Steamboat, All Aboard By Eggy on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
Steamboat is the name of a communal style of eating which is popular in China and Southeast Asia. Steamboat is also the name of the pot used to cook the meal.
Of course, Steamboat is an English word, and other terms are used in other languages. It is similar to the western Fondue, but you cook the food in broth rather than oil, cheese, or chocolate.
I learned while researching for this review that the name Steamboat came from Chinese people mispronouncing 'Steam Bowl'.
Steamboat (or Hot Pot) originated in Northern China (or from the Mongolians). Originally, a pot with a chimney was used to cook over the hot coals of a campfire.
In modern times, there are several variations of Steamboat Pots. Some don't have a chimney, but have a divider which allows people to choose between two different kinds of broth (one usually spicy and one bland). In Thailand, Tom Yum soup would normally be used as the broth for Steamboat.
In Southeast Asia, some restaurants specialize in Steamboat Buffet. A Steamboat pot is put on a burner on your table (usually round) and you request ingredients from the menu until you can't eat any more. Typical ingredients are mainly fresh seafood mixes, various vegetables, noodles, and meats. Sometimes eggs are also added. I especially like Coca Thai Steamboat Restaurant on Orchard Road in Singapore.
Although Steamboat is more frequently eaten in restaurants, I bought a Steamboat pot in Singapore when I knew I was going to live abroad. I mainly use it for special occasions such as Chinese New Year, special birthdays, or when the weather is extremely cold.
I bought my Steamboat pot at a restaurant supply house. It is 18-8 Stainless Steel, it was reasonably priced, and it has a chimney (as I wanted). Normally, I use it on the table with a small propane burner (see photo, and wait longingly for a future review).
In reality, cooking Steamboat is quite easy. It mostly involves shopping and cutting the ingredients into bite-size pieces. The cooking is very fast and done by the guest. People use their chopsticks and a small strainer to place and retrieve their food. Clean-up is very easy, too.
Steamboat is flexible. People can arrive at different times and eat either a small or large amount. People can socialize while cooking their Steamboat meal.
I am very happy with my Steamboat.
About The Author:
Eagle Brand Steamboat Pot Purchased at: Sia Huat (Singapore) Price: $29.99
i dont think this is available in our country
We have a restaurant here called "The Hot Pot", I think it's on the same idea, You cook your meal at the table, drop it in the pot etc..
I am glad that you like it.... It seems really nice
I love fondue and this seems like a great thing to have for those special occasions when you want a fondue-type dinner. Great pictures - you look like a home shopping network model ;)
My hubby and I frequent "hot pots" in Asia and luckily, there are a lot here in Dubai too!
You're making me hungery! Good write Lady!
You wrote a good description of steamboat. I ate steamboat a few times at Marina South in Singapore. I was very lucky to find an electric steamboat in the US, because it is very difficult to find one for sale online that runs on US voltage. My electric steamboat is fun, but nothing compares to eating steamboat under the stars in Singapore, with a bottle of ice-cold Tiger Beer!
That seems like a cool product. Wish I had room for one.