If you've ever found yourself fortunate enough to be watching The Simple Life with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie you will have heard the words, "That's hot," spill from their mouths. Well, if Paris had tried Hot Hot she may have had to double her word quota and try to and sound enthusiastic for once. Head towards Sandringham Road for a Southeast Asian experience that won't break the bank and doesn't require you to fly 15 hours. Just a stone's throw from Eden Park, you'll find Hot Hot next to the institution that is Papa's Pizza. As soon as you enter this little gem you'll find yourself transported to your favourite destination in Southeast Asia, eating that dish you've contemplated taking a world food tour just to find again. Three words: pork belly bao. If you're after bustling and busy, sit downstairs, or if you're with a group and feel like taking a few seconds to soak up the bright murals, venture upstairs. There you'll find space for you and your friends, and artwork to stimulate your small talk if you find yourself lacking. Start with a bao ($9), preferably the pork belly. It's sweet, tender, topped with crunchy peanuts, and sure to fill the bao-sized hole that Southeast Asia left last summer. From there, we suggest going for the cold noodles with lemongrass chicken ($16.50) for a refreshing change in temperature. It even has the option of tofu crisped to perfection if you'd prefer to go sans meat. Wash it all down with a Thai beer from Hot Hot's extensive selection and experience what true satisfaction tastes/feels like. If you can fit in dessert, we hear the fried banana with chocolate sauce will treat you right. You might not be able to order a tuk tuk from the bar, but toddle on down to the train station with a full belly and happy heart. With no jetlag the next day, Hot Hot has to be the perfect gastro-destination.
