Voluptuous Vegan
Potwhale Hot Pot completely surprised me in the best way. It’s definitely a tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, hole-in-the-wall kind of spot, but the experience is what makes it memorable. This was my first time doing hot pot like this—bench seating, a massive steaming bowl in the center of the table, and ingredients brought out for you to cook as you go. We ordered the split pot (highly recommend!), which lets you enjoy two different broths in one enormous bowl. And these bowls are huge. Totally ideal for 2–4 people and perfect for sharing.
The flavors were phenomenal, and if you’re a spice chaser, they do not play around. Level 1 already brings heat. They also offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly ingredients, which I appreciated. Overall it was such a fun, interactive dining experience—one of those spots you’d never stumble upon without a local recommending it.
I will say it’s a bit pricier than you’d expect for a small, tucked-away location, and the bill adds up quickly. They also charge for things you might not realize—like the salsa bar—so just keep that in mind. But honestly? Delicious food, a super unique experience, and I’ll absolutely be back to try the higher spice levels.
… moreKate Applegate
I went for hot pot for one while visiting Tucson and I tried the tomato broth with both veggies combos and the prime beef. The broth was delicious, I could have drunk it all myself if I could stay long enough. The beef and all of the veggies were also very good, as was the sauce bar selection.
The only reason I’m giving 4 instead of 5 stars is because of the pricing. There is a $30 minimum per table, which is fine if you’re eating with friends but becomes difficult to justify when dining alone. My total ended up being over $40 with tip. And they charge $1.50 for using the sauce bar, which is an essential part of hot pot. The prices for the meats were reasonable, but the veggie prices were quite high.
… moreAlfredo
Food poisoning-I went there this Sunday for the first time. The variety looked good. I placed my order for shrimp, sole fish, lobster ball and odon noodles, beef broth with a veggies assortment. We ran out of noodles so we ordered the fresh noodles. While I was eating the soup my stomach starts to hurt and rumble. Next thing you know I have to go to every bathroom. My stomach has been hurting for 3 days now, chills, diarrhea and nausea. I only had 2 meals that day and they were 8 hours apart. I will not return for another dose of food poisoning. Please keep your seafood fresh. I am literally in pain and my stomach feels horrible going on 3 days now.
Update to the owners response:
I did not have the chili soup. I had the seafood only as stated. I also have the Clinic visit to prove it was food poisoning. I spent 72 hours woth food poisoning.
… moreJasmine Thomas
The mushrooms under the labels in the aluminum picture, shiitake mushrooms, are extremely rubbery, watery, flavorless. -10/10. Prime beef was really good. Dumplings were fantastic. Crab sticks fall apart in broth would just recommend putting them in a separate bowl by themselves. Weird beef with the texture on it is super chewy. Just tastes like fat. Would not get again. Probably will find different hotpot place next time. Staff was nicer than previous reviews.
… moreJoel Ketchum
This was my first time eating here and it was very good. We were seated quickly and given a menu to choose from. You order your soup base first and then whatever you want in the soup itself. We ordered steak, shrimp, tofu, the noodles cabbage, and bol choy. You also get a chance to go and prepare your own individual sauce from their selection. We also ordered some pot stickers for the soup and salted pork as an appetizer. I would definitely come back with friends and my family. I recommend you check them out and see for yourself.
… morePatrisha Faye
My first hot pot experience and it was amazing. The food was so delicious, you can choose as many sides, meats, veggies, etc. as possible and can even get 2 different bases for soup. Truly enjoyed the hot pot, and it is perfect for cold weather!
… moreC. C.
Delicious, authentic hot pot restaurant! Maybe the best Asian restaurant in Tucson. The broth was delicious and the portions of veggies and meat were fresh and generous. Medium spicy is definitely spicy though—get mild if you’re not a pro haha. As good as hot pot in LA, and that’s a high bar. Try it!
… moreBecca Newton
My friends and I came here for a birthday dinner and it did not disappoint. We had seven people total and did four people to one pot and three people to the other. For the three of us, we got the two flavor base and a bunch of add ins. We all paid for the self serve sauce making station. If you have never done hotpot before, I highly recommend reading the review on Tucson Foodie posted by Jackie Tran. It outlines what you should expect, how to order, and what to get. We will definitely be coming back, though probably only for a special occasion because of the cost per person.
… moreAmelia Fisher
Food good but TERRIBLE customer service and staff. Payed for my food at the front and employee was eyeing me down the whole time practically bending down with me. Wrote a reasonable tip, apparently she wasn’t happy. She snatched the receipt and pen from me and said nothing else. Most of the time I come here they have attitude it feels uncomfortable. Like I’m bothering them.
… moreMaria Louise Edwards
My first time having hotpot, but I think I’m spoiled for life. The chicken base… Mmmmm… So good. The medium spicy base was too hot for me but my friend loved it. Comforting if you’re looking for comfort food. Highly recommend.
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