Dongbei Pork and Sauerkraut Hotpot (Suan Cai Bai Rou Huo Guo)
Northeast China — Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning Provinces
The Dongbei winter hotpot is built around suan cai (fermented Chinese cabbage) — similar to sauerkraut but with whole napa cabbage leaves fermented in ceramic crocks. Layers of pork belly slices, glass noodles, and tofu are simmered in the sour broth with dried chili and star anise. The fermented cabbage soaks up pork fat while contributing bright acidity.