But Sichuan – style broths are the most commonly savoured in China. In recent years their popularity has had been booming. China has around 350000 hotpot restaurants. About 40000 of them are said to be in The Chongqing region of u.s.Hotpot restaurants in China are more profitable than other kinds, according to iiMedia, a consultancy. Haidilao, a well-known Sichuan-based hotpot chain, raised nearly $1bn when it was listed on the Hong Kong exchange in September.