For chef and cookbook author Natasha Pickowicz, the Lunar New Year isn’t marked by fireworks or elaborate decorations, but by the comforting ritual of hot pot. More than just a meal, hot pot represents a deeply rooted family tradition, a vibrant gathering, and a connection to her heritage. Pickowicz, whose new book Everyone Hot Pot: Creating the Ultimate Meal for Gathering and Feasting was published by Artisan Books, shares how this communal cooking method has shaped her life and continues to be a centerpiece of her Lunar New Year celebrations.
Growing up in San Diego, Pickowicz recounts eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, not for the holiday itself, but for the promise of hot pot. In a climate where “real” weather – the kind that called for a simmering pot – was rare, the tradition offered a welcome warmth and a sense of anticipation. The closest the coastal city came to the desired chill was the thick fog that rolled in from the ocean, or damp evenings that left the lawn glistening. But when the Lunar New Year approached, hot pot was a certainty.
A Family Tradition Steeped in Flavor
Hot pot, an ancient cooking method involving rapidly poaching bite-sized ingredients in a communal broth, is more than just a meal for Pickowicz’s family. it’s the strongest tradition they share, surpassing even birthdays or Christmas in significance. The tradition was nurtured by her mother, Li Huai, an artist born in Beijing, and her father, Paul Pickowicz, a New England-born Chinese film historian. Pickowicz’s childhood was filled with the aromas of her mother’s cooking, simple yet delicious dishes like soy sauce-braised chicken drumsticks and lap cheong fried rice, alongside soft tomatoes folded into scrambled eggs and chili, and whole steamed sea bass.
The Anticipation of Gathering
But it was hot pot itself that held the most allure for the young Pickowicz. It signified an impending celebration, a gathering of loved ones. As an only child, the anticipation was particularly thrilling. She remembers claiming her spot at the long dining room table, close to the simmering pot perched over a small camping stove. Before her stretched an array of ingredients – translucent noodles, mushrooms, cabbage, thinly sliced lamb, pork, and beef – and a personal dipping bowl filled with a creamy, nutty sesame sauce.
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Photo: Courtesy of Natasha Pickowicz
Now, with her own cookbook, Everyone Hot Pot, Pickowicz hopes to share the joy and communal spirit of this tradition with a wider audience. The book, she explains, is about more than just recipes; it’s about creating a space for connection and celebration. As the Lunar New Year approaches, Pickowicz’s hot pot tradition continues to evolve, expanding with each new person she introduces to the experience. The circle widens, the tradition shifts, but the core remains the same: a shared pot, good food, and the warmth of togetherness. This year, as families gather to celebrate, the simple act of sharing a meal around a simmering pot of hot pot offers a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of tradition and the joy of connection.
Looking ahead, Pickowicz will be celebrating the Lunar New Year with friends and family, continuing the tradition that has shaped so much of her life. Her book, Everyone Hot Pot, is available now, offering readers a guide to creating their own memorable hot pot experiences.
What are your favorite Lunar New Year traditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
