Three Chowhounds got together last night for an occasional special at Thip Khao, catfish hotpot. My previous attempts at hotpot have been Chinese, mostly Sichuanese. I had never been quite thrilled with it.
The catfish hotpot was a completely different experience. It starts off as purely aromatic and grows in intensity form there. Every step of the way - I had four bowls - was glorious, and the flavor of the catfish was superb. There were also some very nice fish balls and some squid rings that got softer as they cooked. There was a separate menu section for Invasive Species, serving blue catfish which is Asian but has been introduced to the Chesapeake. I think that's what we were served.
In addition the the fish, we had watercress, bok choy, spinach, enoki muhroom, daikon, tomato, and glass noodles to add in. I was duly impressed.
Halloween