As it is getting colder and colder in Beijing, many people again turn to hotpot for warmth. Here is a list of top five hotpots downtown.  

1. Little Sheep 

It's not every day that you can get Mongolian food in Shanghai, much less Mongolian hot pot. And in the true spirit of this largely nomadic country, this restaurant gives you loads of flavorful meat at a price much lower than most hot pot joints that foreigners will dare to step foot in. Plenty of non-spicy broths are available so that hot pot trainees can also take part. 

Location: 777 Jiangning Lu near Haifang Lu
Tel: 021-5289-1717 

2. Tan Fish Head Hotpot 

No one does hot pot like Sichuan, and the popularity of this restaurant attests to how well it approximates the spirit of Chongqing. Try the delicious Silver Carp Head hot pot or Old Eagle Sichuan tea. Many of the provincial specialties here won't be found anywhere else in the city, so unless you've got a ticket straight to Chengdu, this is the best place to sample some of the most fiery broths known to man, or at least Shanghai. 

Location: 2222 Sichuan Bei Lu near Luxun Park, Metro Line 3 Hongkou Football Statium Station

Tel: 021-5696-2476 

3. Dolar Shop 

This upscale restaurant distinguishes itself by giving you the opportunity to play chef and create your own fishballs or chicken leg balls. A fishball 50cm in diameter? We advise against it, but hey, it's your party. Experts can make their own dipping sauce, while beginners can savor a hot pot that is both classy and not too spicy. 

Location: 9/F Pudong International Food Centre, 601 Zhangyang Lu near Laoshan Xi Lu

Tel: 021-5836-1886 

4. Colorful Hot Pot 

Upon grabbing a glass of fresh juice and receiving an unusual and flavorful hot pot broth like apple with herbs, you'll find the name of this venue rings true. Each person gets their own pot, perfect for sharing several unique broths with friends. The meat is tender and the whole experience will add a bit of color to your cheeks. 

Location: 1219 Changde Lu near Yuyuan Lu, Metro Line 2 Jingansi Station

Tel: 021-3221-1138, 3221-1139 

5. Hot Pot King 

The gold standard for foreigners and perhaps Chinese as well, this restaurant is sympathetic to newbies and all the branches have stylish interiors. This isn't exactly Mongolian lamb shank you're getting and the prices match up accordingly, but don't be deterred. The hearty communal experience derived from a two-broth hot pot stuffed with delicious fatty meat is well worth it. 

Location: 3/F 222 Huaihai Zhong Lu near Gaoshan Lu, Metro Line 1 Huangpi Nan Lu Station

Tel: 021-5396-5572 

(City Weekend January 1, 2008)