Hotpot: Warmth, family and a taste of home - with Wen Lou China City Wettingen

A conversation with Wen Lou, owner of China City Wettingen

As we prepare for our very first Hotpot Culture Event in collaboration with the China Foods Alliance on May 18, 2025, we wanted to dive deeper into the meaning behind this beloved dish and who better to speak with than Wen Lou, owner of China City Restaurant in Wettingen.

Wen grew up in Shanghai, and Hotpot has been part of her life for as long as she can remember. We sat down with her to hear about her memories, traditions, and how Hotpot continues to shape her culinary journey today.

Talking about her childhood memories makes Wen Lou feel nostalgic.

Wen, what does Hotpot mean to you personally?

For me, Hotpot is more than just food, it's a feeling of home and togetherness. In Shanghai, where I grew up, Hotpot was a staple during the winter. It’s warm, cozy and everyone gathers around the table. It's very much like raclette or fondue here in Switzerland, everyone sits together, chats, and shares stories. It’s really about connection.

What are your earliest memories of Hotpot?

Definitely from my childhood. At my grandmother’s house, we had up to 20 people around the table for Chinese New Year. The house was full of energy, and the Hotpot was always the centerpiece. Sometimes, we celebrated with as many as 60 people so we had to divide into two groups.

What’s a typical Hotpot gathering like in your family?

We always set up two round tables, one for the adults, one for the kids. Back then, there were no phones, so we had real conversations, maybe the TV playing quietly in the background but all the focus was on the food.
The kids would chat among themselves, sometimes even talk about school crushes, it was all part of the fun. After dinner, the elders would play Mahjong and the children would watch TV or go outside to play.

What do you like most in your Hotpot?

I love a good spicy Sichuan broth but not too overpowering! We usually go for seafood, fish balls and meatballs and we don’t use much chicken. As for lamb, it’s a no-go in our house just a matter of taste in our family!

How do you celebrate Hotpot today?

It’s no longer just for the holidays. We eat Hotpot all year round now even in summer! At home, we keep it simple with a basic broth and homemade sauces. In the restaurant, there’s more variety and creativity, which makes it feel like a celebration every time.

What makes Hotpot so special to you?

It’s the most communal food I know. It’s not just in your stomach but in your heart. Living between Chinese and Swiss cultures, Hotpot helps me stay connected to my roots and share that warmth with others here.

Do your Swiss guests embrace Hotpot too?

Absolutely! At first, they’re curious sometimes even a little unsure. But once they try it, they fall in love with how interactive, social, and personal it is. Choosing your broth, ingredients, and dipping sauces it becomes a unique experience for everyone.

What can guests expect at the upcoming Hotpot event?

We’ll be bringing together everything I love about Hotpot: traditional flavors, modern twists, and most importantly, the spirit of sharing. I can’t wait to introduce more people to the joy of Hotpot it’s not just a dish, it’s a celebration of life and community.

Want to experience it for yourself?

 Join us on May 18, 2025, for the first Hotpot Culture Event hosted with the China Foods Alliance at China City Wettingen. Taste, learn, and celebrate this iconic dish with us!