Good places to eat are hard to find, but recently, I stumbled across a special little place tucked away in the polluted backstreets of the French Concession. Qimin Organic Hotpot restaurant is living proof that consciousness can percolate anywhere. It expresses the best intentions of its owners; to create a showcase for the integrity of organic farming and a paradise for natural food dining. For me, a meal there is almost a religious experience.

Traditionally, hotpot is an inexpensive dish made up from just a few simple ingredients boiled in stock. Qimin takes the humble hotpot to another level. It all begins on arrival, when you are tempted to try a shot glass of their own organic vinegar semi-frozen slushy with red grape, plum or pineapple juice. What a revelation. Next comes an exquisite selection of tasty starters that include sweet devilled eggs and sesame Sichuan-style organic chicken served on the finest of glass noodles. These little morsels will leave your taste buds popping in anticipation for what comes next.

The hotpot menu features different types of fresh meat, poultry, seafood, mushrooms and seasonal herbs and vegetables, straight from their organic farm to the table and served in beautiful wicker baskets and two-tiered wooden stands. You choices are set down beside a selection of  lip-smacking homemade dipping sauces. Savour every last drop of the stock or soup that concentrates to a golden essence as you add and cook each ingredient.

The place has a lovely  feel to it. It is classy, yet understated, with a few framed photographs on the earthy ochre painted walls and a scattering of old books here and there. Inscriptions on the large rear windows remind you that every plant and every piece of livestock has been cultivated with the greatest respect for nature. Look through the glass to a tranquil pond tucked in a small garden dotted with a few leafy green trees and plants. Upstairs the bathrooms are lined with dark wood and softly lit with candles. Venture inside to freshen up and  you will find that even the soap is handmade and sustainable.

Check it out. Qimin is open everyday for lunch and dinner. Yes, it is a little on the pricey side, but if you are like me, you won’t mind paying more when you know the food is going to good. Besides, any place with this much integrity deserves our support. I usually go for the set menu, which costs  anywhere between 120RMB and 220RMB. There is an a la carte menu available and during the week Qimin offer a more economical business lunch set menu.

407 Shaanxi Bei Lu, Jing An
陕西北路407号   62588777, near Beijing Xi Lu, 近北京西路 Open 7 days; 12-2pm, 6pm-12am