Elisa Cormier

Tucked into the line of buildings off of the lively Delmar Boulevard, a novel restaurant sits strikingly. The bright red facade backdrops radiant big letters which read MOVOC. A newer addition to the Delmar Loop, Movoc Hot Pot (Movoc) is a Chinese hot-pot restaurant which allows customers to build their own personal sized soup through a variety of different protein, vegetable and soup base options. 

When I arrived at Movoc, the clear glass front allowed me to immediately gauge the restaurant’s environment. The layout consisted of a single, small dining room with booths lined on both sides of the room and a few tables lined down the middle of the restaurant. An ingredient bar for creating the soup was situated in the back right corner from the entrance. 

Clear instructions were posted on the wall. First, pick a basket and choose your ingredients. Second, choose your broth flavor. Third, weigh your ingredients and pay by the pound. Lastly, take a number and wait for an employee to bring out a freshly cooked bowl of hot pot to your table. 

I chose a couple proteins, noodles, Korean rice cakes and a chicken broth base. The process was very straightforward and simple which allowed me to enjoy the experience of creating my own soup. Once I paid, a worker took my basket into the kitchen while I walked over to the back of the restaurant where a line of rice cookers were displayed along with bowls, utensils and a water dispenser. A nice perk of dining in is that rice and water are complementary. I was able to grab a bowl of rice as a side dish and refill my water at my own convenience. 

Once I finished grabbing what I wanted, I found a seat. Seating at Movoc is open, allowing customers to continue with the self-service that is provided. Finally situated, I was able to properly take in my surroundings. The restaurant was filled with a theme of red and white colors along with wood textures and patterns which balanced nicely with each other. The glass front gave a vibrant view of the Delmar Loop outside, providing great natural light into the restaurant and a visual spectacle to the street. 

Finally, I indulged in my first taste of Movoc’s food. The rice was fluffy and soft, perfectly cooked and warmly ready to satisfy my cravings. The water was refreshingly tart, accompanied by the flavors of lemon from the dispenser. Once my soup was brought out, I took my first bites of the main meal. The savory meats, filling noodles and chewy rice cakes combined with the chicken broth flawlessly to create a palatable blend of diverse yet fitting flavors. Throughout the meal, my soup stayed at the perfect temperature between warm and hot, ensuring I could take my time eating while the ingredients sustained the fresh flavors they had when the soup initially came out. 

Overall, Movoc was an entertaining and fresh experience that I will definitely be trying again. Through the self-service system, Movoc creates a welcoming and new experience for many used to how traditional restaurants in the United States work with table service. The ability to handcraft a meal suited to personal preference allows each bite to be exciting and unique. I recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting a creative experience. Alone, with friends or family, Movoc is the perfect spot to enjoy a mouthwatering, memorable meal.