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Soup Zen Hot Pot: Menu, Location, Reservations & Reviews

Caleb Owen Campbell Murphy • 2026-05-20 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

There’s something quietly satisfying about sitting down to a bubbling pot of broth, knowing you get to pick exactly what goes in it. Soup Zen Hot Pot, a downtown Montreal restaurant, turns that ritual into a fixed-price, build-your-own experience with more than 100 ingredients.

Number of ingredients: 100+ ·
Cuisine: Fondue Chinoise (Chinese hot pot) ·
Price model: Fixed price ·
Weekday special: Free drink with reservation ·
Location: 1234 rue Bishop, Montreal

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact fixed price per person (not publicly listed)
  • Halal certification status (listed as halal-friendly by RestoMontreal, no official cert)
  • Whether a Toronto location exists (not confirmed on official site)
  • Pay-by-weight model still offered? (Instagram mentions it, official site says fixed price)
3Timeline signal
  • No major timeline events available for this venue
4What’s next

Here is a quick reference for the essential details about Soup Zen Hot Pot.

Key facts at a glance
Attribute Value
Full name Soup Zen Hot Pot (Fondue Chinoise)
Address 1234 rue Bishop, Montreal, QC
Cuisine type Chinese hot pot (Fondue Chinoise)
Price model Fixed price (Montreal) / All-you-can-eat (Chatswood)
Number of ingredients 100+
Special offer Free drink on weekdays with reservation

What is on the menu at Soup Zen Hot Pot?

Soup Zen’s menu is built around choice. The official website promises over 100 fresh and premium ingredients (Soup Zen Hot Pot official site – restaurant), and RestoMontreal (Montreal restaurant directory) confirms a wide selection of broths, meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles.

Broth bases and choices

  • Several broths available — choose one as your base.
  • The self-serve format lets you pick from a sauce bar (typical of the concept, per RestoMontreal).

Meat and seafood options

  • Beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and seafood are on the ingredient list.
  • The Montreal branch is described as pork-free and halal-friendly (RestoMontreal).

Vegetables and noodles

Fixed price menu structure

  • Montreal: fixed price per person, self-serve style (pricing not publicly listed; RestoMontreal notes a rate of $3.99/100g, but official site says fixed price).
  • Chatswood, Australia: all-you-can-eat at A$59.99 regular, A$45.99 late-night, kids A$21.99 (including unlimited soft drinks) (Soup Zen Hot Pot Australia official menu).
Bottom line: Soup Zen blends a la carte ingredient selection with a one-price structure. For Montreal diners, the value comes from choosing exactly what you want; for Chatswood customers, the all-you-can-eat deal offers a different kind of convenience.

The menu’s breadth and pricing model offer flexibility for different appetites.

How does the build-your-own hot pot experience work?

The process is straightforward: pick a broth, load up your bowl, cook at your table, and enjoy. RestoMontreal describes it as a self-service, pay-by-weight format with a sauce bar and complimentary ice cream (RestoMontreal). However, the official Soup Zen website lists the Montreal branch as fixed price, suggesting the model may have changed.

Selecting your broth

  • Choose from several broth options at the start.
  • Broths range from mild to spicy — no specific names listed on official sources.

Choosing ingredients by weight

  • Diners pick vegetables, meat, and noodles themselves from the self-serve bar.
  • Ingredients are weighed, and pricing is applied per 100g (RestoMontreal quotes $3.99/100g).

Cooking at your table

  • Each person gets an individual pot and cooks ingredients to their liking.
  • The experience is personal, not communal — ideal for custom spice levels.

Pay-by-weight or fixed price model

  • Montreal’s current official line is fixed price; older Instagram posts mention pay-by-weight (Soup Zen Hot Pot Instagram bio).
  • The Instagram bio still reads: “Pick your broth, choose the ingredients you want: meat, veggies, noodles and pay by the weight.”
The catch

The mixed signals between Instagram and the official site mean diners should confirm the pricing model when they arrive or call ahead. Fixed price simplifies budgeting; pay-by-weight rewards lighter eaters.

Bottom line: Diners must verify the pricing model upfront to avoid unexpected bills.

The implication: calling ahead resolves the model uncertainty before you sit down.

Where is Soup Zen Hot Pot located and what are the hours?

The primary Canadian location is 1234 rue Bishop, Montreal, a short walk from Ste-Catherine Street (RestoMontreal). A separate, independently operated Soup Zen exists in Chatswood, Australia (Soup Zen Hot Pot Australia).

Downtown Montreal address

  • 1234 rue Bishop, Montreal, QC
  • Near the intersection with Ste-Catherine, in the heart of downtown.

Nearby landmarks

  • Walking distance from McGill University, Concordia University, and shopping on Ste-Catherine.
  • Popular area for late-night dining.

Operating hours and weekday specials

Other locations (Chatswood, Australia)

  • Chatswood branch: all-you-can-eat format, A$59.99 regular, A$45.99 late-night, kids A$21.99 (Soup Zen Australia menu).
  • Premium offering includes 53 items and a 120-minute dining window (same source).
Bottom line: Montreal is the primary North American location; the Chatswood outpost operates a different pricing model. For Montreal visitors, the downtown location is central and easy to reach, but exact hours remain unconfirmed.

What this means: plan for flexible timing and confirm hours via social media before heading out.

How to make a reservation at Soup Zen Hot Pot?

Reservations are now open via the brand’s online system, announced on their Facebook page (Soup Zen Hot Pot Facebook). Walk-ins are also welcome.

Online reservation system

  • Book through the link provided on Facebook; no direct booking widget on the official site yet.
  • Weekday reservations qualify for a free drink.

Walk-in availability

  • RestoMontreal lists the restaurant as accepting walk-ins.
  • Downtown foot traffic means wait times may vary.

Weekday free drink promotion

  • “We’re excited to announce that online reservations are now open! Join us on weekdays and enjoy a FREE drink with your visit.” — Soup Zen Hot Pot Facebook post.

Contact information

  • Phone and email not publicly listed on official sources.
  • Direct message via Instagram or Facebook is the best contact method.
What to watch

The reservation page is not linked from the official website, making the Facebook announcement the only reliable source. For a busy downtown spot, booking ahead—especially for the free drink—is smart.

The pattern: use social media as your primary booking channel until the website adds a widget.

What are the reviews and ratings of Soup Zen Hot Pot?

Soup Zen maintains an active presence on Instagram and Facebook, where customers post photos and comments. RestoMontreal and Find Me Gluten Free provide additional user feedback.

Customer feedback on food quality

  • Positive mentions of fresh ingredients and wide selection.
  • Self-serve aspect praised for letting diners control portions.

Service and atmosphere

  • Reviews on RestoMontreal highlight casual, no-fuss vibe.
  • Some note that the pay-by-weight model (if still active) can add up for heavy eaters.

Comparison with other hot pot venues

  • Unlike all-you-can-eat competitors in Montreal, Soup Zen’s fixed price (or per-weight) model appeals to moderate portions.
  • Halal-friendly positioning differentiates it from pork-heavy hot pot spots.

Social media presence

  • Instagram (@soupzenhotpot) shows food and interior photos.
  • Facebook page active with promotions and event announcements.
Why this matters

Without a centralized review page, diners must scan multiple social channels. The positive sentiment around ingredient freshness is consistent across sources, which builds trust for a first visit.

The catch: rely on aggregate impressions across platforms rather than a single rating.

Upsides & Downsides

Upsides

  • Over 100 ingredients to choose from
  • Fixed-price or per-weight model suits different appetites
  • Halal-friendly menu (per RestoMontreal)
  • Weekday free drink promotion
  • Central downtown Montreal location

Downsides

  • Exact pricing not transparent online
  • No official halal certification confirmed
  • Cross-contamination risk for gluten-sensitive diners (self-serve)
  • Mixed messaging on pay-by-weight vs. fixed price
  • No central review aggregation

Weighing these trade-offs helps diners decide if Soup Zen fits their needs.

How to make Soup Zen hot pot at home

If you can’t make it to Montreal or Chatswood, a DIY version is doable — but it won’t be identical. Here’s a basic guide inspired by the restaurant’s concept.

  1. Pick a broth: Use store-bought or homemade Chinese broth — tomato, spicy Sichuan, or mushroom-based.
  2. Choose your ingredients: Thinly sliced beef, chicken, shrimp, tofu, mushrooms, bok choy, glass noodles.
  3. Prepare dipping sauces: Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, chili, and cilantro.
  4. Cook at the table: Use a portable induction burner and a pot; each person cooks their own.

The at-home version lacks the sauce bar and the social atmosphere, but the ingredients are easy to source.

Clarity check: Confirmed vs. unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Located at 1234 rue Bishop, Montreal (RestoMontreal)
  • Offers over 100 fresh ingredients at a fixed price (Soup Zen official site)
  • Weekday special: free drink with reservation (Facebook)
  • Active on Instagram and Facebook
  • Chatswood location: all-you-can-eat at A$59.99 (Soup Zen Australia)

What’s unclear

  • Exact fixed price amount (Montreal)
  • Halal certification (only listed as halal-friendly)
  • Toronto location rumors (unconfirmed)
  • Whether pay-by-weight is still an option

These distinctions help readers know where to dig deeper.

Quotes from the brand

Soup Zen Hot Pot offers the ultimate build-your-own hot pot experience, featuring over 100 fresh and premium ingredients — all at a fixed price.

— Soup Zen Hot Pot official website (Soup Zen Hot Pot – home page)

We’re excited to announce that online reservations are now open! Join us on weekdays and enjoy a FREE drink with your visit.

— Soup Zen Hot Pot Facebook post (Facebook page)

Build your own hotpot at Soup Zen in downtown Montreal. Pick your broth, choose the ingredients you want: meat, veggies, noodles and pay by the weight.

— Soup Zen Hot Pot Instagram bio (Instagram)

These quotes illustrate the brand’s own messaging on pricing and promotion.

Summary

Soup Zen Hot Pot fills a specific niche: a build-your-own hot pot experience in downtown Montreal with a fixed-price model and halal-friendly ingredients. The trade-off for diners is between control over what goes in the pot and the uncertainty around exact pricing and certification. For Montrealers looking for an affordable, customizable meal, the restaurant delivers on variety — but the lack of online transparency means you’ll want to call ahead or check social media before you go.

For a first-time visitor, the choice is clear: book a weekday table to snag the free drink, confirm the pricing model upon arrival, and lean into the self-serve freedom. Otherwise, you risk showing up expecting pay-by-weight and finding a fixed bill — or vice versa.

Frequently asked questions

Does Soup Zen Hot Pot offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes, the ingredient bar includes vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and noodles. Broths may contain animal-based stock — ask staff about vegan-friendly options.

What is the price range per person at Soup Zen Hot Pot?

Montreal uses a fixed price (exact amount not publicly listed; RestoMontreal notes $3.99/100g as a past rate). Chatswood, Australia all-you-can-eat is A$59.99 regular.

Can I bring a group to Soup Zen Hot Pot?

Yes, the restaurant accommodates groups. Each diner gets an individual pot. Reservations recommended for parties larger than four.

Is Soup Zen Hot Pot suitable for children?

Yes, children can participate in the self-cook experience. The Chatswood branch offers a kids’ price (A$21.99 including unlimited soft drinks).

Does Soup Zen Hot Pot have a loyalty program?

No loyalty program has been announced on official channels. Check social media for future promotions.

What is the cancellation policy for reservations?

Not specified online. Contact the restaurant via social media or phone to confirm.

Are there gluten-free broth options at Soup Zen Hot Pot?

The restaurant is listed as gluten-free-friendly on Find Me Gluten Free, but cross-contamination is possible due to self-serve setup. Inform staff of your allergy.

These answers address common pre-visit questions.

Explore more dining and recipe guides for additional context.



Caleb Owen Campbell Murphy

About the author

Caleb Owen Campbell Murphy

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.