4 Easy and Delicious Ways to Make Vegetarian Hotpot at Home

Vegetarian hotpot is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for every occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings like the Vu Lan Festival. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a tangy Thai-style vegetarian hotpot, a light mushroom hotpot, or a rich fermented tofu version right in your own kitchen. Join Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant as we guide you through delicious vegetarian hotpot recipes you can enjoy at home!

Health Benefits of Vegetarian Hotpot

A plant-based diet is more than just a culinary choice—it’s a lifestyle that benefits both your health and the environment. According to studies, vegetarian meals help lower cholesterol, improve heart health, and provide a rich source of fiber from vegetables and mushrooms.

Among many plant-based options, vegetarian hotpot stands out for its simplicity and versatility. You can customize the broth and ingredients to suit your preferences—whether it’s mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of your favorite veggies. It’s a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish suitable for all ages, from kids to seniors, and especially meaningful during spiritual occasions like full moon days or the Vu Lan holiday.

How to Make Thai-Style Vegetarian Hotpot

Thai-style vegetarian hotpot is a favorite for its signature spicy and sour flavors, infused with lemongrass, lime leaves, and creamy coconut milk. This vibrant dish is not only easy to prepare but also ideal for sharing, making it a popular choice for dinner parties and gatherings.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious vegetarian hotpot at home:

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 carrot, 1 corn cob, 100g napa cabbage, 200g enoki mushrooms

  • Spices: 2 stalks lemongrass, 5 kaffir lime leaves, 1 chili, 200ml coconut milk, 2 tablespoons tamarind juice

  • Vegan proteins: 200g firm tofu, 100g vegan sausage

  • Others: Fresh rice vermicelli or vegan noodles, salt, sugar, vegan fish sauce

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Wash all veggies. Slice the carrot and corn into bite-sized pieces. Smash the lemongrass, lightly tear the lime leaves, and slice the chili. Cut tofu into cubes and thinly slice the vegan sausage.

  2. Make the broth: In a large pot, bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil. Add lemongrass, lime leaves, and chili. Stir in the coconut milk and tamarind juice for that signature spicy-sour flavor.

  3. Season the soup: Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 tablespoons vegan fish sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

  4. Enjoy the hotpot: Arrange vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and vegan sausage on a serving plate. Once the broth is boiling, dip ingredients into the hotpot and enjoy with fresh noodles.

For extra creaminess, use fresh coconut milk. Want it spicier? Add more chili or chili flakes. According to Vo Uy’s vegan chefs, the secret to a flavorful vegetarian hotpot is simmering it gently over low heat—this helps the ingredients absorb the broth’s full flavor.

How to Make Thai-Style Vegetarian Hotpot

How to Make Thai-Style Vegetarian Hotpot

How to Make Mushroom Vegetarian Hotpot

Mushroom vegetarian hotpot is a light and wholesome dish known for its naturally sweet flavor from various mushrooms like enoki, king oyster, and straw mushrooms. This is a perfect choice for those seeking a simple yet flavorful vegetarian hotpot to enjoy at home.

Ingredients

  • Mushrooms: 200g enoki mushrooms, 150g king oyster mushrooms, 100g straw mushrooms, 100g shiitake mushrooms

  • Vegetables: 200g napa cabbage, 1 corn cob, 1 carrot

  • Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp ground pepper, 2 tbsp vegan soy sauce

  • Others: Fresh rice vermicelli or vegan noodles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mushrooms: Soak all mushrooms in lightly salted water for 5 minutes, rinse well. Slice the king oyster mushrooms thinly and halve the straw mushrooms.

  2. Make the broth: In a pot, boil 1.5 liters of water. Add corn and carrot, simmer for 15 minutes to release natural sweetness. Then add straw mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms to deepen the flavor.

  3. Season the broth: Add salt, pepper, and vegan soy sauce. Stir well and let simmer for another 5 minutes over low heat.

  4. Enjoy your hotpot: Arrange enoki mushrooms, king oyster mushrooms, and napa cabbage on a serving plate. Dip them into the boiling broth and enjoy with rice noodles.

Cooking tip: Use fresh mushrooms and avoid soaking too long to maintain crisp texture. Add chopped scallions or cilantro to the broth before serving for extra aroma.

How to Make Mushroom Vegetarian Hotpot

How to Make Mushroom Vegetarian Hotpot

How to Make Fermented Tofu Vegetarian Hotpot

Fermented tofu vegetarian hotpot (also known as “chao hotpot”) is a bold and aromatic dish, featuring the rich umami flavor of fermented tofu blended with hearty vegetables and mushrooms. This comforting vegetarian hotpot is ideal for cozy family meals. With just a few ingredients, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients

  • Fermented tofu: 2–3 tbsp white or red fermented tofu

  • Vegetables: 200g taro, 200g napa cabbage, 150g shiitake mushrooms

  • Vegan protein: 200g fried tofu, 100g dried tofu skin (yuba)

  • Seasonings: 1 tbsp cooking oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp vegan soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Wash vegetables thoroughly. Cut taro into bite-sized chunks. Soak shiitake mushrooms in water and trim the stems.

  2. Make the broth: In a pot, sauté the fermented tofu with oil until fragrant. Add 1.5 liters of water and bring to a boil. Add taro and simmer to create a naturally thick and creamy texture.

  3. Season the broth: Add salt, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.

  4. Serve the hotpot: Start by dipping taro and fried tofu to let them absorb the flavor. Then add napa cabbage and mushrooms.

Cooking tip: Use high-quality fermented tofu that isn’t overly salty. For extra heat and fragrance, sauté with chopped chili when frying the tofu paste.

How to Make Fermented Tofu Vegetarian Hotpot

How to Make Fermented Tofu Vegetarian Hotpot

How to Make Sweet and Sour Vegetarian Hotpot

Sweet and sour vegetarian hotpot delivers a balanced flavor that’s easy to enjoy for all ages—from kids to adults. With a refreshing mix of pineapple and tomatoes, this vegetarian hotpot offers a light, vibrant taste that works perfectly for family meals. It’s quick to prepare and delicious to serve. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you cook it at home:

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 200g pineapple, 2 tomatoes, 100g bean sprouts, 150g straw mushrooms

  • Seasonings: 2 tbsp vegan soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp chili sauce

  • Vegan protein: 200g tofu

  • Others: Fresh vermicelli noodles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Slice the pineapple and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Rinse bean sprouts and mushrooms thoroughly.

  2. Make the broth: Sauté the pineapple and tomatoes with a bit of oil. Then add 1.5 liters of water and bring it to a boil.

  3. Season the broth: Add sugar, apple cider vinegar, and chili sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor. Stir in soy sauce to enhance the taste.

  4. Enjoy the hotpot: Once the broth is boiling, dip in the tofu, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. Serve with fresh vermicelli noodles.

Pro tip: Use fresh pineapple for natural sweetness and avoid adding too much vinegar to prevent overpowering acidity. A bit of crispy shallots in the broth will boost the aroma and make your vegetarian hotpot even more appealing.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Vegetarian Hotpot

How to Make Sweet and Sour Vegetarian Hotpot

Tips for Making the Best Vegetarian Hotpot

To create a delicious and memorable vegetarian hotpot, paying attention to small details during preparation is key. Based on practical experience and expert advice from the vegan chefs at Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant, here are some essential tips to enhance both flavor and presentation:

1. Choose the Right Hotpot Cooker

For a hot and flavorful vegetarian hotpot that lasts throughout the meal, use a quality electric hotpot or stainless steel pot. These types help maintain a stable temperature, ensuring your broth stays at the perfect boil and your ingredients cook evenly.

2. Don’t Skip the Dipping Sauce

A good dipping sauce makes all the difference. Try mixing fermented soybean sauce or vegan “fish” sauce with fresh herbs—or make your own peanut sauce with peanut butter, coconut milk, and chopped chilies. It adds a bold layer of flavor that complements every bite.

3. Keep the Vegetables Fresh and Crunchy

To maintain the freshness and texture of vegetables, add them at the right moment. For example, napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, and bean sprouts should go in last so they retain their natural crunch and don’t overcook.

4. Use Organic Ingredients

Choosing organic vegetables and mushrooms not only ensures food safety but also enhances the natural flavors of your vegetarian hotpot. Fresh, chemical-free produce brings out a cleaner and more satisfying taste.

Where to Enjoy Vegetarian Hotpot in Ho Chi Minh City – Visit Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant

If you’d rather enjoy a delicious vegetarian hotpot without having to cook, Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant is the perfect destination. Located in the heart of Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vo Uy is well-known for its cozy ambiance and flavorful plant-based hotpots like Thai-style hotpot, fermented tofu hotpot, and tomato-based vegan broth.

The restaurant is committed to using only fresh, clean ingredients, ensuring a high-quality plant-based dining experience. In addition to its signature vegetarian hotpot dishes, Vo Uy also offers a wide variety of unique vegan creations you won’t want to miss.

Reservation Information:

Enjoy Vegetarian Hotpot in Ho Chi Minh City – Visit Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant

Enjoy Vegetarian Hotpot in Ho Chi Minh City – Visit Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant

Final

Vegetarian hotpot is a wonderful choice that blends rich flavor, easy preparation, and health benefits. Whether you’re making Thai-style hotpot, mushroom hotpot, fermented tofu hotpot, or sweet-and-sour broth, these recipes are easy to cook at home and perfect for sharing with family.

But if you want to enjoy a truly memorable vegetarian hotpot without the prep work, don’t miss out on Vo Uy Vegan Restaurant in Go Vap, Ho Chi Minh City. Treat your loved ones to a plant-based feast this weekend—you won’t regret it!