Tin du lịch Unique Japanese paper hotpot where customers eat while fearing the pot burns.

Paper hotpot is considered the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine, intriguing diners from its name to the way it's eaten. Japan is a country with a rich and diverse culinary tradition. Besides sushi, udon noodles, or miso soup, paper hotpot is one of the famous traditional dishes of the Japanese that few people know about in Vietnam. Paper hotpot, or "Kaminabe" in Japanese, where 'kami' means paper and 'nabe' means hotpot.
View attachment 1158 The paper hotpot has origins dating back to ancient times, often served to the Emperor. Photo: Osaka Info

Unlike other hotpot dishes, Kami Nabe uses a pot made of paper that is in direct contact with the fire to boil the broth. This also piques the curiosity and interest of the diners. Many first-time diners enjoy kaminabe while nervously worrying that the thin paper will catch fire when placed directly over the fire.
In reality, the type of paper used is washi - a very thick paper used in the art of origami. Washi paper has a high resistance to moisture and heat due to a special manufacturing process.
Washi paper is very durable as it is made from fibers of gampi bark, mitsumata shrubs, kozo mulberry, or bamboo, and contains no bleaching agents or chemicals. This paper is commonly used by Japanese people to cook hotpot, soups, or to heat soy milk to enjoy with yuba (tofu skin).
View attachment 1159 As long as there is liquid inside the hotpot, the paper won't catch fire. Photo: Takayamaso Hanano

The secret of the paper hotpot heated over fire without burning lies in physics' principles. Paper doesn't burn because the boiling point of water does not exceed 100 degrees Celsius, while the ignition temperature of paper is over 300 degrees Celsius. In other words, as long as there’s water inside, the paper hotpot will not burn. A significant advantage of this paper hotpot is that these pots never need washing. Moreover, the paper hotpot can add an element of surprise for diners and an interesting touch to the dining table.
View attachment 1160 The type of paper used is a special thick type with high heat resistance. Photo: Osaka Info

The reason paper hotpot is favored is that the washi layer can absorb excess impurities and fats from the food, eliminating any bitterness. As a result, the broth is clearer, providing a delicate flavor that is good for health.
The way to enjoy paper hotpot is not much different from that of regular hotpot dishes, with familiar ingredients such as mushrooms, vegetables, seafood, and meat. Although the hotpot is visually appealing, the paper layer is quite fragile, so diners should pay attention to adjusting the fire and the amount of water to avoid situations where the paper might catch fire or the water spills over.
View attachment 1161 The paper hotpot has a very high aesthetic value, showcasing the sophistication of the Japanese people. Photo: Shindoh