For most recent years, Chinese restaurants have expanded rapidly in New York City. We are familiar with Dim Sum and Steamed Bun, but not accurately understand Hot Pot. Hot Pot is the most special and signature dining style in Chinese families. Nowadays, a group of talented women, inspired by Hot Pot’s core spirit and creates a pop-up based on it.
The Hot Pot Lab, located in 57 Bond Street, has three zones of exhibits with over 15 interactive installations. The whole space is about 3,000 sq ft. One of the founders introduces how visitors play and get rewards in the exhibit. “Each visitor will receive a customized lab task guiding them through the lab in the spirit of a researcher in the Preparation Zone; they will then enter the Conceptual Zone to play with abstract representations that embody the very togetherness and diversity the designers seek to encourage and finally visitors will have the chance to explore and interact with artistic renditions of hot pot ingredients in the Lab Zone. Furthermore, visitors will get their rewards at the end of the exhibit.”
One of the interesting installations is the Fish Ball. The idea of it is to use the flashing light inside of the spherical matrix to stimulate the bouncy ball popping inside of visitors’ mouths. Most visitors are also attracted by the Tripes Tunnel, a fabric installation placed on the last zone. Founder explains that this installation imitates the unique texture of beef tripe, which is the representative of Chinese dock culture.
The Hot Pot Lab now opens for the public. For those who worry about indoor activity, the exhibit strictly follows New York’s reopening guidance and pays attention to visitors’ safety when visitors play in the space. More importantly, each ticket sale includes a $1 donation to Food Bank For New York City, in order to support those who have difficulties during quarantines. For the ticket information, please check: www.thehotpotlab.com.
