When discussing Hainan cusine, many people will immediately think of the four famous Hainan dishes of Wenchang Chicken, Jiaji Duck, Dongshan Mutton, and Hele Crab. However, special hot pots are actually commonly enjoyed by many local residents in Hainan in their everyday life.

With a pot, people in Hainan can come up with a variety of delicious delicacies, such as fish hot pot, watermelon hot pot, and special seafood hot pot.

Hainan-flavored seafood hot pot. [Photo/Hainan Daily] 

The Sichuan-flavored hot pot is made with bean sprouts, cabbage, dried bean-curd, and other vegetables, featuring strong seasonings like chili, chives, ginger, garlic, pepper, and other condiments. On the other hand, the Hainan-flavored hot pot includes ingredients like fish, preserved sour bamboo shoots, tofu, and water spinach. It is not spicy, but very tasty and nutritious.

Apart from fish hot pot, special watermelon hot pot is also a popular dish in Hainan, especially in the summer. The preserved watermelon slices mix with fish and seafood, bringing out the best taste of the latter for a mouthwatering favorite. Some watermelon hot pots also use fresh melons for cooking, and the soup is a little sweeter and redder in color.

The Hainan-flavored fish hot pot uses the freshest catches of the day to deliver the best taste for diners. [Photo/Hainan Daily]