鍋料理(なべりょうり)

Composed of 鍋(なべ) (pot) + 料理(りょうり) (cooking, dish). Often shortened to just 鍋(なべ) in casual speech. Hot pot cooking is strongly associated with the colder months and is a quintessential communal meal in Japan — people sit around the pot and serve themselves.

Types

• 寄(よ)せ鍋(なべ): mixed hot pot (various ingredients, light broth)
• 水炊(みずた)き: chicken hot pot (Hakata specialty)
• すき焼(や)き: sukiyaki (sweetened soy broth)
• しゃぶしゃぶ: shabu-shabu (swishing thin meat slices in broth)
• キムチ鍋(なべ): kimchi hot pot
• もつ鍋(なべ): offal hot pot (Fukuoka specialty)

Cultural note

The communal aspect of 鍋料理(なべりょうり) is central — eating from the same pot symbolizes closeness. The term 鍋奉行(なべぶぎょう) (hot pot magistrate) humorously refers to a person who takes charge of the cooking at the table.