OMBU Hot Pot

OMBU Hot Pot on South State Street in South Salt Lake offers a lively, all-you-can-eat hot pot experience that leans into both traditional Chinese flavors and a buffet-style variety. The freshly renovated space feels brighter and more spacious, making it comfortable for groups looking to share a warming, interactive meal. The atmosphere is casual, a bustling spot where the focus is on gathering around steaming pots filled with customizable broths and a wide range of ingredients.

What sets OMBU apart is its extensive selection of hot pot staples: from sliced lamb shoulder and pig blood to seafood like blue crab, frog legs, and oyster meat. Those who enjoy adventurous eats will find tripe and various offal choices alongside the more familiar meatballs, pork slices, and fresh vegetables. The menu suits both newcomers and seasoned hot pot enthusiasts who appreciate controlling their meal with different broths—miso and vegetable options add variety without overshadowing the classic spicy or savory bases.

The all-you-can-eat buffet makes this a solid weekday lunch or early dinner option, especially before 3 pm when prices are more affordable. While the kitchen no longer prepares hot sides to order, the buffet bar is stocked with crowd favorites like takoyaki, shrimp tempura, and wings, complementing the hot pot experience without steeling the spotlight. For families and groups, booths provide cozy seating that encourages shared tasting and slow chopping of ingredients over conversation. Guests are encouraged to bring their own tools if they want extra control, a quirky nod to the sometimes tough, delicate nature of crab legs and some chewy cuts.

Service here is attentive without being intrusive—staff readily refill broths and drinks and offer guidance for those less familiar with crafting their perfect dipping sauces. The sauce bar, with its generous variety, allows diners to personalize their flavor profiles, an element that often gets overlooked yet really defines the meal. Desserts and unlimited drinks can be added for a modest extra charge, rounding out the meal if you want to linger a little longer.

OMBU thrives as a spot for locals who enjoy the hands-on, communal dining style that hot pot offers. It’s less about fine dining and more about relaxed, social meals where everyone can pick and choose what they like from the buffet, all while enjoying rich, well-seasoned broths. Whether it’s a weekend family outing or a weekday lunch break craving something sociable and hearty, OMBU Hot Pot stands as a practical and satisfying choice for anyone in the Salt Lake area looking to warm up and share good food in a straightforward setting.