Richmond’s self-serve hot pot scene just got even spicier.
Back in July, we shared that another mala-style hot pot restaurant was on its way to Central at Garden City.
Fast forward to now, and Drama Hot Pot has officially opened its doors as of October 11.
So naturally, we went to check it out anonymously.
Located inside the former Mama’s Diner unit, Drama Hot Pot follows the familiar self-serve malatang format that’s been taking over Metro Vancouver.
Guests grab a bowl, pick from a wall lined with fresh ingredients like meats, seafood, veggies, noodles, and tofu, then choose from one of ten broth options or three dry mix styles.
After your ingredients are cooked and seasoned, you even get a complimentary soft-serve cone to cool down the spice.
While most ingredients mirror what you’d find at similar hot pot spots, Drama Hot Pot stands out for having a few unique additions.
We spotted deep-fried tornado potatoes, octopus fish tofu balls, sweet pork longanisa sausages, and Taiwanese sausages among the mix.
The bright, modern interior designed by Lin Han (the same creative behind Big Way Hot Pot and Myth Dessert & Patisserie) features teal seating, warm wood tones, and circular lighting fixtures that make the space feel lively yet cozy.
It’s the kind of place you could easily linger over a steaming bowl and a chat with friends.
For the soups, options range from classic choices like Signature Ma La Tang and HK Collagen Creamy Broth to more global-inspired picks like Tom Yum, Satay, and Golden Broth.
The dry mix bowls cater to spice lovers, with the Signature Spicy Szechuan and Tomato Spicy Szechuan varieties packing serious heat.
Because they’ve just opened, Drama Hot Pot is also running a sweet membership promo.
New members receive a free coconut latte voucher (no dine-in required), 10% off their first order, and a $15 voucher for their next visit — all free to join.
According to the staff, this sign up reward is going on until end of October.
That voucher is one heck of a way to get people to return again!
Drama Hot Pot now joins a growing wave of new Richmond openings, alongside Blooming Spice Fish House, Läderach, and Oui Patisserie.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 4791 Mcclelland Rd #1623, Richmond, BC V6X 0M5