Hotpot in Adelaide is no longer confined to Chinatown hideaways or late-night city sessions. From Mawson Lakes to the coast, a new wave of build-your-own bowls is quietly reshaping how (and where) South Australians do spicy, communal comfort food. Fantastic Neon Hotpot is the latest arrival, opening last week in Hove with a glowing, neon-lit dining room and the addictive build-your-own format.
There’s a certain level of trust that comes with a new opening backed by operators with decades of experience in Adelaide’s dining scene, and this team has some serious cred. Behind the venue is chef and co-owner Xuan Bao Nguyen (Bao), whose team previously operated Oriental Thai, Kwik Stix, Beach Bun, Concubine and Gin Long.
“We have been in the hospitality industry for a very long time,” Bao says. “Fantastic Neon Hotpot is our new venture to bring an exciting hotpot experience to Adelaide.”
The space leans hard into Hong Kong’s neon visual language – dense colour, luminous signage and cinematic cyberpunk glow – but balances it with a relaxed, sit-down feel.
“The inspiration comes from Hong Kong, but we wanted a more casual dining feel — not your usual quick-service interior,” Bao explains. “Our design is meant to feel mature, relaxed, and enjoyable for everyone.”
The format follows the same rules we’re used to. Diners build their own bowls, choosing from a wide range of noodles, vegetables, tofu, mushrooms and proteins, making it easy for vegans, seafood lovers and meat-eaters. Bowls are then paired with one of three soup bases – a signature mala, laksa or clear vegetable broth – or turned into a stir-fry with sauces like Sichuan, Choo Chee or Mongolian.
Hotpot is deceptively simple. At its core, it’s just soup – but the combinations, the base flavours, and how brave you are with chilli are where things get interesting. Fantastic Neon Hotpot doesn’t over-instruct, leaving room for experimentation and return visits to refine your ideal bowl or have a new dish entirely.
But what sets the venue apart is the confidence and the sauces (in equal measure of course).
“We offer a wide variety of sauces for our customers, unlike many other hotpot restaurants,” he says. “And we have years of experience operating successful restaurants, which helps us deliver a consistent and enjoyable dining experience.”
The fun doesn’t stop at soup, either. A tight lineup of sides – including the infamously delicious netted spring rolls – are also on the menu.
Drinks are on hand to balance the heat, with soft drinks, specialty beverages and a selection of beers, and the venue is fully licensed for in-house dining.
Opening in Hove was a natural next step for Bao and his crew, already familiar with the area through their long-standing presence in the local hospitality scene.
“We’ve been part of the Hove community for over 20 years,” Bao says. “We wanted to continue serving locals here from Oriental Thai, Beach Bum, and now Fantastic Neon Hotpot.
As more DIY hotpot spots pop up across Adelaide – from conveyor-belt setups to pick-and-weigh bowls – Fantastic Neon Hotpot signals a clear trend. Hotpot is a statewide phenomenon. It’s no longer a niche city-only affair, and Adelaide can’t get enough of it. This is the next – extra fantastic -one on your list.
Fantastic Neon Hotpot
Where: 406 Brighton Rd, Hove
When: Sun – Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri and Sat 11am-10pm
@fantasticneonhotpot
