2. Chongqing hot pot

Located in southwest China, Chongqing municipality is known as the capital of hot pot. With several rivers running through the megacity, the highly humid air integrates Chongqing hot pot into local people's daily lives. With its super spicy flavor, Chongqing hot pot has the effect of dispelling dampness, which is an important reason for its popularity. The essence of the Chongqing hot pot lies in the hot pot base. Unlike other kinds of hot pot, Chongqing hot pot soup base is made with beef fat that can reduce the taste of chili and ooze Sichuan pepper into the oil as cooking goes on to make the soup richer and give off a distinct fragrance. In addition, the irresistible taste of Chongqing hot pot is also attributed to the substantial treatment of ingredients, including poultry, seafood, pork, mutton, beef, and various types of offal and vegetables. The dipping sauce for Chongqing hot pot is made of sesame oil, oyster sauce, salt and smashed garlic, which will not only give the ingredients a rich mixture of flavors but reduce heat from the spice.