Igloo Hot Pot

Northeast China has a deep love of hot pot, and in Harbin that love meets the winter in a playful way: restaurants and winter parks build igloos of snow and ice, set tables inside and serve bubbling pots of broth surrounded by plates of sliced meat, vegetables, tofu and noodles. The walls glitter, the air is cold enough to keep your breath visible, and yet the hot pot, the steam and the company make the space feel snug. It is a good example of the local attitude to winter, which is to make the most of it rather than endure it. The linked product is a private tour that arranges the igloo dinner and the transport, and it suits couples and small groups who want a memorable meal. Dishes typically include thin slices of beef or lamb, mushrooms, cabbage, noodles and dipping sauces made with sesame, garlic and chilli, and a pot of tea or a glass of local beer completes the picture. Regional touches, such as pickled cabbage broth and sweet sauces, give the meal a northeastern accent.

Wear thick socks and bring a scarf, and expect to keep gloves close for outside breaks. Hot pot is slow food, so allow at least ninety minutes for the meal. The broth is hot enough to burn, so watch children around the table, and take care with the ice floor. Photographs of the glowing walls and the steaming pot are popular, so ask the staff for the best angle. If you prefer a standard indoor hot pot, northeastern restaurants across the city offer the same hearty fare in warmer rooms.

Pair the meal with an evening at the ice park or a stroll along Central Street. Some tips make the meal smoother. Hot pot is communal, so you cook slices of meat and vegetables in the shared broth for a minute or two and then dip them in your own sauce bowl. Start with leafy vegetables and thinly sliced meat, and add noodles or tofu later, once the broth has become richer. Use the separate serving chopsticks if provided, and do not leave food in the pot for too long.

The broth often comes in two sections, one mild and one spicy, so you can choose according to taste. In an igloo the food cools quickly, so eat promptly and keep the pot at a gentle boil. The staff usually help with the burner and the refills, and they will happily show you the proper order. Finish the meal with a bowl of the broth, which has taken on the flavour of everything cooked in it, and a hot tea to warm your hands before you head back outside.