Mongolian seafood and tofu steamboat

Probably one of the oldest forms of social entertainment, a Mongolian steamboat is a really festive winter warmer, a convivial repast meant for at least six people, all seated around the bubbling centrepiece. The traditional utensil is a large brass pan with a built-in funnel in the centre; charcoal is put in the space directly under the funnel and lit. Stock is then poured into the moat and, when it boils, diners immerse the foods of their choice to cook in the stock using wire mesh spoons