Lao Ma Tou Hot Pot

Justin Lee 4 weeks ago

This is an authentic Hot Pot spot in Irvine that hits the spot if you're looking for spicy Chinese hot pot. But be warned - the spice on their spicy broth is unreal. I'm Asian so I know how to handle spice, but even a level 2 on their spice level will be a bit painful. The interior looks newly designed, and the inside is very clean. The standout dish for me was the fried rice. For a hot pot place, they really know how to cook up a delicious fried rice. The meat was unremarkable, but with how thin they slice the meat at hot pot/shabu places, I've never been too impressed with any meats a hot pot place. The service is okay - you'll probably have an easier time communicating with the staff here if you speak Chinese, but even with limited English, there's not much to convey; and to be frank, with how spicy the food is, your typical Westerner might suffer here as I did (but in a good way). Parking is a bit tricky since the lot is small, but I always managed to find parking.

Angel DuDu a month ago

Authentic Chinese style spicy 🌶️ hot pot One of the most spicy hot pot in the area! Beware to order less spicy if you can’t handle the heat! First time trying fish maw broth here, comes with tons of Chinese meat, fish maw and jumbo shrimps 🦐 Also ordered beef 🥩 short ribs, goose intestine, duck paws, duck blood, shrimp paste in mushrooms 🍄‍🟫, tofu cubs and winter melon 🍈 Snack bar is a must visit! Tons of appetizers, dipping sauces, fresh fruits and desserts. Jello is my favorite ❤️

C. 4 months ago

Overall, it’s an excellent restaurant. I gave 4 stars because please be mindful of use of pronouns, for example, use sir or madam only when you’re certain of the customer’s gender, if unsure, use “you.” The food is of high quality, it’s an authentic hot pot restaurant.

Felix G 9 months ago

We came in on a weekday for lunch. Located in a strip mall on Barranca, parking can be quite difficult during certain hours since there are so many businesses in the area. Parking spaces can also be a bit tight for larger vehicles. Restaurant is nicely decorated with indoor dining areas, private rooms, as well as outdoor areas. With this type of hot pot, wear light clothing as it will make all your clothes smell like it afterwards. Staff is friendly and attentive. It's definitely pricey for the quality of food you get, but it was a fine experience. There's an open bar area to make dipping sauces and a variety of snacks from edamame, red bean paste balls, and desserts, but I think if you don't purchase the combo, it's an additional cost Food wise, they have a mix of combos or a ala carte items. We ended up getting the four person combo and rib eye ala carte. While the combo is a lot of food and variety, I find it lacking meat options. It's a mix of one choice of meat, veggies mix, mushroom mix, meatball variety, tofu, and an "appetizer" (we got crispy pork), fish plate, and a beef/egg plate. Also a pitcher of plum or orange juice and rice and/or noodles. It's a lot and definitely

Hieu Bui a year ago

Great hotpot. I love the flavor and quality of the meat. Quality alone, i prefer this over Hai Di Lao, Nice to meet you, or chubby cattle hot pot. Service is decently good. Nothing outstanding. Ambience: nice decoration but seating space is a-bit tight.