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Lao Ma Tou gives customers a one-of-a-kind hot pot experience

The Bellevue restaurant elevates traditional hot pot with unique presentations. #k5evening

BELLEVUE, Wash. — If you're looking for a true dinning experience, Lao Ma Tou in Bellevue has you covered. The hot pot restaurant offers customers a unique meal with its ingredients, service and presentation.

For the uninitiated, hot pot is a spiced broth that's heated right at your table. You then prepare the ingredients like meat, seafood and vegetables. The technique dates back centuries to fisherman in China when they would gather around a pot of boiling broth and cook their catch.

Lao Ma Tou originated in Chengdu, which is the capital of China's Sichuan province. The region is known for its spice and can get very hot. Owner Lisa Li wanted to share the heritage of Chengdu hot pot with the Pacific Northwest and opened the Bellevue location in 2019.

While Lao Ma Toa celebrates the recipes and flavors of Chengdu, it takes the presentation to another level. Ingredients are artfully placed on plates giving diners a feast for their eyes. One of the more outrageous dishes is the Lady Gaga-inspired Kobe beef. The meat is draped on a doll reminiscent of the dress the pop star wore to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

Credit: KING 5
The Kobe beef at Lao Ma Tou is presented on a doll inspired by Lady Gaga.

The ingredients themselves are also unique. Many of which you won't find anywhere else in the Northwest. The menu features items like bamboo fungus filled with shrimp paste. That might not sound appetizing, but we tried it and can confirm it's delicious.

Lao Ma Tou is located on the second level of the Soma Tower at 288 106th Ave NE in Bellevue. It's open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

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