One of my favorite phrases when that involves good food. I’m not a fan of buffets since the food served usually is unmonitored for quality control regarding taste and freshness. Here’s where I make the exception: Hot Pots. What’s a hot pot? Well, it’s when you order raw food and cook it in a broth right on your table to your liking then devour. Sounds like a lot of work? It’s actually done in minutes. I decided to head out to Natick to Ten-Ichi Dynamic Kitchen of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean delights and give their hot pot a try.
Located down the road from Shopper’s World, this staff friendly, zestful restaurant offers an eclectic menu of dim sum, sushi, maki, noodles and rice as options for those looking to satisfy a crowd wanting to sample many different Asian cuisines under one roof. It’s easily a problem solver.
Open 7 days a week, Ten-Ichi offers their “All You Can Eat Hot Pot Special” Monday thru Thursday from 11:30am to 8pm. So far that’s the best All You Can Eat Special I’ve found in Massachusetts for hot pots. For $22.95 per person you get all the food you can stomach with a 2-hour seating limit. Last seating is 8pm.
First part of hot pot decision-making is the broth to cook your food in. My friend and I decided on a split broth of both Shang Tang (light and flavorful) and Kim-chi (a fermented Korean dish with vegetables and seasonings; spicy).
There are 6 broths to choose from, 4 spicy and 2 regular. Next came the meats. Beef, Beef tripe, Salmon Fillets, Shrimp, and White Meat Chicken were are options. New for me regarding hot pots were the beef tripe and the salmon.
Although I stuck to the meats and veggies that came with the deal, one can choose from the A La Carte options, which include Rib-Eye, Lamb, and Lobster at various prices.
My favorite part of the entire experience was…THE FISH SAUCE! My friend taught me how to take this sauce (more like a paste) and mix it with scallions, onions, pepper, and soy sauce and create this magical experience for my mouth.
I dipped everything in it!
My salmon fillets were fantastic. In seconds they gained their white tinned color. Although I’m not a huge fan of vermicelli noodles, I’m glad I tried them. I like thicker noodles, like Shirataki or just regular noodles presented with the order. I left not only happy and full, but satisfied and determined to spread the word about this location.
Traveling for a good meal isn’t a bother when it’s fresh and satisfying.
Thank you Ten-Ichi!
Ten-Ichi
1400 Worcester Street
Natick, MA 01760
Phone: (508) 875-1888
PlaneTastebuds 
You should try Van Shabu in Dorchester/Savin Hill – they have unlimited hot pot/sushi all the time. Price varies from 20 – 30 dollars depending on the time of day, but you get both unlimited sushi and hot pot. The types of maki rolls you can get is somewhat limited but it’s pretty good quality. It’s my favorite Dot eatery – great cocktails too!
Thanks Grace! I like it there too but haven’t tried their hot pot yet/ thought it was only a special of the day (Monday-Sushi, Tuesday-Hot Pot, etc.) But I DO intend to review them. I love their sushi, drinks, crab ragoon, and sweet potato fries!