Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Vancouver

North America

Canada

# Hot Spot Buffet – All-You-Can-Eat Hot Pot and BBQ in Vancouver
Hot Spot Buffet, located in Vancouver, Canada, offers an all-you-can-eat experience that combines traditional hot pot and Korean barbecue. This restaurant has quickly gained popularity for its diverse menu, which includes a variety of meats, seafood, and prepared dishes. Established in a space that previously housed Sumo Grill, Hot Spot Buffet has redefined the dining experience with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction. Guests have praised the restaurant for its friendly service, extensive food options, and the unique opportunity to enjoy both hot pot and BBQ in one meal. 

## History
### The story of Hot Spot Buffet
Hot Spot Buffet was founded with a vision to create a unique dining experience that combines the interactive elements of hot pot and Korean barbecue. The founders aimed to provide a space where diners could enjoy high-quality ingredients in a lively and social atmosphere. By focusing on customer satisfaction and a diverse menu, Hot Spot Buffet has positioned itself as a go-to destination for food lovers in Vancouver.

### Milestones and growth
- Transitioned from Sumo Grill to Hot Spot Buffet
- Expanded menu offerings to include both hot pot and BBQ
- Gained a loyal customer base within a short time frame
- Implemented an online reservation system to manage high demand

### Cultural and local influence
Hot Spot Buffet reflects Vancouver's multicultural food scene, offering dishes that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. The restaurant has embraced local culinary trends, integrating elements of Asian cuisine that resonate with the diverse population of the city. This cultural blend has made it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

### Continuing the tradition
As Hot Spot Buffet continues to grow, it remains committed to upholding the traditions of quality dining and customer service. The restaurant regularly updates its menu based on customer feedback, ensuring that it meets the evolving tastes of its patrons. This dedication to improvement helps maintain its reputation as a leading dining destination in Vancouver.

## Community
### Community involvement
Hot Spot Buffet actively engages with the local community by participating in events and promoting cultural celebrations. The restaurant often hosts gatherings that bring together families and friends, fostering a sense of community among diners. Additionally, it supports local suppliers, contributing to the economy and sustainability of the area.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Hot Spot Buffet as a welcoming and vibrant dining option. Many patrons appreciate the restaurant's commitment to quality and variety, often recommending it to friends and family. The friendly atmosphere and attentive staff have also contributed to its positive reputation within the community.

### Events and gatherings
Hot Spot Buffet frequently hosts special events, including themed nights and holiday celebrations. These gatherings not only enhance the dining experience but also create opportunities for community members to come together and enjoy a meal. The restaurant's spacious layout accommodates large groups, making it an ideal venue for celebrations and family gatherings.

## Offerings
### What Hot Spot Buffet offers
Hot Spot Buffet provides an extensive menu featuring both hot pot and Korean barbecue options. Diners can choose from a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables, allowing for a customizable dining experience. The restaurant also offers a selection of prepared dishes, salads, and desserts, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Hot Spot Buffet is designed to be interactive and enjoyable. Guests can select their ingredients from a self-serve station, allowing them to create their own hot pot or BBQ meals. The restaurant's layout encourages social interaction, making it a popular choice for groups and families. Reviewers have highlighted the quality of the ingredients, particularly the marinated meats and fresh seafood.

### Events and packages
Hot Spot Buffet offers various dining packages to cater to different preferences and budgets. Guests can choose between classic and premium options, with the latter providing access to exclusive ingredients. The restaurant also runs promotions and discounts, making it an attractive choice for diners looking for value.

### Facilities and features
- Spacious dining area
- Self-serve hot pot and BBQ stations
- Variety of prepared dishes
- Sauce and drink stations
- Online reservation system

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Hot Spot Buffet reveal a mix of experiences, highlighting both the strengths and areas for improvement. Many diners appreciate the quality of the food and the variety offered, while others have noted challenges with the wait times and service during peak hours.

### Compliments and strengths
Patrons frequently compliment the restaurant on its extensive menu and the freshness of the ingredients. The interactive dining experience is also a highlight, as guests enjoy the opportunity to cook their own meals. Additionally, the friendly staff and clean environment contribute to a positive dining atmosphere.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Some reviews mention inconsistencies in service, particularly during busy times. Guests have reported long wait times for seating and difficulties with the reservation system. While many enjoy the food quality, others have expressed concerns about the presentation and organization of the self-serve stations.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Hot Spot Buffet is well-regarded for its diverse menu and quality ingredients. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in service efficiency, the restaurant remains a popular choice for those seeking a unique dining experience in Vancouver.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Hot Spot Buffet is conveniently located at 200-3340 Kingsway, Vancouver, V5R 5L1, in the bustling neighborhood of Kingsway. This area is known for its diverse culinary offerings and vibrant community. Nearby attractions include shopping centers and parks, making it an ideal spot for a meal after exploring the local area. The restaurant's accessibility and proximity to public transport further enhance its appeal to both locals and visitors.

## FAQs
**What are the operating hours** Hot Spot Buffet typically operates from lunch through dinner, but hours may vary. 
**Is there a reservation system** Yes, online reservations are recommended due to high demand. 
**Are there vegetarian options** Yes, the buffet includes a variety of vegetarian ingredients for hot pot and BBQ. 
**Is parking available** Yes, there is free parking available at the London Drugs plaza. 
**What payment methods are accepted** Cash, debit, and credit cards are accepted, though a small fee applies to credit transactions.

## Visit Hot Spot Buffet Today
Experience the unique dining offerings at Hot Spot Buffet, where you can enjoy both hot pot and Korean barbecue in a vibrant atmosphere. With a commitment to quality and community, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious meal, Hot Spot Buffet promises a satisfying experience that will leave you eager to return.

8194b306-4f27-423e-aebd-a6f689902330

I recommend that you make a reservation online prior to arriving. We did not know this and had to wait almost 2 hours to get a spot. This place is nice because you can grab your own food items for both hot pot and Korean barbecue. It is a few dollars extra to do both, but I highly recommend it. They also have a hot prepared foods section that you can help yourself to. They have three different free drinks while we were there which included an artificial orange juice, plum juice, and lemon water. Thought this was a nice touch since many places don't give you anything other than water. The barbeque meats are different from the hot pot meats as they have marinated meats for you to grill. They give you ice cream at the end! We left this place, super full and satisfied. It was about $45 a person for the meal.

5eb2b33d-1dcc-4f47-b4d8-4a32d310a5ed

I've been back to Hot Spot Buffet 3 times now and every time it's gotten better. The first time they didn't offer us any dessert and we didn't know we can get ice cream. The second time we did hotpot and bbq. I will say the bbq is better than hotpot, but you're fine to try both. It's just a lot of work going back and forth between the two. I ended up overcooking some items so maybe have more people help out with the grill and switch. The most recent time I visited our group opted for the bbq grill only. It was enjoyable as the meats cooked fairly quick and we had time to have the already cooked foods while waiting. The beef is probably the best quality for the bbq here. All the marinated and non marinated beef slices were delicious. The beef short ribs comes in a close second and the prawns were fresh came in third. Everything for the grill section that we tried were not old and not sitting out for hours. It may have helped we came in at 5:45pm so it was a fresh batch. The cooked food options such as the cucumber salad with pig ears were a tasty appetizer. The crawfish surprised me since I thought they would have overcooked it or tasted rubbery, but it wasn't. The sauce bar and drink stations were clean and self serve. All in all for ayce BBQ only at $39.99 a person for dinner is a great deal for what you get. Note, if you pay with credit card there is a 1.5% transaction fee charged on top. Cash or debit doesn't have the extra fee.

d4105d8f-a529-46fb-bec9-ca431c9cc773

--Sept 2025-- I wanted to come here again to make sure the last time wasn't just a one off. This time I asked about the hot bar. Most of the things that have labels but are empty are for dinner time. They really should take the labels off. This time they had sweet and vinegary riblets which were surpringsly good. Their "dimsum" is just mantou breads...both of them. The hot and sour soup was neither spicy nor sour. The prawn chips were partially stale. The meat this time tasted better. I would still never eat the lettuce above the raw meat. I'm still on the fence about this place.

008f095a-6964-4a1f-b804-6f57c8a9c3e5

Hot Spot Buffet has hot pot or Korean bbq ($39.99 during dinner) and both for $2.99 extra. There is a 90 minute time limit. They also have a section of premade foods that seems to change as the labels didn't match the hot plates. There is also a fried section with wings, spring rolls and fries. Also dim sum buns if you don't have enough carbs. The hot pot and grill section is quite extensive with your regular offerings. When paying, was advised there is a surcharge for credit card (1.75%). Didn't see any signed indicating that. Over a good experience, might was a bit hard to handle getting both options. Perhaps just grill next time.

9389cd27-ca14-4285-b07c-76543e327541

They normally don't allow grilling for one and will try to make you sit at the bar with a butane stove. I argued that it wasn't busy when I went and they didn't explain the reason well enough. Eventually I managed to get a grilling table. The ingredient quality is good and if you tinker with the dial you can turn up the heat to get a nice Maillard reaction texture.

06960946-222b-4e1d-a78c-473a980c1bd8

This AYCE place took over where Sumo grill used to be. The interior and seatings are quite comfortable. There is option for regular and premium options AYCE. I was confused by the menu at first. If you decide to go for the premium option, then you use the QR code to order the premium item. If not, you just go out to grab the food from the fridges. We did the regular option but added $3 to get both the grilled and hotpot option. This option also provides you access to their hot food station. It is a lot of food and options. It was little chaotic for us to be handling both the grill and hotpot and our toddler. When we come back next time, we will only do either grill or hotpot as we don't really eat that much. I filled myself up from the hot food station.

b2659354-c78a-407d-be77-6cf6aba3c575

Hot spot got me boiling... I came here a dozen times when it was used to be Sumo Grill. Now it renamed, rebranded, and took on the AYCE Grill and hot pot route. I could be wrong, but same owner? I decided to give this place a try after driving by and finally see its opening sign (free parking at its London Drugs plaza). Upon entering the restaurant, registered at the computer pad to join the wait list. (There were 3 people ahead of me, not bad) After waiting in space for about 20 mins, finally the manager/ owner came and told us that there will be a 45min wait and those who came way after us will be a 2 hrs wait. I suggested we go to Haidilao or Dolar instead of waiting because 45 mins I could be at Haidilao eating and getting bags of freebies to give to my nieces and nephews (just kidding.. I ain't no freeloader). To make a long story short, the 20mins turned into 45 mins and the 45mins extended to 2 hours 15mins. The waiting list was a total mess; the online reservation and walk in wait list wasn't integrated together properly, some didn't have to wait much and some of us waited forever. Literally the manager/ owner was on the hot seat with everyone waiting, a riot almost broke out lol another 15mins I probably start clubbing someone with a bak choy. After finally being seated, here were the menu and food options; 1. There is the classic grill AYCE $39.99/ person or the premium set $53.99/person. 2. For an additional $2.99, you can add the AYCE hot pot together with the grill. 3. The self serve snack and salad bar was pretty decent with quite a bit of variety . 4. The sauce bar needed a bit of work and perhaps small bowls for mixing sauces for hot pot? 5. The meat, veggies and all kinds of food for grilling and hot pot are self served. Located on one side of the restaurant. 6. All you can drink pop but no ice??!? F........udge! (It's like saying no ketchup to my Filipino bros or no soy sauce for rice to my brown buddies, not trying to be racist). 7. Needed some adjustment on the little hot pots cause kept on flaming out but the grills for bbq was good with built in exhaust to prevent us from smelling like cooked meat afterwards. Overall, the restaurant was pretty clean and spacious for everyone to navigate between all the different food sections. The food quality and options were quite fresh and reasonable. However, the presentation needed to be more visually pleasing for the food being ordered from the premium set. As for the service, the servers and staffs were very friendly and accommodating except for one floater (it seems like he's clueless to what he's doing and I am clueless to him being clueless, I asked for a grill change and he came back 15mins later telling me to change the grill for him?!? lol wtf lol) Anyways, when the bill came, there was a 40% off and waved down the owner for the reason. He told us it's open for private testing still and not officially opened till another 2-3 days. I saw others got the same deal too after but regardless I tipped 40%. In conclusion, the food and service were exceptional. The restaurant just needs to fix its waiting list and reservation system ASAP because it certainly got me BOILING hot on the spot.... P.S. will be back to try again once it is officially opened. A mutual rating for now 3.5 stars.

d7f16849-6547-4dc8-b09f-48725a33b48a

Went on their first few days of opening and it was so chaotic. It's understandable that things will always go sideways as they try to work things out but certain things made it seem like they rushed opening. They have a waitlist sign up screen at the entrance. After 40 minutes of waiting, we still hadn't received a notification so we went back to the restaurant to see what was going on. There was already a group waiting and multiple parties came to also check on their spot in line. After about 30 minutes, a staff member finally came to the front waiting area and everyone asked about their respective places in line. After much corroboration, it was determined that their waitlist system was not working as everybody who had waitlisted were not called. To make things more chaotic, they also accept reservations so everybody that reserved will get in first. After waiting an hour and 40 minutes and many discussions with the staff, we were finally seated. They offer two menus - one classic and one premium. For the classic, they have their ingredients/toppings in a self-serve styled system all stacked in fridges. Everyone has access to this fridge which means you have people constantly going up and down to grab things. The plates they offer for you to put your toppings on are small so you'll need to make multiple trips. No tray is offered so that you can carry more than one plate. You will also have to go back to grab your sauces at the self-serve sauce station. They also offer self-serve drinks that consist of slightly cold pop and juice. They were so busy that they couldn't even offer water unless you asked. Cups were not provided for the water so we had to grab it ourselves at the drink station but they were so busy, they ran out of cups. They offer both grill and hotpot. Both ingredients can be grabbed at the self-serve fridge. The hotpot "stoves" we got were so small that we had to get the gas/butane refilled three times. No utensils or bowls (soup spoon, ladle) were offered for hotpot. They also offer hot/cooked foods and desserts but they had run out of everything and nothing was being replaced. On a brighter note, the meats for the grill were actually good. Because we didn't have any hot/cooked food, we were able to eat more meats and fill up on that.

0b509125-35de-47da-bcae-799da79939aa

Food was of good quality, unfortunately, they have the heat on the grill turned low on purpose so that it takes a long time to cook the meat. We asked several time to have the temperature on the grill to be raised without success. Couldn't cook all the food we ordered in time, then they kicked us out. Will not be returning any time soon.

afcb5faa-7c12-4f4c-8e9f-c694a03525d3

I decided to try this new, or rebranded business when I wanted a quick lunch. I was able to be seated quickly. As I was by myself, I was told I had to sit at the bar area. As such, I could not grill meat on the burners at the tables. I could only have hot pot. The server did fill up my hot pot a few times. A good variety of food, however some meat trays were not labelled. Good variety of sauces. There was some dumplings in a steamer tray, however despite being heated, it was cold. Dessert was limited to three different items, 2 baked/fried items and cantalope. Hot prepared items, 4 or 5 included fried rice, sweet and sour pork, and a couple items I can't remember. Price was good for lunchtime special. Since I could not grill meat, I would not go back again if I am dining on my own. I will eat at another restaurant on Kingsway and Joyce area.

Discover Hot Spot Buffet in Vancouver for a delicious dining experience. Savor diverse flavors in a vibrant setting. Book your table now for a feast!

Hot Spot Buffet Vancouver - Delicious Dining Experience

Hot Spot Buffet

British Columbia

Explore the full menu at Hot Spot Buffet in Vancouver. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 200-3340 Kingsway, Vancouver.

Hot Spot Buffet Menu – Food & Drinks in Vancouver

Learn about Hot Spot Buffet in Vancouver. Offering diverse cuisine, friendly service & a cozy atmosphere. Located at 200-3340 Kingsway, Vancouver.

About Hot Spot Buffet in Vancouver – Your Favorite Dining Spot

Opening hours for Hot Spot Buffet, Vancouver. Find opening hours for Hot Spot Buffet, Vancouver on 200-3340 Kingsway.

Hot Spot Buffet Menu Overview

Platillos Significativos

Bebidas y Maridajes

Opciones Dietéticas

Recomendaciones del Chef

Experimenta el Menú en Hot Spot Buffet

BahirSay Restaurant

Pine House Bakery

Lumière