Guizhou Bean Hot Pot: Creamy Bean Broth Classic from Guizhou Cuisine
When a steaming pot of thick, creamy bean soup is brought to the table, soft and tender beans swirl in the milky broth, releasing a rich aroma that fills the air — this is Guizhou Bean Hot Pot, a soul-warming dish that comforts you from the tongue to the heart. Scoop up a spoonful of the thick bean broth, and you’ll taste its velvety texture wrapping each soft grain like an embrace from nature itself.
1. Origin and History
Bean Hot Pot originated in rural Guizhou, where locals created this hearty meal to fight off the region’s damp and chilly mountain climate. It began as a frugal farmhouse recipe — villagers simmered homegrown beans with leftover ingredients — but its rich flavor and high nutrition soon brought it from the countryside kitchen to city restaurants, becoming a beloved Guizhou Cuisine classic.
2. Cultural Significance
In Guizhou, this dish symbolizes family warmth and togetherness. During cold winters or rainy days, families gather around the bubbling hot pot, sharing laughter and stories amid the rising steam. The dish also reflects Guizhou people’s culinary wisdom — “nothing goes to waste.” It’s often used to transform leftovers into a delicious, comforting feast.
3. Ingredient Highlights
The soul of this dish lies in the beans — usually local white or speckled kidney beans — slow-cooked until soft and creamy. The broth is made by simmering pork or chicken bones for hours, then adding “soft shao” (Guizhou-style minced pork), bean sprouts, and seasonal vegetables. What makes it special is that the beans naturally create a thick, silky broth without any starch or thickeners.
4. Cooking Process
The beans are soaked overnight, then simmered with bone broth for 2–3 hours until the texture turns rich and smooth. Before serving, soft shao, mushrooms, and vegetables are added to the clay pot and brought to a boil. Diners can then add their own favorite ingredients to cook in the bubbling soup — a fun, interactive experience.
5. Flavor and Texture
The broth is dense and flavorful, full of nutty bean aroma and natural sweetness. Each bean melts gently in your mouth, releasing its starchy richness. The soft shao adds a savory depth that perfectly complements the mild flavor of the beans. The result is a comforting, mellow taste that appeals to all ages.
6. How to Eat
The authentic way to enjoy it: start by sipping a small bowl of the pure bean broth to taste its original flavor. Then, add vegetables or meat to simmer. Finally, pour a spoonful of the thick bean soup over rice — letting every grain absorb that rich bean essence. This “bean-sauce rice” is considered the most satisfying part of the meal among locals.
7. Recommended Restaurants
To taste the best Guizhou Bean Hot Pot, head to Xin Daxin Bean Hot Pot (¥60–100 per person) or Old Brand Bean Hot Pot Restaurant (¥50–80 per person) in Guiyang. Try their signature Soft Shao Bean Hot Pot paired with crispy fried pork — the classic combination that locals swear by.
8. Travel Tips
In English, this dish is best translated as “Guizhou Bean Hot Pot.”
Remember to drink the broth before adding ingredients — the first taste is always the richest. If the soup gets too thick, you can ask the staff to add more broth. Unlike the spicy Sichuan hot pot, this one is mild and creamy — perfect for travelers who prefer less heat but still want to experience authentic Guizhou Cuisine.
9. Easy Home Version
At home, you can recreate this dish using a pressure cooker: simmer soaked beans with pork ribs for 30 minutes, then add fried pork skin instead of soft shao for extra richness. While it may not match the depth of flavor from hours of slow cooking, it still delivers a cozy, satisfying taste of Guizhou.
