but more on the bitter side in terms of taste. It’s definitely a good spacer to help cool yourself down though! They also have a shareable bucket of Passionfruit Tea that is delicious in conjunction with hotpot.

The Strawberry Milk Snow is quite small but can be shared between 2 people. There is Popping Jelly and Strawberry Jelly at the bottom of the Strawberry Milk Snow with Hello Kitty-shaped Strawberry Frozen Yogurt topped with Whipped Cream, Strawberry Pocky, Strawberry Drizzle, and fresh cut strawberries. It sounds really good but I found it underwhelming and it’s probably the only item I’ve had so far from Feng Hotpot that I would NOT order again.

Overall, you’re definitely missing out if you skip this restaurant. Even though it’s not AYCE, the broth is so good, you...

Feng Hotpot – A Must-Try Hotpot Experience! If you're looking for an authentic and flavorful hotpot experience, Feng Hotpot is the place to be! From the moment you walk in, you can feel the cozy, lively atmosphere that perfectly sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.

The Broth: A Perfect Balance of Heat & Comfort

The restaurant offers a divided hotpot with two different broths—one side brimming with spicy, numbing Sichuan-style broth loaded with dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and aromatic spices, while the other side provides a milder, herbal broth filled with red dates, goji berries, and fresh greens for a more soothing experience. The balance between fiery and mild caters to all spice tolerance levels, making it a great choice for groups with mixed preferences.

Fresh & High-Quality Ingredients

The spread of ingredients at Feng Hotpot is nothing short of impressive! The thinly sliced marbled beef is of top-tier quality, tender, and melts in your mouth after a quick dip in the broth. The handmade meatballs and seafood balls are not only aesthetically pleasing but also bursting with fresh flavors. The spicy marinated meats pack a punch, elevating the overall experience. And, of course, fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and noodles round out the meal, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Delicious Dipping Sauces & Side Drinks

The self-serve dipping sauce station allows you to customize flavors to your liking—whether you prefer a nutty sesame-based sauce or a tangy, garlicky mix with a hint of vinegar and soy sauce. The refreshing citrus drink provided pairs beautifully with the spicy flavors, offering a cooling contrast to the heat.

The Experience & Ambiance

The restaurant’s interior exudes a traditional yet modern Sichuan hotpot feel, making the dining experience both immersive and engaging. The service is attentive and friendly, ensuring that you're well taken care of throughout the meal. The bubbling broth, the aroma of spices in the air, and the interactive cooking aspect make it an enjoyable dining experience for both newcomers and hotpot enthusiasts.

Final Verdict: 5/5 ⭐️

Feng Hotpot delivers on flavor, authenticity, and quality, making it a must-visit for hotpot lovers. Whether you're craving something spicy and bold or a more mild, nourishing meal, this place has it all. Gather your friends, bring your appetite, and get ready for an amazing hotpot experience!

Would highly recommend and...

I attended the pre-opening event and paid full price for my meal. The food service and atmosphere should be comparable to what you will see now that the restaurant is open.

I have experience eating Chinese food in Philadelphia, New York and China, including Sichuan style.

FOOD 8–9. This is authentic style Sichuan hot pot. This includes soup options up to 川level spicy. Meat is excellent. All the parts you would expect and including foreigner friendly meets that are not “weird”. I think there is a slight lack of 花椒 pepper flavor which I missed. And also less oil and I welcome that change. I will see the final published pricing to choose an exact number rating and peer group.

SERVICE 10. Staff immediately filled the water cup, which you should need. Attended to questions, ordering and cleanup with a speed that is rare. Actually some staff were unfamiliar with exactly how you should cook certain meats (how many seconds), but I am expecting and rating as if this has been fixed already.

ATMOSPHERE 5. Lighting was cold, unromantic and flat. Better suited for a library. This zapped the mood. Otherwise the furnishings were new, clean and nice. With perhaps a getaway upstairs for a decent party. Staff will need to adopt a synchronized clockwise rotation otherwise the walkways will...