The Philippines is home to a multitude of hot pot restaurants, truly surprising.
The options range from authentic Chinese hot pot to casual shops in shopping malls, offering a wide variety of choices.
Even on weekends, it's not uncommon to see families and friends gathered around a hot pot.
During my visit to Zhenbao Hotpot, I pondered the reasons behind the popularity of hot pot in the Philippines.
Reason 1: The cultural aspect of sharing food with everyone.
In the Philippines, meals are typically eaten individually, with each person having their own separate dishes, whereas the style is to arrange food on a table and share it with everyone.
Hot pot is no exception.
The large central pot serves as a focal point, with different people adding their ingredients, and the host guiding everyone, "It's ready to eat now."
The dish itself, as well as the time spent around the hot pot, is what constitutes a meal.It's a great fit for Filipino culture, which places a strong emphasis on sharing meals with family and friends.
Even in local hot pot culture, it's often introduced as a popular option for gatherings and dates.
The reason is that spicy and non-spicy people can coexist.
This time, we have two types of hot pot.
One is a hearty, spicy soup loaded with chili peppers, while the other is a mild soup made with vegetables, persimmons, and other ingredients.
This is an excellent group meal option.
The beauty of it is that people who love spicy food and those who don't can enjoy it together at the same table.
People who only eat meat, vegetable-centered people, mushroom lovers, and seafood lovers, each having their favorite ingredients and timing to be inserted.
Everyone is eating the same dish, but everyone has a different way of eating.
I also think this is the strength of Hotpot.
Reason ③ The combination of "UNLI" from the Philippines, which is strong.
And, of course, the "UNLI" (Unlimited/All-you-can-eat) is also unavoidable.
This Zhenbao Hotpot is an Unlimited Hotpot for 1 person at ₱999.
Looking at the menu, there are quite a variety of types, including beef, lamb, pork belly, vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, meatballs, seafood, and noodles.Zhenbao has been offering an Unlimited Hotpot for ₱999 since before.This dish is also featured in various local media at this price range with abundant ingredients.
When I actually ordered the meat, I found that thinly sliced beef kept coming out.
Throw it in the pot for a few seconds.
It's fine to eat with spicy soup, or enjoy the flavor of the meat with gentle soup.
If you thought you wanted more, you can add it.
This casualness is perfect for an all-you-can-eat meal.
And the most surprising thing was the beer.
Personally, I thought, "Is this okay? This price?"
Beer until Unlimited.
The refrigerator was stocked with San Miguel Pale Pilsen, San Miguel Light, and Tsingtao beer from China.
Hot pot with cold Tsingtao beer.
This combination is quite dangerous.
Eating spicy soup.
Drinking beer.
Adding meat.
Drinking more beer.
The facility will be completed.
For more information on Zhenbao, please refer to past store introductions or local videos that include Unlimited Beer plans.
Plans priced above ₱999 are considered "for everyone to enjoy".
Of course, since it's all-you-can-eat, you'll want to consider how much you eat to get your money back.
However, upon actual visit, the excellence of this store is only in that aspect.
Choose your favorite ingredients, add them to the pot, and wait for everyone to enjoy the finished dish.
If it's too spicy, have a beer.
Hotpot often involves activities that everyone participates in during meals, unlike ordinary restaurants.
The food itself is becoming an event.
It's popular in the Philippines for reasons beyond just taste.
I like it when a lot of people gather.
Sharing food is appealing.
It's customizable to one's liking.
The unlimited options make it a great value.
Maybe this is all just coinciding.
And now, Zhenbao Hotpot.
The price of ₱999 for unlimited hotpot and beer is quite strong.
If you like hotpot, or even if you're wondering if Filipino hotpot is really popular, this is a must-try for Japanese people too.
Zhenbao Hotpot
The price is ₱999 per person (as of my visit).
Unlimited hotpot and drinks/beer
Google https://maps.app.goo.gl/TBUJjE7dLkMfvWMj6?g_st=ic
Please note that the prices, unlimited hotpot, and unlimited drinks may change, so please check with the store before visiting.