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‘Heavenly’ eats

A La Carte

May 5, 2019

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Mark Galacgac

Founders of Kapolei location Bang Nghiem and Hung Nghiem

Hot Pot Heaven continues to draw rave reviews from diners who love the home-cooked meals without the stress and mess of having to cook at home.

The concept is simple: diners select a flavorful broth or two, then pick multiple dishes from more than 150 varieties of meats, seafood choices, veggies and noodles. Guests then cook their favorite concoctions that are affordably priced, delicious, fresh and healthy.

Kim Nguyen, the owner of the original location in McCully Shopping Center in 2010, decided to bring the shabu shabu concept to Hawaii after a trip to Vietnam, where she was served this style of cuisine daily.

Just a few selections of the eatery’s hot pot offerings

Two years after Hot Pot Heaven’s second location opened in Pearl Kai, Bang Nghiem, who worked at the McCully restaurant for seven years, and his brother Hung Nghiem — a chef at Nobu — partnered to open a restaurant in Kapolei Marketplace, which is conveniently located off Farrington Highway. The brothers are striving to build a strong future for their families; Bang has two young daughters, and Hung was married recently.

Diners are encouraged to try the Thai Broth ($9.99) — Hot Pot Heaven’s take on the famous Tom Yum Gong, an “explosion of flavors” with notes of sweet, sour and lemongrass. Mushroom Broth ($10.99) is a “simple, clean and delicious” chicken broth with hints of multiple mushroom varieties.

Kimchi Broth ($9.99) represents the restaurant’s version of soondubu as soft tofu and kimchi are coupled for an added spicy kick. The broths are stewed with real beef or chicken stocks for 18 hours to lock in all the rich flavors.

The tasty broths range in price from $6.99 to $11.99, and individual colored plates with everything from noodles to fresh vegetables to meats are priced accordingly: green ($2.89), yellow ($3.89), red ($4.89) and blue ($5.89).

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