Hotpot, with a history of more than 1,900 years, is a typical Chinese delicacy. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), hotpot was not only popular among common folks but also favored by the imperial family.

Typical materials for hotpot include meat, sea food, vegetables, soybean products, mushrooms, eggs, etc. A moment after they are dropped into the boiling water or specially prepared soup, they are ready to be dipped in various sauces and consumed.

So far, two types of hotpot prevail in China: the Southern style, represented by Chongqing hotpot, is very hot and spicy, and the Northern style, embodied by Beijing hotpot, features instant-boiled mutton.

On May 6, China's top 10 hotpot brands in 2016 were announced at an event dubbed as the domestic catering industry's "Oscars". Among them, three are based in Chongqing, and four are headquartered in Beijing.

10. Cygent Hotpot

Brand: Cygent Hotpot

Enterprise: Chongqing JiayongCygent Catering Co. Ltd

Headquarters: Chongqing

9. New Spicy Way

Brand: New Spicy Way

Enterprise: Beijing New Spicy Way Catering Management Co. Ltd

Headquarters: Beijing

8. Xiabu Xiabu

Brand: Xiabu Xiabu

Enterprise: Xiabu Xiabu Catering Management Co. Ltd

Headquarters: Beijing

7. Tongdelai

Brand: Tongdelai

Enterprise: Dalian Tongdelai Catering Management Group Co. Ltd

Headquarters: Dalian, Liaoning Province

6. Nianji High-quality Hotpot Restaurant

Brand: Nianji High-quality Hotpot Restaurant

Enterprise: Heilongjiang Nianji Catering Management Co. Ltd

Headquarters: Harbin, Heilongjiang Province

5. Nanmenshuanrou

Brand: Nanmenshuanrou

Enterprise: Beijing Hongyuan Nanmenshuanrou Instant-boiled Food Court Co. Ltd

Headquarters: Beijing

4. Haidilao

Brand: Haidilao

Enterprise: Sichuan Haidilao Catering Co., Ltd

Headquarters: Jianyang, Sichuan Province

3. Donglaishun

Brand: Donglaishun

Enterprise: Beijing Donglaishun Group Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Beijing

2. Dezhuang

Brand: Dezhuang

Enterprise: Chongqing Dezhuang Industrial (Group) Co. Ltd

Headquarters: Chongqing

1. Chaotianmen

Brand: Chaotianmen

Enterprise: Chongqing Chaotianmen Catering Holding Group Co. Ltd

Headquarters: Chongqing