Hainan’s Unique Hotpots: Coconut Milk Chicken & Zaopocu Take Center Stage!

When the temperature drops in south China’s Hainan, locals and travelers alike flock to a culinary experience that’s as bold as it is comforting: coconut milk chicken hotpot and Zaopocu hotpot (a fiery blend of vinasse and vinegar). These aren’t your average soups—think creamy meets tangy, with a seafood-packed punch!

The coconut milk chicken version swaps traditional broth for rich, sweet coconut milk, simmering tender chicken and fresh catch from the South China Sea. Meanwhile, Zaopocu’s fermented base—infused with chili and vinegar—delivers a sour-spicy kick that’s gone viral across Southeast Asia.

Foodies rave about the interplay of flavors: 'It’s like a K-drama for your taste buds—unexpected twists, but you can’t look away,' one TikTok traveler joked. For Hainan’s diaspora, these hotpots are a nostalgic taste of home; for adventurers, they’re a must-add to the 'foodie bucket list.'

Pro tip: Pair with a icy sugarcane juice or a local craft beer. Cheers to culinary chaos!

Reference(s):

Uniquely flavored hotpots in Hainan

cgtn.com