Lots of sauce and condiments exclusively made by the hotel chef for Unlimited Hotpot
Give in to your hot pot craving at Manila Prince Hotel’s Dragon Court | by Leony Garcia | There’s something irresistibly comforting about the bubbling cauldron at the center of a hotpot table—steam curling up, fragrant broth simmering, and a rainbow of raw ingredients waiting to be swished in.
The craving that follows is more than a simple appetite; it’s a signal that your body and brain are seeking a blend of nutrition, warmth, and connection. The hot‑pot experience delivers all three in one sitting, turning a mere meal into a therapeutic ritual.
Moreover, the communal pot invites conversation, cooperation, and a shared sense of ritual—factors that release oxytocin and reduce stress hormones. The rhythmic dipping of morsels, the clink of chopsticks, and the occasional burst of laughter create a multisensory experience that heightens pleasure and can even improve mood.
Photos by: Teddy Pelaez
From a nutritional standpoint, hot‑pot is uniquely flexible. The broth—whether a clear mushroom stock, a mildly spiced miso, or a fiery Sichuan chili base—provides hydration and, depending on the recipe, antioxidants, collagen, and beneficial spices such as ginger and garlic that support digestion and immune function. Because the cooking happens at the table, you can tailor each bite: lean proteins (thinly sliced beef, chicken breast, tofu) supply high‑quality amino acids; a medley of vegetables (bok choy, mushrooms, spinach, carrots) adds fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients; and noodles or rice offer complex carbs for sustained energy. By controlling the cooking time, you preserve the crunch of fresh greens and the tenderness of meat, maximizing both texture and nutrient retention.
The Manila Prince Hotel, strategically located in the heart of Manila which is accessible to all modes of transportation, offers the best Hotspot experience in town.
Dragon Court’s Unlimited Hotpot: A Flavorful Feast
The hotel’s famed Dragon Court Restaurant, conveniently located at the ground floor, takes the traditional hotpot experience to new heights with its Unlimited Hot Pot offering.
The resto now features individual hot pot stations, ideal for diners who prefer their own pot, customized broth, and a more personal pace. Available for groups of 10 or more, this setup reimagines the traditional communal hot pot with added comfort and flexibility, without sacrificing the joy of shared dining.
Choose between the indulgent Premium Hot Pot at Php 1,088 nett with tenderloin, seafood, and gourmet ingredients, or the comforting Regular Hot Pot at Php 888 nett featuring crowd favorites like U.S. fat beef and chicken, and Classic Hot Pot at Php749 nett with beef strips and sliced pork. Those options include fresh vegetables, noodles, and a selection of house-made dipping sauces.
Photos by: Teddy Pelaez
Available from Monday to Sunday for Lunch: 11:00am to 3:00pm and dinner: 6:00 pm to 10:00pm. A maximum of 2 hours is set per diner.
For inquiries and reservations, call
+63 2 5328 2222 or 0908-8991912 or
emal: fnb@manilaprince.com.
Hotpot craving can be a cue for balance. If you’ve been stuck on a diet of processed snacks or isolated meals, the desire for hot‑pot suggests a yearning for variety, warmth, and communal nourishment. Responding mindfully—choosing a broth low in sodium, loading up on vegetables, and enjoying the social element without overindulging—turns the craving into a health‑positive choice rather than a guilty pleasure.
The craving isn’t just a fleeting whim; it’s an invitation to enjoy a meal that simultaneously satisfies taste buds, fuels the body with wholesome ingredients, and nurtures the spirit through shared warmth.
Personal tips
For a healthy hot pot, choose clear, low-sodium broths (mushroom, tomato, or vegetable) instead of oily, spicy ones. Load up on leafy greens: Napa cabbage, spinach, bok choy, broccoli, mushrooms (enoki, shiitake), carrots, and seaweed.
Prioritize lean proteins like fish or thinly sliced lean beef, chicken breast, white fish, shrimp, scallops, and tofu.
Choose small amounts of healthier, lower-calorie options like rice vermicelli, udon, or brown rice.
Opt for low-fat, lower-sodium sauces like soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, cilantro, and fresh chili.
Drink plenty of water throughout the meal to counteract high sodium intake but avoid drinking the broth at the end of the meal to reduce sodium and fat consumption.
Indeed, one bubbling pot can deliver a surprisingly wholesome boost to both health and happiness!
