For some reason, I had a strong craving for a buffet. I hadn’t been to one in ages and just felt like indulging a bit. I started looking around, but wasn’t keen on spending $80+ for a fancy one. After some research, I came across PotXPress CBD Hotpot Buffet—a little hotpot spot where lunch costs just $30, and you get 90 minutes to enjoy. Sounded perfect, so I was in.

For a Thursday lunch, the place was surprisingly busy. Many of the larger tables were filled with groups of friends or coworkers, but what I appreciated most was the solo dining setup. They have bench-style seating with individual induction cookers—great for people dining alone, like me.

I opted for bone broth as my soup base, one of about seven options, as I didn’t want anything too spicy and wanted complete control over how much chilli I added. Once I was seated, I went over to build my dipping sauce. I filled my bowl with chilli oil, garlic, soy sauce, black vinegar, fresh chilli, spring onions, a touch of sugar and salt. I would’ve added sesame or peanut sauce, but I’m allergic to peanuts, and sesame sometimes makes me feel off. Still, I liked that they had a full spread of ingredients so everyone could make a sauce that suited them.

With my sauce sorted and soup arrived, I went to grab my ingredients—and there was plenty to choose from: thinly sliced pork and beef, loads of veggies, seaweed, multiple noodle options, seafood and fish balls, beef stomach, tendon, tripe, two types of chicken (with soft bone and hard bone), and more.

I ended up having at lwast five plates of food, and only one of them had carbs or noodles. I was cautious with the chicken, letting it cook thoroughly—waiting for it to float, then giving it another five minutes. Controlling the heat was easy: once it boiled, I turned it down to medium to let things simmer gently.

Although I was eating alone, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. For just $30, it was an excellent value. I left feeling full and satisfied. The broth was also surprisingly light—it didn’t have that strong MSG hit that leaves your mouth dry. In fact, after I finished cooking everything, I tasted the broth again, and it was even more flavorful. I wish I’d had room to finish it all. It even made me nostalgic for those egg drop soups we used to make as a family—cracking a raw egg into the hot broth at the end.

Overall, a great little hotpot experience. Affordable, tasty, and solo-diner friendly. I only wish there was a spot like this in Wellington!

Instagram Page

Address: 6 Kitchener Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010