Which is Better? Comparing instant hotpot kits to military meals

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Recently in China, instant hotpot kits, as an increasingly popular food, are getting public attention. With almost everything you need, it's pretty easy to use. Let's find out with our correspondent Audrey Siek.

With instant hotpot kits like these gaining popularity in China, many are wondering how safe it is to use. Adding nothing but cold water to a heat pack to boil your hotpot sounds cool in theory. But does it work? Is it safe? And does it taste good? I bring on CGTN correspondent Jim Spellman to find out with me.

These hotpot kits come with everything you need, except for the water-which you add to your ingredients and the heat pack at the bottom.

Jim and I decided to compare this to military meals ready to eat, or MREs, that uses the same heating technology to get food hot.

"Oh my God! Jim! This is a great idea."

We try the MRE first, as the hotpot takes 15 minutes to cook. It was not good.

"Cheers......This is canned food at best."

Then, there's the hotpot.

"And that looks good! The cooking work perfectly."

Rating these meals was easy. With the hotpot one made to use at home, it was tasty overall, and pretty easy to use. The MRE though -- was made for utility. If you need it, you'll eat it. But if you want a meal that tastes good, should you buy one of these kits?

"I think never ever."

Audrey Siek, CGTN, Washington.