One of my favourite spots of individual hot pot is the Dolar Shop, so whenever my friends what go, I never say no.
Despite the name and how it is sounds aloud, it is ironically one of the priciest hot pot experiences. That in part is due to the extremely courteous staff and their focus on a premium customer service experience, a rarity I find, when it comes to such cuisine. That and the level of branding, the number of freebies, and most importantly the quality of the ingredients. For the latter, you won’t know what is free unless you ask, so pay attention and let me run it down for you.
Today we were at their original location in Aberdeen Mall as a group. And seeing as each of us has tried at least one of the franchise’s multiple locations before, we were able to order our favourites instead of trying to order what was new or a limited release.
For example, all 3 of us ordered the split broth option, instead of each trying to order something different. This is a two in one combo of spicy broth and the chef’s creamy pork broth. The latter also includes extra pieces of chicken that you cook within it.
Having an individual hot pot insures you only add I. what you want and you cook it for as long as you want, or for long as you pay attention to it. Ideal, for those who are concerned over sharing germs or are simply picky eaters.
We did share all the actual dishes as group. It all came to the table raw for us to add into our boiling pots. Each person’s pot comes equipped with a porcelain protective guard that not only prevents burns, but looks great as table deco as well.
As you wait for your order, guests are able to help themselves to the sauce salon that includes a complimentary selection of fresh fruit and easy appetizers like honey dew, cantaloupe, and watermelon, plus kimchi and edamame. They also have a few bins of sauces and dressings that you can combine to make your own. Not the most impressive sauce bar or one with the largest number of options, but where they lack here they make up in lavish setting. A setting that includes marble counters and tables, a Mediterranean-esque live seafood presentation, and even disposable bibs for messy eaters such as myself. For the latter most, you only need to ask.
Although I do suggest taking advantage of your knowledgeable server to help craft the dipping sauce, as they prepare their staple that is also the most popular option.
While you wait for your raw meat and vegetable dishes to be assembled and for the broth in your pot to boil, you can order some cook appetizers to hold the tide. Such as the Salt and pepper crispy pork. Dry bits of meat to get the appetite going.
I also had to try the Tomato Yakult drink out of curiosity. It was more tomato than yogurt drink, and tasted like V8 tomato juice, but with a creamy texture from the milk product.
At the end of the day, what your hot pot will taste like depends on what you order and how you cook it. If you are like me, that will be overcooked with plenty of meat and firm root vegetables, and more sauce than ingredient. Nonetheless we ordered the following.
The Fried bean curd that starts out crispy and firm, but is quick to absorb the broth it gets dunked into, like a sponge. It reminded me of a loofa that is soggy and chewy in texture. It has no real flavour on its own, but you order it more for the texture anyways.
The Veggie basket is a nice staple that includes a smaller assortment of woodear fungus, lotus root, tomato, corn, egg tofu, shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, and lettuce.
The Seafood platter was a feast for the eyes. Quality oysters, abalone, shrimp, white fish, and scallops deserving of being served in a treasure chest of ice.
The thin slides of Premier cru beef are quick to cook and easy to loose in the broth, therefore it is best to dunk each piece in the soup, using your chopsticks to hold firm and to quickly cook.
Similarly, we were advised 10 seconds is the ideal cook time for the Centre cut beef tongue.
Pro tip: after you are full and done eating, do not let all that delicious broth go to waste. It came to the table flavourful, but has since taken on the flavours of everything else you have cooked in it. So pack that to go and use it as a soup base for fresh noodles and ingredients. And voila, you have another meal, if not two.
And as a nice way to end the lunch or dinner, each diner gets a thin, softserve vanilla milk cone for dessert. The perfect sized serving to cleanse your palate and leave it on a sweet note.
And the freebies do not end there, if you have small children or are a child at heart, you can ask for one of their complimentary glow stick swords or glow stick star wands to take home and play with, as a toy.
And on your way out be sure to grab some of their candies at the counter, if you didn’t already do so coming in. In fact some locations even stock a drink cart with grab and go cups of snacks like popcorn, mixed nuts, or seasoned rice crackers; for those customers who may find themselves waiting for a table or to be seated.
In short, Dolar Shop is a terrific option for hot pot, when you want great service and the ability to not have to share the pot communally. Not to mention, their air conditioning is on chill, so you needn’t worry about over sweating as you eat this summer season. So enjoy the cooking experience of your own at table pot. And know that you get what you want, the way you want it, and if anything is over cooked or comes out wrong, you only have yourself to blame.
The Dolar Shop Richmond
5300 No. 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 2X9
604-370-7077
dolarshop.com
