This Is TASTE 714: Natasha Pickowicz Wants Everyone to Hot Pot
Jan 12, 2026
Natasha Pickowicz, a celebrated NYC chef and author of the acclaimed cookbook More Than Cake, dives into her passion for hot pot and communal dining. She shares her childhood memories and explains the essential components of a perfect hot pot night, from homemade broths to a DIY sauce bar. Discussing various broth types and dippables, Natasha contrasts her family's traditional approach with her creative chef-style. Plus, she highlights fun hot pot personalities and showcases her mother's artistic contributions in her new book, Everyone Hot Pot.
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Hot Pot As A Lifelong, Adaptive Meal
- Hot pot is a communal, domestic meal that adapts across life stages and budgets.
- Natasha saw a single-subject book on hot pot as a way to explore its wide cultural and practical variations.
Bring A Tabletop Heat Source
- Use a portable heat source like a camping stove or induction burner to keep broth simmering at the table.
- Natasha favors butane camping stoves because they heat fast and avoid cords around the table.
Layering Flavor Is Central
- Hot pot builds layers of flavor through broths and dipping sauces because poaching is a lean cooking method.
- Natasha emphasizes complementary broths and rich sauces to add depth to simple poached bites.
