Social media trend in China involves sneaking your own raw ingredients into hotpot restaurants

Hitting Chinese hotpot joints with friends and family has pretty much become a new religion for many Singaporeans, with the likes of Hai Di Lao, Spice World, and Imperial Treasure assigned as new culinary churches. 

It’s the same for folks in China too, and the latest trend spreading across social media involves some cheeky antics at hotpot restaurants. It’s something that you’ve either done before or wish you did.

That is, sneaking in raw ingredients into the eatery and tossing ‘em into their boiling soups and stocks when the employees aren’t looking. 

Things gets pretty ridiculous too, with patrons smuggling whole chickens, fish and vegetables in their bags before quickly dropping them into the pot. Some can't even fit inside the pot! Cue the (annoying) laugh track. 

READ: Cheap and good hotpot restaurants in Singapore for those who are sick and tired of Hai Di Lao

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Of course, we’re in no way endorsing the stunts because, you know, salmonella. If you’re already buying your own ingredients, might as well hold a steamboat party at home — Hai Di Lao sells its soup base for cheap at NTUC FairPrice supermarkets anyway. 

ilyas@asiaone.com