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Food & Receipts

4 Things You Should Never Order at a Hot Pot Restaurant: A Waste of Money and a Health Hazard.

6 October, 2024

Hot pot is a beloved dish for many.

However, when dining out, there are four types of food that are best avoided, regardless of the type of hot pot. They are neither delicious nor healthy. So, what are these four foods? Let’s find out below:

1. Various types of fish, shrimp, beef, and squid balls

These balls tend to be soft and chewy, with a sweet and savory taste, sometimes accompanied by a hint of pepper. While they are popular, they are often made from leftover fish, meat, or shrimp trimmings, and even from ingredients that are no longer fresh. Spoiled and stale food may be masked with additives and flavor enhancers.

Since the exact quality of the ingredients used cannot be determined, it is best to avoid ordering these balls when having hot pot. If they are included in your set, politely ask for a substitute or simply leave them untouched.

Avoid ordering meatballs when eating hot pot as their origin is uncertain.

2. Squid

Why squid? Many people enjoy squid when dining on seafood hot pot. However, not all restaurants serve fresh squid. Some may have been frozen for a long time, and you can tell by their appearance. Dull eyes, slimy flesh, and loose heads and beards indicate that the squid is not fresh. Frozen squid can be stored for months, and consuming it may cause digestive discomfort.

Therefore, if you want to include squid in your hot pot, it is best to visit a seafood specialty restaurant. They are more likely to source and properly store fresh squid. Fresh squid will have bright, shiny eyes, firm heads and bodies, and a glossy appearance.

Fresh squid will have bright, shiny eyes, firm heads and bodies, and a glossy appearance. Avoid ordering squid at non-seafood specialty restaurants as the quality may not be as good.

3. Crab sticks

In the past, people often believed that crab sticks were made from crab meat. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Crab sticks, also known as surimi, are a Japanese culinary invention. The term “surimi” literally means “minced meat” in Japanese.

To make surimi, white fish meat is ground, turned into a sticky paste, and then combined with various additives to form crab sticks. These additives can include egg whites, oil, salt, starch, and seasonings, as well as other types of fish.

If crab sticks are made from fresh fish, they can be delicious and safe to eat. However, not all crab sticks are of good quality. Some are mainly made from starch and additives, which are not beneficial for health. Therefore, when eating hot pot, it is best to avoid ordering crab sticks.

Avoid ordering crab sticks when eating hot pot as their ingredients are uncertain.

4. Duck blood

When dining on duck hot pot, some restaurants may offer duck blood as an ingredient. However, a single duck does not yield that much blood, so it is likely that the blood is mixed with blood from other animals. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the process of collecting the blood is hygienic and safe for consumption. Therefore, if you are unsure about the source and safety of the duck blood, it is best to avoid ordering it.

Similarly, when eating beef offal hot pot, some restaurants may add beef blood. However, if you are unsure about the hygiene of the blood collection process, it is best to avoid consuming it.