Qiao Lin Hotpot

From its whirring kitchen to its revolving door of eager diners, Qiao Lin Hotpot is always abuzz. Warm hospitality and quirky charm add to the appeal, but diners are really here for one thing: Chongqing-style hot pot. The attentive staff is quick to refill the broth; dividers mean that you can sample different broths at once; and the portions are hearty. Add-ons comprise various meats, seafood, tofu and vegetables to be added to the broths, ranging from soothing varieties like mushroom or tomato to spicy chili, which earns its moniker thanks to an intense blend of dried chili flakes and Szechuan peppercorns. Order a stack of crispy rice cakes dressed with a brown sugar syrup for a hiatus from the heat.