A simple meal can go a long way. Take soup as an example. Most soup dishes need only water as a base, adding only a spice or two and a meat of choice to add flavor. You’re free to experiment as much as you’d like, trying different ingredients with every go. One of the best ways to mix around and find out is through a hot pot. It’s a familiar sight, often offered as one of the dining options alongside grills in samgyeopsal restaurants, since it makes use of the same meats and veggies. In Metro Manila, there are several hot pot spots to try out, but this particular offering by the Manila Prince Hotel’s Dragon Court caught our eye.

Upon entry, Dragon Court’s ambiance paints an immediate picture of what to expect: an authentic Chinese cuisine experience. There are three hot pot options to choose from— premium (₱1,088), regular (₱888), or classic (₱749). Each tier gives you more ingredients and soup bases to pick from. To get the most bang for your buck, opt for the premium set to unlock all possible menu options.

There are four soup base options you can select (clear, sate, Chinese herbal, and spicy mala). Spicy mala is ideal for those who yearn for a little kick from their meal. While it implies a high level of spice, the spice levels are left at a tolerable level for anyone to try. Meanwhile, the Chinese herbal soup has a strong, bitter taste. It’s ideal for those looking for lasting flavors, satisfying cravings for the day. Sate soup, on the other hand, gives a familiar taste akin to tinola. If you’re still unsure which base seems preferable to your palate, you can never go wrong with the classic option.

After picking a soup base, you can choose whichever noodles, meats, and veggies you’d like to add in. There are also dipping sauces on the side to help add extra flavor to your dish. Since soup and side servings are unlimited, you can have fun mixing and matching ingredients as you please. Spicy mala works well with savory meats like beef and pork. Chinese herbal soup is ideal for seafood dishes, as the shrimp and lobster balls help complement the soup’s strong flavors. Sate works best with chicken, vegetables, and mushrooms. Classic, while being the most basic of the bunch, can go with whatever you choose due to its simple flavor profile. We recommend trying the lobster balls as every bite leaves your senses satisfied.

Dragon Court is located within the Manila Prince Hotel along San Marcelino St. in Ermita, Manila. The hot pot sets are available for either lunch (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or dinner (6 p.m. to 10p.m.)