100 Ways to Drool | Chaotian Pot: A way to savor the taste of Shandong

The Chaotian Pot, a hot-pot dish originated in the folk morning market in Weifang, Shandong Province in northern China, has a history dating back to the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty and is related to Zheng Banqiao.

When the farmers could not enjoy hot meals, some people set up a large iron pot in the market, cooking hot dishes for passers-by. The soup is boiled, and the meat is thoroughly cooked and softened. Diners sit around the pot while the master chef pours the hot soup, adds some parsley, soy sauce, and a thin pancake. Because the pot has no lid, while “Chaotian” means directly facing the sky, so people call it "Chaotian Pot". Watch this video to experience Weifang's traditional Chaotian Pot.