Every Westerner who lands on Chinese shores for the first time has a host of treats to look forward to. Whether it’s a hike up the Great Wall, a trip to the Terra Cotta Warriors, or a cruise down the Yangtze River, visitors will have no end of “firsts” to enjoy. But for many, their first experience with authentic Chinese food will be the one that truly blows their minds – and mouths – away.

Enter the hotpot. As a long time ex-pat in China, I’d advise you to leave the Peking Duck or the Gongbao Jiding (Kung Po Chicken) till later, and instead enjoy a culinary baptism of fire over this spicy treat.