Hotpot is often seen as a group dining experience—bubbling broths shared among friends, large platters of ingredients passed around, and sauce bars that spark conversation. But solo diners shouldn’t feel left out. In fact, dining alone at a hotpot restaurant can be just as rewarding, with more control over the pace, flavors, and portions. Whether you’re exploring a new city or simply treating yourself, hotpot for one is a rising trend—and one worth embracing.

Why Hotpot for One Makes Sense
Many modern hotpot chains have recognized the need for individual options, making it easier for solo diners to enjoy a full experience without compromise.

• Individual Hotpots: Restaurants like Boiling Point specialize in single-serving pots with pre-set combos tailored for one person.
  
• Divided Pots: Some places offer small dual broth pots, so you can still try multiple flavors without sharing.
  
• Less Waste, Full Control: Ordering solo means you choose exactly what you want—nothing extra, no splitting, and no sharing sauces unless you want to.
  

Best Hotpot Chains for Solo Dining
These spots are known for their solo-friendly setups:

• Boiling Point: Offers a wide range of preset hotpot flavors like Korean kimchi and Taiwanese spicy, all served in personal pots.
  
• Haidilao: While geared toward group dining, many Haidilao locations provide small tables and customizable individual servings.
  
• Shabu Shabu Macoron (NYC): A Japanese-style hotpot restaurant with bar seating that encourages solo diners.
  
• Mo-Mo-Paradise: A shabu-shabu chain with counter service and individual shabu pots.
  

Tips for a Great Solo Hotpot Experience

• Go During Lunch: Many restaurants offer lunch specials or quieter crowds during midday, perfect for solo diners.
  
• Bring a Book or Stream a Show: Dining solo gives you the freedom to enjoy your own company. Some restaurants even offer tablet entertainment.
  
• Customize Everything: Without needing to compromise with others, try new sauces, experiment with broth intensity, or go heavy on your favorite ingredients.
  
• Skip the Upsell: Dining solo often means ordering just what you need, making the experience more affordable without sacrificing quality.
  

What to Order for One
Stick with a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs:

• Thinly sliced beef or lamb
  
• Napa cabbage, mushrooms, and tofu
  
• Glass noodles or udon
  
• A house broth like mushroom or spicy tomato
  
• A simple dipping sauce (soy + sesame oil + garlic works every time)
  

Save While You Treat Yourself
Even when dining alone, you can still save on your hotpot meal. Apps like Rakuten or Ibotta can help with discounts for delivery or grocery pickups if you’re making hotpot at home. When dining out, earn cashback with a Haidilao gift card or other participating merchants by purchasing through Fluz. You get rewards instantly—and the best part is, you don’t have to split them.

Hotpot, Your Way
Eating out solo doesn’t mean settling for less. In fact, a solo hotpot meal offers a deeply personal experience—where every broth bubble, every dipping sauce, and every bite is made just for you. So next time you’re craving something comforting and customizable, pull up a seat at the hotpot bar and indulge.