DUBAI: Hot pots are definitely a hit among UAE foodies. regardless of cultural originations, people seem to really enjoy hotpot dining, which puts sharing to a whole new level. You team up with the barkada or your family, order different sets of ingredients, and cook it in a simmering pot of broth of your choosing.
This incredible dining experience is a hit among Filipinos exactly for its communal nature – we just love sharing. Although eating alone isn’t an issue, food is still best enjoyed when you have friends or family with you to lavish on the feast. The Filipino Times visited Nine Squares Restaurant in International City to try their hot pot, and it’s so good we’re definitely going to come back for more.
Because the amusingly interactive hot pot experience isn’t enough, Nine Squares Restaurant takes it to a higher plane through its extra cozy interior. The place could moonlight as a very relaxed tea area where friends hang out for some chat – with its modern wood finish and some accents of green provided by the pot plants. Perky light fixtures set a laid-back mood, and the walls are decorated with frames of assorted sizes. We sat on perfectly cushioned chairs as we waited for the food to be served.
First thing they brought to our table was the simmering pot, which teased our senses because of its savory smell. We ordered a Twins Hotpot, which was an octagon pot divided into two – on the one side was the mushroom soup; on the other, a spicy variant. At Nine Squares, customers can choose from four pot types – one of which is the signature Nine Squares Hotpot designed to allow for individual cooking of ingredients.
As the soup boiled to perfection, the crew started bringing in the individual ingredients – a wide variety of mouthwatering thin-sliced meat, seafood, noodles, and vegetables. Our favorite was their crab balls, fish tofu, and the raw squid, which was quite an exciting challenge to cook into a perfect creation. The Cheese Spring Roll reminded us of home – just like the homemade cheese sticks we used to have for merienda back in the Philippines. The Golden Bun was a standout too, with the sweet milk dip perfectly complementing it. We also recommend the Jelly Combo, Black Tofu, and Beef Tongue for those who are willing to go extra.
There’s an abundance of hot pot restaurants in Dubai, but Nine Squares distinguishes itself with a truly remarkable customer service. Hot spot dining isn’t exactly intuitive, so occasional coaching from the staff is a huge help – from identifying the ingredients to calibrating the burner and giving out sauce recommendations. Throughout our meal, the staff assigned to our table kept himself available while also attending to other customers. Restaurant Manager, Wei Li said the staff undergoes training before clocking in service.
Plans are afoot for Nine Squares Restaurants to open another outlet, this time in JBR, a neighborhood more accessible because of the Dubai metro system. According to Li, the plan is set for early 2019, and they are expecting to serve more Filipinos with the opening of the branch.
Meantime satisfy your hot pot cravings at Nine Squares Restaurant’s present location at the France cluster in the International City. See you there.
