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Choosing the Right Chinese Hotpot Base in 2026: A Practical Guide

Making Chinese hotpot at home starts with the soul of the dish: the soup base. The selection on the shelf or online can be overwhelming. The wrong Chinese hotpot basis can result in a broth that is too spicy, too salty, or simply not to your liking. This can affect the entire dining experience. This guide helps you make an informed choice based on factual product features, ensuring you find exactly what you need for a successful hotpot night.

What to Look for When Buying a Hotpot Soup Base?

Before you Chinese fondue basis kopen, it's helpful to understand a few key aspects. The choice depends on your personal taste preferences, dietary needs, and desired intensity.

  • Type of Oil: The foundation of the broth is often determined by the type of fat.

    • Clear Oil: Usually made from vegetable oils like soybean or rapeseed oil. These bases are often lighter and allow the flavors of the herbs and spices to shine through.
    • Animal Fat (Tallow): Traditionally, regions like Sichuan and Chongqing use beef tallow. This creates a richer, fuller, and more mouth-coating texture.
  • Flavor Profile: The most common flavor is Málà (麻辣), a combination of the spiciness from chili peppers () and the signature numbing tingle of Sichuan peppercorns (). However, milder, sour, or umami-rich varieties are also available.

  • Ingredients and Allergens: Always check the label. Many bases contain soy, wheat (gluten), or other allergens. The ingredient list also indicates the complexity of the flavor, for example, through the presence of fermented broad bean paste (doubanjiang), ginger, garlic, and various spices.

Our Selection for At-Home Hotpot

Below is a selection of different types of hotpot soepbasis, each with its own unique character. The recommendations are based on product specifications.


1. Hao Ren Jia Hawthorn Clear Oil Hot Pot Base 220g

Hao Ren Jia Hawthorn Clear Oil Hot Pot Base

Why this product This base from Hao Ren Jia stands out with the addition of hawthorn, which lends a refreshing, sweet-and-sour undertone to the broth. It is a hotpot soepbasis based on clear rapeseed oil, resulting in a lighter and less overwhelming experience than traditional, heavier broths.

Pros

  • Unique flavor profile with a sweet-and-sour note from hawthorn.
  • Mild spiciness, suitable for a wider audience.
  • Lighter clear oil base, making it easier on the stomach.

Who is this for? This is a great choice for those starting with hotpot thuis maken or for guests who do not enjoy extremely spicy food. It's also ideal for lovers of a lighter, more refined broth where the natural flavor of the ingredients can stand out.

View product details for Hao Ren Jia Hawthorn Base


2. SHOO LOONG KAN Full Ingredient Oil Brick Hot Pot Base 500g

SHOO LOONG KAN Full Ingredient Oil Brick Hot Pot Base

Why this product Shoo Loong Kan (Xiao Long Kan) is a renowned hotpot restaurant brand from Chengdu. This product brings their signature, authentic Sichuan hotpot basis to your home kitchen. It comes as an "oil brick," a solid block of fats and spices, which creates a very rich and complex broth.

Pros

  • Authentic, rich flavor that replicates the hotpot restaurant experience.
  • Complex blend of chili and spices for a deep mala hotpot flavor.
  • Easy to use: simply add the block to boiling water.

Who is this for? This base is intended for the enthusiast of traditional, intense, and pittige hotpot from Sichuan. If you are looking for a deep, full-bodied, and mouth-coating broth with a pronounced flavor, this is a fitting choice.

View product details for SHOO LOONG KAN Oil Brick


3. Haidilao Clear Oil Hot Pot Soup Base Mala Flavor 220g

Haidilao Clear Oil Hot Pot Soup Base Mala Flavor

Why this product Haidilao is one of the most famous names in the hotpot world. This Haidilao hotpot basis uses a clear soybean oil base, making it a lighter option than varieties with animal fat. The product contains 10% Spanish chili peppers and 0.8% Sichuan pepper, creating a layered and authentic málà flavor. The addition of broad bean paste provides a deep, savory umami taste.

Pros

  • From a renowned hotpot brand, ensuring consistent flavor.
  • Clear oil base is lighter and less greasy than traditional broths.
  • Clear Quantitative Ingredient Declaration (QUID) for chili and Sichuan pepper.
  • Versatile: can also be used to make other dishes like Mala Xiang Guo (spicy dry pot).

Who is this for? This base is a solid all-rounder. It's suitable for those who want to experience the famous Haidilao flavor at home and prefer a pittige hotpot that is not overly heavy. The balance between spicy, numbing, and savory makes it a popular choice.

View product details for Haidilao Mala Base


Looking for Other Flavors?

The world of Chinese seasonings is vast. If the selection above doesn't fully match your preferences, or if you're looking for specific oils to enrich your own broth, you can explore a wider range. Consider pure chili oil, Sichuan pepper oil, or other aromatic blends.

Check out our full range of seasoning oil for more options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between a 'clear oil' and a 'tallow' hotpot base? A 'clear oil' base is made from vegetable oil (like soybean or rapeseed oil) and is lighter in texture and flavor. A 'tallow' base uses animal fat (usually beef tallow), resulting in a richer, fuller, and more mouth-coating broth that is characteristic of the traditional Sichuan style.

2. How spicy is a 'mala' hotpot base? The spice level varies greatly by brand and product. 'Mala' refers to the combination of spiciness (la) and a numbing tingle (ma). Some bases are extremely spicy, while others have a milder, more balanced flavor. Check the packaging or product description for indications of the spice level.

3. How much hotpot base do I need for a meal? This depends on the package size and the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, a 220g package is mixed with about 1 to 1.5 liters of water or broth. A larger 500g package is often sufficient for a larger pot and more people. Always follow the directions on the package for the correct ratio.


Written by: Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer