Faigo's private rooms for comfortable dining. Photos Provided to China Daily

Faigo's stiff prices has not deterred its customers and now with three branches already doing roaring business, it has just launched another outlet at Rockbund, the new upmarket designer-brand neighborhood in Shanghai. Ye says the branch is the "upgraded" Faigo Hot Pot.

"We hardly find any fine dining Chinese restaurant in the area, so we chose to launch one," Ye says.

Universally popular in Hung Hom

Rare as diamonds, worth its weight in gold

Out of the cold

The restaurant offers a premium selection of ingredients and more than 10 unique hotpot stocks. Ye assures the stocks are made with all natural ingredients, with no preservatives or additives.

"We always suggest that customers have a bowl of soup from the pan first before adding the ingredients so they can savor the original flavors," Ye says. "Then they can also have another bowl after they have added the ingredients. The flavor will change after the soup absorbs the essence of the meat and vegetables."

The latest stock that Faigo Hot Pot has introduced is a broth made from the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, considered one of the most nutritious ingredients during wintertime.

In addition to the seafood delicacies, imported beef from Japan is another signature ingredient. The beef is shaved into wafer-thin slices for easy cooking and is lean and tender.

Another favorite is the selection of fresh meatballs made from fish, shrimp and beef.

For those who enjoy a nice glass or two, the restaurant also has an impressive list of red and white wines to go with your choice of hotpots.

And if you can still eat after finishing the hotpots, there is homemade yogurt and puddings to end a delicious meal.

lixinzhu@chinadaily.com.cn